Ski and Snowboard Instructor Training Courses - Winter Sports Company

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Hop to it!

Stance and Balance – developing a centred stance

Stance and Balance – developing a centred stance

To develop good stance try this drill on groomed blue runs at moderate speeds. Take a few little hops as you are changing edges. Focus on pushing off your feet so the hop is generated from the gound up. All joints should be involved in the hop, but there is no need to come off the snow very much at all.

Check out the CSIA Ski Tip video!

As you hop, establish balance over your outside ski. Be sure to pivot the legs first to initiate the direction change. You should feel most of your weight under the ball/arch of your outside foot. Once you have a centred feeling, reduce the hops until you are keeping your skis on the snow at all times. You will gain control of your speed and direction change.

A variation of this drill is to drag your poles to stabilize your upper body while looking for balance on the outside foot.

As you gain confidence, gradually pick up the speed and steepness of terrain.

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Steve Laborde

COURSE DIRECTOR
CSIA LEVEL 2 SKI INSTRUCTOR & LEVEL 1 RACE COACH

"Living and breathing on the mountain is what it's all about and skiing to work every day is so exhilarating. This really is a life changing opportunity and the only way to gain a real on-mountain experience".