How to learn carving!

The perfect turn on the slope, what a dream experience! Whizzing past one by one on clean cuts in fast turns. It's never too late to develop as a skier and that's why we want to give you the tools to learn how to carve turns.

What is carving?

Carving describes the long, fast and cutting turns that World Cup skiers use in giant slalom. Carving is a special skiing technique where the skier really wants to utilise the skis and g-forces to the limit - without skidding.

Really effective carving turns mean faster skiing, better control on the piste, and looking like a pro when you're whizzing down the slope. What's more, a successful run with fast carving turns can be one of the best feelings in the world.

How to succeed with the carving turn

To begin with, this technique requires that you are already used to standing on a pair of skis. You should be able to keep your balance in a low centre of gravity, angling the edges of the skis to the maximum while maintaining your position when the pressure is greatest in the turn. After that, it's just practice, practice, practice!

• Start on the right slope - Good skiers never overestimate their own ability. Therefore, adapt your ride to a slope that you can handle. A medium (red) slope has a good enough gradient that it is possible to get up to speed.
• Conditions of the slope - Hard and rough snow are optimal conditions when it comes to carving. The hard snow makes it easier for you to get up to a high enough speed so that you can lean your body inwards without falling over.
• Position - Stand neutrally on the skis with knees slightly bent for better lateral mobility, shoulders parallel and arms forward with elbows slightly bent.
• First round - Find the feeling where you roll from edge to edge. Knee and hip should work together.
• Entrance in the bend - Before the turn, apply pressure to the outer ski by feeling your shin against the edge of the boot. The body moves in towards the centre.
• Turning phase - In the centre of the turn, when the forces are greatest, you tense your torso to resist the g-forces. When the edge of the ski is in line with the fall line, it is angled the most.
• Exit of the turn - Straighten the edge of the ski and roll over the weight of the leg that will stand for the next outer ski. To do this, stretch out the inside leg and find your balance while letting the skis go the other way.

Learning carving - one last tip

Use the right equipment for your ride! The ski boots that fit your foot are completely individual. A good fit of the ski boot on your foot is crucial for a perfect carving turn.

The turning radius of your ski affects the whole feel of your ride. To find the perfect turning radius that you feel most comfortable with, you may need to test several different models. This is because the turning radius of skis can vary between 10 metres and up to 35 metres.

If you would like help honing your technique, you can book onto our popular ski school. Have fun on the slopes and good luck with your training!