Instructions: Jump Turn

Now, if you are off to a good start in learning skiing and you feel more confident in your skiing abilities, you can try to add more challenging movements to your skiing repertoire.  You can think about learning to do ski jumps.

You have to remember that skiing is not just about moving across a plain and boring trail. You may have to deal with small obstacles along the way, such as a fallen tree trunk, a ditch or a stream.  This is where you can use jump turns.

You can do the jump turn either with one or both of your ski poles.  What you need to do is to first look for the spot from where you will make your jump.  Then, as you prepare to jump, get into a squatting position.  Shift your weight from the downhill ski to the uphill ski.  Then, raise your knee.  The result will be that your body will, by nature, force your torso to face downhill.

If you are jumping using only one pole, use the one on your downhill side. Make sure that the ski pole is stuck far enough or else you will fall flat on your backside.  The ski pole will function as your pivot point.  As you are making your jump, make sure that the skis are parallel.  Also, when you make your landing, try to do it as gently as you can.

When you want to do the jump using both your ski poles, do the same but this time, you should stick both of these poles far enough before you.  Using both ski poles will help you have an easier jump, as you have both hands to support you are you turn around these two poles.

There is also another jump turn called the gelandesprung.  It is used when you want to be a ski runner.  It is made especially as one runs in great speed.  It can be done either with or without ski poles.  When you are having a speedy run, the ski poles themselves won’t be necessary.  But they will prove helpful in providing you with that extra push for your jump.  It will also help you make a steady landing.  When you make a jump, do the Telemark take-off, twisting your ankles so that both skis swing around.

A few reminders:
•    Jump turns are to be done by more experienced skiers.  So, if you are not that confident with your skiing skills, keep jump turns to a minimum.
•    Make sure you don’t lean into the hill.  This should be a last resort.