Body Alignment in Carving Ski

Body alignment refers to the position and orientation of the skier’s body relative to the direction of travel and the slope of the mountain. Proper body alignment is critical for maintaining balance, control, and power in skiing, and is especially important when carving turns.

To carve a turn on skis, the skier needs to position their body so that it is aligned with the direction of the turn and the edge of the ski that is in contact with the snow. This typically involves leaning the body slightly towards the inside of the turn, with the shoulders, hips, and feet all aligned in the same direction. The skier should also keep their weight evenly distributed between the two skis, with most of the weight on the downhill ski.

Maintaining proper body alignment when carving turns is important for a few reasons. First, it helps the skier to maintain balance and control, as it allows them to transfer weight smoothly between the two skis and keep their center of gravity over the feet. Second, it allows the skier to apply pressure effectively to the inside edge of the ski, which is necessary to initiate and maintain a carved turn. Finally, proper body alignment helps the skier to generate power and speed through the turn, as it allows them to use the shape of the ski edges and the flex of the ski to their advantage.