Instructions: Carve Turn

The act of carving is characterized by making one half circle after another as the skier is going downhill.  Thus, making a carve turn is forming a half circle on the snow.  This is done by shifting the skis to one side by the edges.

Mastering the carve turn is a very useful skill as this needs very little effort to be effective.  Also, you will have more balance and control when you are able to properly do a carve turn.

The best way to learn how to carve the turn is to use specially designed skis, which are shaped and curved to help ensure you have stability and greater control over the skis.

To carve a turn, the first thing you should do is to “feel” the carve.  To have a better feel of the carve, start by making quarter turns.  Being able to feel the carve is quite important.  It helps you know when you have to move your body vis-à-vis the skis, so that your weight is properly given to the edges.  Once you get the basic feel of that, increase the amount of carve until you are able to do proper carve turns linked together.  Make sure that the position of your feet, knees and hips are at the right distance – not too near and not too far.

Also, when you initiate the turn, be sure to avoid throwing your shoulders first and after to move your hips at a minimal amount.  To get the feel of how the hip moves while doing the carve turn, put your hands on your hips as you ski downhill.  That way, you know how your hips move.  The proper way to move the hips is on the upward position only.

Then, to have a better understanding of what you are able to do, check your tracks.  Look at the part of the snow where you passed by as you did your carve turns.  Check if any skidding occurred.  When there is evidence of skidding, look to find out at what point of the turn you started to skid.  This way, you are able to correct whatever mistakes you are doing.

Some tips:
-    Don’t rush, take your time.  Feel your body as it makes arcs in the snow.
-    Find a trail with a gentler slope when you first practice this.
-    Make full use of your hips by learning to move them properly