Rotational Control

Rotational control highlights the abilities of a skier to control the direction the skis point (toward the left, right, or straight ahead). The rotational movement can originate from different locations within the body. This section identifies four movements skiers commonly use to provide rotational input and, therefore, change the direction the skis point. The method chosen depends upon the skier’s experience, terrain, snow conditions, speed of descent, and the desired turn shape and action of the skis. In the following descriptions, it’s necessary to differentiate upper- form lower-body movements. In this context, the upper body is defined as the pelvis and above, and the lower body as originating from the top of the femurs down. The hip defines the connection between the upper and lower body.

Leg Rotation

Let Rotation is defined as movement of the lower body to affect the direction the skis point. This includes elements of rotation from the femur in the hip socket and lower-leg(below the knee) rotation. As the body flexes, abduction (movement of the leg away from the midline of the body) and adduction (movement of the leg toward the midline of the body) have greater effect on rotational control. The legs can provide a wide range of rotational input to the skis. This varies from a quick, explosive rotational movement, to a slow, consistent torque throughout the turn. This degree of versatility makes leg rotation the most effective source of rotation for most alpine skiing applications. To be effective, the rotational action of the leg requires a strong (“stable” or “quiet”) upper body to turn against. As a result, the duration, intensity, rate, and timing of movements (DIRT) - as well as direction - can be finely adjusted throughout a turn. Leg rotation is:

The most versatile, and, therefore, most effective source of rotational input in most skiing applications
A constant source of rotational input throughout the entire turn
Combined with other forms of rotation when necessary to control the shape of a turn

Counter-rotation

Counter-rotation describes the movement when the upper body turns in one direction as the lower body (legs) turn in the opposite direction. It is a quick, explosive movement that delivers a strong, sudden turning force to the skis. Due to the intensity of the movement, rotational input stops at the end of the range of motion. To be effective, the rotational input from this movement cannot be drawn out; if the counter-rotational movement is slower-paced and drawn out, it is better referred to as leg rotation. Counter-rotation can only be used effectively to start or finish a turn. It is very effective when a skier is airborne. Note that counter-rotation is not the same as ”counter” or “countered”, which refer to positions (as if captured in a snapshot). These terms describe the twisted relationship between the upper and lower body that may be the result of leg rotation, counter-rotation, or upper-body rotation. Counter-rotation is:

Most effective in situations requiring immediate, strong rotational input to the skis
An instant but short-lived source of rotational input
Most effective in short turns
Useful when the skis are very light, either on or off the snow

Anticipation

Anticipation describes a position, or anticipatory movement in preparation for turning, in which the upper body actively turns to face down the hill rather than across the hill in the direction the skis are pointing. Or, the skis can continue to actively turn across the hill as the upper body remains facing down the hill, with the skier in an anticipated position. These movements create counter. The purpose of anticipation is not to transmit an immediate turning action to the skis, but to stretch an engage muscles, creating a strong reaction when the skier releases the edge. At that movement the legs turn down the hill to realign with the stable upper body. Anticipation is:

A preparatory move that transfers strong rotational input to the skis when the edges are released
Commonly used in short-radius turns with a blocking pole plant to help stabilize the upper body

Upper-body Rotation

Upper-body rotation is typically an inefficient movement in which the upper body turns first, followed by the legs turning in the same direction. Inexperienced skiers commonly use this type of rotational movement. Their reliance on this movement is usually the result of inability to initiate a turn. This dominant upper body movement is not complemented by any effective action in the legs; the upper body produces all of the rotational input and the legs simply follow until they stop. A skier may use upper=body rotation effectively for tactical purposes, such as skiing heavy or wind-affected snow. In wind-crusted conditions, where it is difficult to release the skis from the snow, upper-body rotation may be used to generate the initial rotational input. This is followed by counter-rotation and/or leg steering to shape and finish the turn accurately. Upper-body rotation is:

Generally not a preferred method for turning the skis
Used most often at turn initiation
Most effective as a tactical source of rotational input

Rotational Outcomes: Action of the Skis

The previous movements transmit rotational input to the skis, and the following terms define the resulting ski performance.

Turning

Turning refers to the rotational action of the skis relative to the surface of the snow. It is the result of muscular input used to change the direction the skis point. This term, as well as “turn”, is also used to describe a skier’s curved path of descent, or change in direction of travel.

Steering

Steering refers to actively directing the skis along an intended arc by turning (using muscular action) an edged ski (using the ski design). The rotational component of steering combines with forward movement of the skis and at least a minimal degree of edge angle, causing the skis to follow the curved path of a turn. Commonly referred to as guiding, these terms describe the action of the skis resulting from a blend of tipping the skis while turning the legs.

Pivoting

Pivoting refers to rotating a ski about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the snow. The pivot point is generally at the center of the skis, pivoting about the vertical axis of the body. Pivoting can also occur about the tips or tails of the skis. A pivot slip is a maneuver in which a descending skier quickly pivots the skis to slip sideways while continuing to travel in the same direction as before.