High Country Fishing Charters is an equal opportunity employer and service provider operating under special use permit on the San Juan National forest. U.S. Coast Guard licensed & insured. Colorado Outfitters Lic. # 2352 Float Trips, Wade Trips, Learn to Fly Fish        Scott Taylor          970-946-5229        bass@highcountrycharters.com              Ski School Progressions and Exercises C Progression Outcome: Reduce size of wedge and control speed by varying turn shape. Begin working on a slight matching of skis. Slight extension at turn initiation. Both skis open as the tips are guided into the fall line. Active steering of the inside ski during matching. Slightly higher speed than wedge turns. Movement Cues for Wedge Turns.   Balance – work from static to a more dynamic position. Turning the feet and legs – ability to steer both skis simultaneously. Tipping the feet and legs -  develop more edge angle on turning ski as the result of proper turn shape, release of the downhill skis at the turn initiation, release of both skis for slide slipping (skidded turns) Sample Progression. Review wedge turns.         1. Review wedge dynamics from gliding to breaking. Vary size of wedge.         1.  See how large a wedge your student can make and still turn, and then how small. Now find the most effective size. Vary size of turn shape and speed.          1.  Short wedge turns in fall – line, increase pressure on turning ski. Progress into pedal turns.           2.  Play with a full range of motion, while adding some speed to encourage gliding and linking of wedge turns. Introduce side – slipping.                1. For flexing and extending movements have students straight running at slow speed and hop into the air.  If they are properly balanced this will aid in the progression for slide – slipping.                 2.  If students have not already been introduced to slide slipping, and are having trouble releasing the edge, try placing the poles to the side and uphill, and push yourself downhill.                  3.  Forward side slip. From traverse flatten skis by tipping the feet and legs. Let skis skid. Engage to stop. Introduce Wedge Christie.                       1.  Do small wedge turns across the hill. As you turn into the slope, actively steer the inside ski to match, then repeat.  Matching should lead to skidding and eventually a Wedge Christie.                           2.  From the fall line in a wedge, turn, match skis, and complete the turn to stop.  Explain that this is also a good way to stop. Increase speed and encourage more skidding to a stop. Mountain skiing, explore, quality mileage.                       1.  Flexing and extending movements to absorb terrain.                       2.  Have a light focus on stance, balance, and an opening of the arms (out and forward).                       3.  Make the transition from beginner to a mountain skier with confidence. Reinforce what the have already learned without adding more technique. The students should go from timid to playful as they become more confident and relaxed. Common Problems Solutions 1. Upper body turns, but skis go straight. Go to flatter terrain, work on foot steering exercises. 2. Large wedge, no turn. Wedge can be too large to turn from. Narrow the wedge, and work on steering and progressive edging. 3. Can’t match skis. Keep the head and shoulders over the outside ski.
High Country Fishing Charters Fly Fishing Pagosa Springs, CO