Parallel Skiing 101 - 4 Drills for Parallel Turns

[@chrisvernon7608]

Your videos are the best out there, clear to the point and not full of technical bumf

[@Avoriazskischool]

Thanks chris - I hope they're helpful

[@peterb4620]

Excellent clear and concise instructions. Thank you

[@Avoriazskischool]

thanks a lot Peter

[@ilipika4105]

Geroge, as an intermediate skier, I always heard many mentione a lot about pressure and the interaction of the ski with the snow. I am always puzzling on that as already often struggling on all 4 (or at least 3) common issues you mentioned in another video affecting parallel skiing. After watching a number of times of your demo, I finally got a glimpse of the meaning of the interaction of the ski and the snow. Thanks so much!!! Will save your videos to re-watch. I hope can make a trip to Avoriaz in the future!

[@danielboehmke4626]

Really great set of tips and drills. I’m going to be teaching my step daughters this winter and I use most of these little drills to help them get the feel of their skis and learn to maneuver better. Keep ‘em coming!

[@Avoriazskischool]

Glad it’s helpful - how old are they? Are they complete beginners?

[@danielboehmke4626]

@@Avoriazskischool They are mid-20’s. Both beginners, but one is very athletic and willing to learn. Should be able to move her out of snowplow mode and into more dynamic skiing soon. When I was learning, I used some of those drills just to develop a better feel for my edges on the snow, and balance over my skis. They weren’t taught to me, they came naturally as a way to isolate certain aspects of skiing just for fun and practice. Where are you based? If I get to Europe in the winter I’ll come take an advanced lesson!

[@Avoriazskischool]

@@danielboehmke4626 Great. Lifting one ski, side slipping and parallel stop practising are ideal to help people lose the snowplough. enjoy! great step dad brownie points for you!. I'm based in Avoriaz. All the best

[@RichardHarbron]

That is an incredibly useful video, thanks for sharing. I've been watching quite a few of this type of video recently, but this is the clearest. I just need to get out there and try it!

[@Avoriazskischool]

Thanks Richard - have fun!

[@aerialrescuesolutions3277]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@Avoriazskischool]

Appreciate the comment 🙏🏻

[@johnsagnella7445]

Nice vids mate!

[@Avoriazskischool]

Thanks John!

[@colinress]

Great video

[@perro0076]

Sorry, guy, but that is super old school. With modern skis, you now keep your feet apart, about a fist worth, and you slide the inside foot forward as you commit yourself to a turn. Pressure identical on both feet. This will naturally shift your centre of balance forward. You should see equal size snow plumes as the skis either scrape or carve around the turn. If you don't believe me, check out the top racers in ANY ski race flavour.

[@Ceemysix]

You do not pressure both feet identically.

[@perro0076]

@Ceemysix Hi. I'm afraid that if you want to reach a higher level of skiing, you do. Especially if you want to do soft snow. On top of that, you want to be putting pressure on the front of the cuff on the boot. The bit where the cushioning is thickest. The amount of pressure depends on how 'aggressive' you want to ski. The shin should ALWAYS be pushing against the front of the boot to some degree anyway. Super gentle or hard depending on speed.

[@Ceemysix]

@ I’m a level 2 instructor.

[@perro0076]

@Ceemysix Then you should understand and agree. Even the Arlberg style is a no-no with modern skis. In fact, that style was thrown out the window at least 15 years ago.

[@Ceemysix]

@ There are some differences from old school for sure. The weight bias between ski’s is more equal than it used to be especially off piste, but on hardpack a fair portion of total pressuring is on the outside ski. Stance is more open. Pressuring shovels has always been a priority. Keeping shoulders perpendicular to the fall line with weight over your toe pieces. Inside leg movement becomes more exaggerated at high edge angles.

[@xAliPoPx]

I’d challenge point 4. Too often does teaching this result in an excessive pop and worst of all, opening at the hip. These movements happen as a result of managing pressure and should not be artificially created.

[@Avoriazskischool]

Fair point 🙏🏻. In reality, what you teach needs to be suited to the specific learner, and not every method is suited to every skier. Also, different concepts are introduced at different points along the progression from beginner to intermediate to advanced. That’s why 1-1 ski lessons will always be the ultimate way forward, but videos can give a great head start 👌

[@EdFargo]

Parallel skiing with your feet a foot apart!!🤣🤣🤣 Boots together or go HOME!!!

[@Avoriazskischool]

haha boots together is a good laugh as well. Monoski for the win!

[@Avoriazskischool]

Out of interest, what’s the advantage of boots together in your mind?

[@EdFargo]

@@Avoriazskischool That is the definition of Parallel Skiing!! Feet and skiis together. OG Paralleling!

[@Avoriazskischool]

@@EdFargo certainly does have it's own style and appeal 🤙

[@steventhury8366]

He's teaching beginners or back to basics for intermediates. It's excellent instruction. Lighten up Francis.