Carving - Ski Lesson

[@dimonemon]

Out of all the money that I spent on my last ski trip this DVD was the most valuable investment. The DVD is very well organized and I really liked how he began the lesson by saying that skiing is a pretty simple skill. :) Two things were the most impacting in improving my skiing: 1) the admonition to face the danger, and 2) hand to the knee drill and its variations and how it all fits in making a turn.

[@Durchbrechen]

I've already ordered the SofaSkiSchool's DVD and I'm eagerly waiting it. However this morning I took the skilift for a try out of this video's instructions. I must say this free lesson alone is worth more than the low DVD price. Thanks to Mark's instructions I could carve avoiding any ski's slide. What's terrific is that you can upload the vid on your mobile phone and watch it just before exercising. This morning I tried with ...

[@Chimpwhich]

I purchased the dvd and am very pleased. Skiing the steeps section was very helpful and solved issues I was having with not being fast enough through the turn . The techniques introduced in the dvd can be fully realized when you use proper carving skis with a good stiff boot. I demoed a pair of Volkl TigerSharks and I immediately realized that my K2s were preventing me from improving. Next day I picked up a pair of RaceTigers SLs which I can't wait to try out.

[@joeyservo]

This guy is an absolute monster on the slopes. Bravo.

[@Extrovert1080]

I wish this guy would post a video of him ripping it around the mountain. I can watch from 4:25-5:35 over and over again. Excellent skier!!

[@nickdupuis5856]

I learned this technique a different way but your way of teaching is a lot simpler! Keeping that inside arm up is also crucial. I'm a fan!

[@swizzlestcks]

I've been instructing for years now as a PSIA Level III. This is a fantastic video with a lot to share! I have integrated these drills into my lessons, and I have seen MASSIVE improvement in weight transfer between turns, keeping weight forward, and consistency in ensuring that the edges of the skis roll evenly. Mr. Klaus, fantastic job, keep it up! I hope you realize you introduce the capability for intermediate/advanced skiers to become the carving machine they have always dreamed to be!

[@schielem]

Klaus I just received my DVD and its wonderful. My understanding of some of my flaws in my skiing and how I can set them right is now far clearer. 10/10 for this easy to understand dvd. Well worth my money. I cant wait to hit the slopes to start practicing. Thanks

[@djohnson4742]

As a former instructor myself I applaud this Great Illustration. If you are in proper balance, you should be able to ski on one leg at any time. The lesson couldn't have been more perfect example when he lost the edge and never wavered.

[@nikolaykorotkov9336]

Klaus is simply the best coach

[@andrejfurcev8105]

Best carving introduction on youtube! please could you refresh the resolution...

[@idontcareaboutit1001]

Thank you so much for making this video, I watched it in the middle of last season and I used what I learned to learn how to carve in a day. This video has made me such a better skier and now I'm racing in NASTAR. Thank you!

[@Eons000]

Your DVD is simply awesome. Originally, I'm from Africa but I live in Canada (Québec) and started skiing with some colleague. They are so impressed by my improvements that I had to tell them about my secret (Sofa Ski School)! HaHaHa! Keep the great work.

[@Durchbrechen]

I'm watching the DVD course just now. TERRIFIC. FANTASTIC. I can't think of anything better than this. Really a great job and I will advice it to all my friends. Thank you, Klaus Mair !!!!

[@golfergal]

Fantastic video. I'm currently in Sun Valley and am tired of my intermediate style of turning. I am going to practice with your drills and see if I can't make a better carved turn. Great lesson and great teacher!

[@internednet]

best exercise I've tried to date ...one really get the feeling of carving works even in heavy spring snow

[@billfishoc]

This is the BEST ski tip I've seen on KZbin. Thank you for posting.

[@fishfullness]

Great video and instruction - well done. It's consistent with what I was taught this week and I went from basic snowplough turns to some decent carving using these techniques. The only additional stresses we had in our lesson was to get used to leaning down the hill (which is counter intuitive) and that the reason we are trying to get onto the edges on both skis is to let the natural profile of the ski edges to take you round the corner (sounds obvious now but wasn't to me at first).

[@KlausMair]

Thank you for this question. My carving lesson is an introduction to carving for intermediate skiers, that know how to slide. In steeper terrain it is an important skill to be able to slide to take speed out. The first steps in carving should be made on a very easy hill, with few people on it. Once you discovered how to carved you can use this technique if you want to speed up, but you always want to make sure to be able to turn your feet and slide to slow down if necessary.

[@KlausMair]

Yes, this is the shortest of 5 lessons. In total it contains over one hour of instruction plus 14 additional drills and a 'what am i doing wrong?' section. greets, Klaus.

[@KlausMair]

Thank you. You are perfectly right. There is a whole chapter on balance on the DVD that explains this in detail.

[@kirby23102b]

very good lesson ! thx i practice ski since ~12 years, i'm 19 years old now, i'm good at normal skiing but i've never practiced carving. i've watched this video this weekend, and this monday i've tried carving :D that was awsome, and very easy. thx alot :D

[@internednet]

Just tried it - this really works, one of best exercise I have tried to date

[@KlausMair]

At the carving-beginner stage though I try to achieve that people are able to move in the right direction, which is a fundamental skill. Later they can reduce the up and just cross over. The drill used to achieve this as well as further techniques for more advanced skiers is explained in detail in the main lessons of my DVD. Have a great winter!

[@KlausMair]

Thanks for that question. I found that people find it easier not to turn their skis but carve if they exagerate the high hip and inside ski lead. Like this it is easier to roll your knees - easy to test at home. And they can resist the bigger than usual force (in contrast to the skidded turn) better.

[@naidadad9311]

This is by far the best carving turn practice explanation. Thanks a lot.

[@KlausMair]

Thank you. I am happy that you like the DVD and look forward to analyzing your clips! Klaus

[@LynelleHinkley]

Awesome! Using edges correctly has always been hard for me. You make it easy to understand. I am so going to try this in a few months..as so as we get some snow here.

[@BanskoBlog]

Great video. a good carve turn is so satisfying. Thanks for posting. The better I ski the more I enjoy it.

[@patrick2976]

Thank you. You explain this technique better than anyone else on youtube.

[@cammyammy]

I find a great drill for encouraging a twist in the hip is the Javalin. I wont explain it as we have google. But its important to emphasise this twist as it brings your stability when your going low. It also gets the pupil used to putting all their preasure on the outside ski (which is an extreme but still very good practice). And its a drill that had different difficulty levels and pupils can work through. I find it great when teaching. Hope you see these comments as constructiove critisism.

[@KlausMair]

I agree. The Javelin turn is a great drill and is also shown in the additional drills section on my DVD. For intermediate skiers i do prefer the drill shown here, as you can also do it at slower speed and in a sliding turn. Thank you for your input.

[@jefff95]

Fantastic! I am trying to get to this next step. Off to Snowbird in a month for 7 days. With luck and practice I'll look just like that.

[@KlausMair]

Thank you for your feedback! It is of course always better if you can get quality ski instruction on snow and you will have no trouble finding that in Austria. As your time on snow is probably limited though i think it is a good idea to get some work done before the holidays. Like this you will be able to learn faster and get the most out of your ski trip.

[@ronjav.o.6023]

Is someone else also just watching this because they miss skiing so much. And they live in a country without hills

[@hugihugo4630]

Ronja fox Yes. Ireland. Though going skiing next month 😁. I miss those days when I just stepped out of the house and was on the ski slope.

[@lukelambert3179]

Yes I am gagging to go skiing! I miss it so much!

[@KlausMair]

Dear Luca, thank you for your feedback! - On all the clips I am skiing on a Nordica Dobermann SL-R WC. - I am teaching in Austria for the ski school of ZÜRS in the Arlberg region. I hope you have a few great ski days left! Keep me posted on your progress! Greets, Klaus

[@KlausMair]

Thank you! You can carve clean turns on easy blue runs with the weight 50/50. As soon as the forces build up you do need the ability to increase outside ski pressure in order to avoid sliding (or for the slidden turn: make the skis go where you want them to go). You find lessons and drills on how to improve this skill on the rest of the DVD. Have a great winter! Klaus

[@ExtremeskierX]

I have used several methods to teach carving and body postition or framing, I will be using this method starting today on my students. The hand raised on the inside of the turn is to level shoulders to the uphill side, this is framing, as is pushing on the knee to raise the outside edges. Excellent lesson!

[@KlausMair]

I have not skied it, but it did very well in some of the reviews that i read. Make sure to test it before you buy.

[@KlausMair]

The inside ski lead makes it easier to roll the knees and get the skis on the edge without using inclination. Try to roll your knees with your toes levelled then move the 'inside' foot more forward and try again. As this is an introduction to carving I point out the inside ski lead to make the sensation of carving more accessible to people that have not experienced that yet. The recommended ski lead is half a boot length. To make the wanted movements more visible I am exaggerating in my demo.

[@iasonkonstantopoulos1733]

Excellent introduction to the art of carving. Beginner skiers having notched as few as 20 skiing days on their belt may (IMHO should!) attempt the 6 steps in the video, firstly by traversing an easy slope. One may gradually reduce the initial angle and end up starting a traverse from the fall line even on blue runs within 10 skiing days. However, the Holy Grail of linking carved turns is quite another story. On (the easier) green slopes it might be possible thereafter. A beginner will nevertheless have hard a time on something little steeper suffering from either inability to initiate the next turn or delayed turn entries with excessive speed on the fall line or leg splitting and stance degeneration to a dreadful A-frame (being even nastier on hard pack!). To link carving turns on blues (even on harder-end greens), for starters, a proper understanding of the Phantom Move is indispensable. Yet this video is the fastest way out there for a beginner to find out as soon as possible what modern shaped skis can do!

[@KlausMair]

Thank you! :) I am happy to hear that you like the DVD and I hope that it will make a difference in your skiing. Keep me posted! Klaus

[@TonyEarlsTrinityLawns]

Well done Klaus .. A very good demonstration of Extreme Carving, I am going to practice this.

[@KlausMair]

Thanks. I am looking for the perfect turn every day. In general a big spray is an indicator for skis sliding sideways. I think you can see a difference in spray on the better or more carved short turns in the last part of the video. Once you reach a certain speed i think that a spray cannot be avoided, but if bigger snow masses are moved then there is probably some sliding involved.

[@idizz36]

i love at the end where he jumps out of his turn and right into the next

[@joimko2]

Winter is coming, this very nice video drives me crasy!

[@KlausMair]

At the beginning my main goal is that people "find the edge" and realize that the skis are doing the turns by themselves. As you know this can be a challenge as people often rotate their feet just by thinking about doing a turn. Later I don't talk about inside ski lead any more and focus on timing and the basic position, which is a combination of moving the pelvis laterally and twist it towards the resultant of the forces.

[@stariinac]

Very, very nice. Now I love skiing even more Ivan. Serbia

[@KlausMair]

You are right that it is not necessary to have the hips in this position on a blue run. But I believe that it is important to learn and drill certain things on the easy blues in order to be able to do them in the steeper terrain. I think it is a main quality of good instruction to teach a technique which is consistent from the blues all the way to the black runs.

[@Rahxe1182]

Great instruction; made me realize that I probably already do this on a very small scale. Like another person said though, I'm not ready for the big slopes yet; I've only actually skied maybe five or six times in my life so far, and I only get to go about once a year. Sad to say I didn't get to go last season, but hopefully a chance with spring up this year and I can improve my skills. ^^

[@lafemmecat06]

Am trying hard to get my inner Klaus happening - I have the vid and it is fantastic. Thanks Klaus. I really need your next vid on skiing the deep stuff off piste please!!!

[@MyPassionsss]

That's how I teach my students (2:40min)! They're almost immediately doing it right and are pretty amazed by the feeling of such turn:)

[@KlausMair]

@jimidee33 Thank you for your post! You mention some good points. Ankles: I found that people, esp with this drill, find it easier to focus on the knees than on the ankles. Inside Ski Lead: To move the inside foot forward increases the chance that people get the skis on the edge and not just turn their feet. This is only used in this drill, when doing half a turn starting in the fall line!

[@danielbonder6947]

Great intro to carving. Thank you Klaus!

[@lialammas]

Love your lessons , I will try this next trip to the mountains. Thank you so very much.

[@juliaxiao7912]

Thanks. This is still the best video on carving

[@KlausMair]

Thank you. You can order the DVD on my webpage. The DVD comes region free and plays on any DVD player.

[@kenrehill8775]

Klaus Mair what’s a dvd?

[@CruelQuertos]

I got my first Carving ski's today, going ski in one week, thanks for learning me the carving technique 5/5

[@KlausMair]

Thank you! The DVD has a total play time of 84 minutes and has the main focus on personal ski improvement. You can find further reviews on my homepage.

[@wisskier]

Thanks for this video, the video production is good and I like the drills you suggest. I'll give them a workout next weekend.

[@JovialPlanet]

Very good lesson man. I am a beginner and just did what you said here.... Man...... If I can do it any one can do it.

[@KlausMair]

Thanks for your feedback. To be able to carve a short turn you first need to find the feeling for the edge in the bigger turn. Then it is a matter of improving your fundamental skills. e.g. that you are able to create enough outside ski pressure, move in the right place and avoid any disturbing motions, esp. with your upper body. On my DVD you can find lessons on the main fundamentals as well as drills to further work on your carved short turns. P.S.:There is no hopping involved. Happy Easter!

[@phil656565]

Dont worry man im a champ at slide turns... had those down the second day i ever skied and the ski area i ski at is small and never crowded... no lift lines no packed runs. Gives me plenty of room to work on carving

[@joeburton77]

love carving.. one of the best feelings in the world

[@rogase68]

Great video. Your skiing is great to watch.

[@Gollumfili]

Put a lid on it dude!!! great vid, watched this before I went on a skiing holiday for the second time, by the end of the first day I was doing some good carving!

[@integralski]

it looks so natural and easy

[@KlausMair]

You should feel the pressure equally on the whole foot. In no case should you lift your toes, as this simply takes away important sensory information. That the skis become unstable probably means that you are out of balance. Too much pressure on the front or back part of the ski. Especially at the beginning of the new turn you should try to move your body/hips forward and get your shins to push against the tounge of the boot. Greets to Chile. Klaus

[@tuswraith]

I'm a novice, but I definitely mess up my turns from time to time but don't know why! Also, non-instructors aren't equipped to tell me what I'm doing wrong aside from saying "use the edge of your skis!" easier said than done, but this video makes a TON of sense to me. - Roll the knees - Inside foot should be slightly in front of outside foot - You eluded to the hips towards the end of the video, pointers on these?

[@darkphoenix229]

Great video, that really helps, have to go up to the snowdome now and try that out! Could only do parallel before but now Im feeling confident.

[@idizz36]

I bought this dvd, it has soooo muhc information and instructional techniques, you would pay over 600 buck for a private lesson to have some half asses ski instructor tell you this on the slopes, i paid 60 for the dvd and a free analysis....awesome dvd

[@jimidee33]

@MairKlaus Yes, it is a drill and I should have considered that. And it works. I may use it on my students this winter! When you mention exxageration in teaching students you're correct for all but the most advanced. Thanks for the reply. I was not trying to be overly critical.

[@Durchbrechen]

>anyone have any feedback? just purchased it. I watched it several times carefully and then I went to try it on the snow, carrying with me the useful memo cards where there are key points and exercises. In just few hours of practicing the results are exceptional. I was already a good "skidding" skier with a first impact with carving skis bad. In few hours I can carve, touch snow with my hands and perform short runs. I'm enthusiast. I suggest short radius skis to practice.

[@zepherROF]

Im also a proud owner of your awesome DVD. I'm thrilled and cant wait to practise it in the snow (tomorrow i'm otw Fiss). We will make some videos which i'll sent to you for analyzing. Thx again for the inspirating DVD.

[@EmceeHo13]

great short turns. He's not promoting the ski leading he's trying to created parallel leg shafts which produces power, balance, and edge hold.

[@gokuh61]

Good one point lesson!! Wanna go to the ski resort right now to practice this skill ASAP. However the temperature is going up now, and unfortunately snow on the slopes is gonna be melting away. Very sad ;-(

[@giacomogigliotti2230]

Finalmente un video veramente serio su come imparare a condurre le curve... GRAZIEEE!! Una domanda, quali esercizi oltre a questo è possibile svolgere per assimilare bene la tecnica della conduzione?

[@KlausMair]

Grazie. Maybe have a look at this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpmvkoind82tac0 When you sign up on www.sofaskischool.com you get to a longer version of the same drill. Greets, Klaus

[@KlausMair]

Thank you for your comment. The clip is for intermediate skiers that want to discover carving or want to improve their carving skills. As you point out this is just one skill of many that lead to better skiing. The most important ski fundamentals are covered in the other 80 minutes of the DVD and give a more complete explanation of the perfect turn.

[@KlausMair]

Thanks Andi! I might be back in Austria next winter.

[@KlausMair]

Thanks for the feedback. This is one of the earlier versions. I could make some improvements since then.

[@dolgellau100]

great drill going to avoriaz in 48 hours i will try this drill just in genral i am a intermediate skier who wants to learn to carve and tidy my turns up and look good have you got any tips?

[@chijik82]

It's great lesson. Are there any lessons about going on the slalom piste? Thank you for it. I'll recomend this video to all my friends who study carving now.

[@deadg0at]

Great video! I will probably not be carving much, but this should help my form.

[@Charlie1821]

Thanks! Been waiting since last winter to try this out!

[@achilless]

very helpful video. I am trying my best to perfect the technique after watching this, and it's working out. This video helped me a lot! It's so much fun carving :)

[@KlausMair]

@Freddy3740 In general sliding a turn in control is the better option on ice. To stay in control on a more slippery surface you need to be in a position that allows you to stay in balance when the skis start to accelerate. If you are slightly off when you get on a icy spot you might loose your balance very quickly. On my DVD you find lots of info and drills that should help you improve your position on your skis during the turn and in between. Greets, Klaus

[@KlausMair]

Dear Phil, thank you for your comment! It is great that you already got the skis on the edge! Congratulations!! As you just started, make sure that you also practice your sliding skills, which are just as important and will help you to take speed out and slow down. Especially when the slopes get more crowded it is very important to be able to slide a turn and then you can carve it up again when there is enough room. Have a great winter and stay safe! Klaus

[@KlausMair]

Thank you for this comment,I very much agree! This clip is not aimed at beginners,who should always make the first steps with the help of a prof.ski instructor. I do believe though,that skiers are often lacking the knowledge of how things are done most efficient and how they can improve their skiing. No matter if you choose to take a lesson with a good instructor,buy a good ski book or my DVD it will help you get more out of your precious ski time and will make every single turn more enjoyable

[@ELPaso1990TX]

Looks so easy now I understand, must try it out!

[@VadimMyVideos]

Hi Klaus, 8 years ago I bought your DVD to learn carving. Now I’m about a new ski... What ski are you using in this video (brand and model)?

[@KlausMair]

In this video i am on a nordica doberman SL, race stock. Have a great winter!

[@KlausMair]

Thanks. On my DVD are 8 additional Drills especially for working on the Slalom turn.

[@KlausMair]

Make sure that you finish the turn enough to control your speed or intentionally slide more to take speed out. The reason for getting faster and faster in short turns usually lies in fundamental mistakes. If you are off balance, if you cannot create enough outside ski pressure quick enough, or if your upper body is too unstable you will have trouble to steer the skis out of the fall line enough and you pick up speed with every turn. You find all the necessary info + drills on my DVD to fix that.

[@tomtom9509]

Nice carving lesson... Being of the old generation, no helmet, and foot almost stuck together, I had to learn to ski wider apart in order to carve... but I wonder at the end (5:10 onward) if this still carving or simple good ol' sculll (godille in french).

[@FToniS]

Wow, this looks like so much fun!

[@javedkhan0258]

Thank you for the great carving lesson!

[@damienpuchol4518]

Thanks a lot for this! I finally understood how to carve after watching this :-) I improved a lot! Thank you Mr Mair :-)

[@12lorik]

Best carving lesson.

[@cammyammy]

Generally a very good online lesson. Well done! The only thing is you have way too much pop when you come out of a turn in your demo @1:25. I dont know if its intentional or not but if you are teaching you wouldnt want to do that in your demo.

[@Fun23E]

Where possible, you should always try to minimise the amount of "tip lead" you have as it can throw your balance/stance off. Some of the first few turns in the tutorial show a lot of tip lead for such a gentle slope. Upper body turned to face down the hill - yes. Hips turned also - not necessarily. It can make the weight transfer more difficult, especially as beginners have a tendency to lean up the hill (relying on tip lead to keep balance). Just my 2c.

[@KlausMair]

You definetly want to pick an easier slope for your first carved turns. It makes it easier to have some speed, but if the forces get too big you might start to slide again. It is not necessary to start without poles. I just like to do it like this as it makes people realize that this is something new and it helps with the drill i am showing.