Deb Armstrong's Short Radius Turn Challenge

[@davidbeazer9799]

Awesome, just shared with all my instructors with these comments. “We all need more of what this video is encouraging. Until you own it slow you will never own it fast… or steep! Make sure you tip your skis, she is not shoving the tails. This fits right in with starting the turn with the inside knee and skiing from the legs and not the upper body. Never waist a catwalk, it’s prime training ground.”

[@philippephil7245]

Merci Deb vos conseils sont toujours parfaits pour un skieur des Pyrénées.

[@cswalker21]

I love this! I worked with an instructor at Winter Park several years ago who impressed on me what a wasted opportunity it is to ski lazily along a flat cat track, without turning, with your hands at your waist. There's always something you can play with, work on, or just notice about your body position/balance. Today I try to not let any terrain go to waste.

[@johnwalkowiak8663]

About 15 years ago, at the end of one of Billy Kidd's runs with the public at the bottom of Heavenly Daze he told me to never waste a catwalk. Use them to practice letting the ski do the work and learn how the ski's sidecut works for you. Been doing it ever since. It's fun!

[@vincentpesce1482]

Every trail has fun and/or a challenge within it. Also on the catwalk or "flats" ... skating, railroad tracks, switching to skiing backwards, one-legged skiing, etc. People ask what's the best trail on the mountain and of course it is the one I am on. 😉

[@jameszeng2666]

Best ski racers are fast not only on steeps, but also on flats… love your video Deb!

[@dw-ze4um]

The best ski instructor on KZbin and it is no wonder -- you're an Olympian. Thanks Deb!

[@rickcrispell1405]

Thank you Deb for your great instruction. Your love for skiing comes out from your enthusiasm to teach. Have a great Christmas and a wonderful new year, keep doing what you love.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you. Right back at you😉

[@roberts.2536]

What I like about these turns is they show that even though they have very short radii and on a gentle pitch there can still be definitive transitions between each turn.

[@ardenpowers7730]

My old ski coach (NH state champ in the 50's ) in the 60's called them "foot turns " ! I will always remember Mr. John Poor ( race coach) who helped make me the skier I am today

[@anatolievseev]

Yes! An excellent challenge for many to develop correct turn initiation! So many say, "I cannot turn on a green!" No wonder: for them, a turn on skis means slowing down! They would never be able to speed up, as Deb did, going a little uphill! However, in my opinion, there is much more to promoting turns on a catwalk! I always emphasize the following to my students of any level: when you go straight on easy and super easy terrain, which most people do, you do not have any momentum! So, when you encounter an unexpected obstacle, be it on a busy catwalk or a flat part of a green run (like here, at Keystone), where novices in front of you "catch an edge" left and right, your only choice is to use your brakes, which may, or more likely may NOT, suffice. You will not be able to change direction at will and use an evasive maneuver, either by adding to your existing turn or changing the direction! Why do athletes in many sports, like boxing, tennis, volleyball, etc., always move side to side? To have some momentum! They are always in a READY (for anything!) position, be it to avoid a punch from left OR right, or to react to an unpredictable ball! So, never waste a flat to develop that crucial turning skill and get ready for whatever comes your way! Thanks, Deb, for bringing it up! So many of your videos are priceless to a point that they almost make me cry... I recommend them to all my friends and students.

[@emgyee]

I've just arrived to your channel recently but already in love. :D

[@lovetoride9646]

Danke! Deb, can't wait to get back on the slopes and try out what I'm seeing in your videos. Keep up the great attitude!

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

It’s easy to go straight but it takes skill to turn. Next step is to gradually move to a mid angle and make lots of turns. Then go into the off piste and repeat this drill. Eventually take it into the bumps, trees, steep or narrow terrain. Being able to turn, control speed and direction in various snow conditions separates the experts from the advanced skiers. Drills build skills ⛷⛷⛷

[@tycojewel7979]

I have loved catwalks as well since I started learning to ski in 2011 at Steamboat ( on a ski club trip from Orlando FL!). And for same reason as you point out.

[@Benzknees]

Impressive camera work, presumably skiing backwards on a narrow track whilst also keep looking forwards whilst keeping Deb in middle of shot.

[@linettequintana7251]

I learned so much from our sessions on the catwalk that seemed interminable (!) in Taos -thank you Deb!!!!💜

[@klank67]

We love games too! Thanks Deb 😀

[@lkvt123]

Railroad tracks on flats are great. Really gets you to feel where you are in the boot

[@harrydarling1]

Great job.....great and helpful hints (foot to foot pressure). Merry Christmas !!!

[@komongkol8428]

debby,you are a awesome athlete ,techer and human being!!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you😉

[@travelfishfreedom4662]

Hi, Deb This is Neil and J from Seattle, WA. Remember us, your stockers from Alpantal ?? We went to steamboat last week and look out for you all over. No luck😝 Now our ski trip is almost over but had a stoked powder ski . Hope we can find you next time. Have a happy holiday and happy new year!!! Thank you for all your videos!!!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Sorry I missed you!!!! Make some turns for me at the Big Alp please. I miss it. Thanks for reaching out.

[@howardpuuri8313]

Deb Another great ski tip. Our ski resort in Detroit area does not have cat walks, although the beginner area is a great place we could use this for training the higher level skiers for the foot to foot steering at slower speeds. Merry Christmas.

[@scottsarahfreemansmith5293]

New sub skiing for 30 plus years YOUR CHANNEL IS AMAZING and I am binging still freaked out by headwalls and or small "cliffs" Any thoughts or please please a video?

[@roblipton9121]

Totally agree lots of catwalks today, white out blizzard, we practiced steering it's great for foot feel and subtle steering inputs

[@Eddie07S]

We are still waiting for snow here in the NE, otherwise I would be doing this or some other types of turns. Making “turns” no matter where is the best part of skiing. I also learned a long time ago that skiing flats without some sort of edging or turn-making was a good way to catch an edge and get hurt. So, for me this also helps with self preservation... Enjoy! And Merry Christmas!

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

I wish I could ski with Deb. I could learn so much from Deb. I'm still just thrilled to be able to ski anything groomed, but I'm 100% skid skiing, 100% slashing the tails back and forth. I can't turn yet without scrubbing speed. I can tell that she could watch what I do and tell me exactly what I need to hear without making me feel embarrassed or ashamed.

[@bmfitzgerald3]

You got it man. Just keep watching Coach Deb's videos along with other KZbin stud coaches and practice what you learn. You'll be taking it to the next level in no time

[@Ethan-um7cp]

No shame brother, we all start somewhere. A great drill you can do on your own is the "falling leaf". It doesn't require a personal coach pointing out your mistakes. It gives a lot of tactile feedback so you feel when you are in balance with the movement of the skis. it will help you find a stable body position/starting point to build from. Good luck.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks Brian!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Nice

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I love the feedback you got here from others. Keep at it. Skiing is lifelong enjoyment. I am happy the videos are helping you. Take care.

[@Belupeta]

Hi Deb ! when the terrain is flat or I lose speed, I have dificulty on turning my skis side to side (footh to footh ski) . I have watched this video many times and I cant visualise how you do it and which is the movement to be done .. thanks SO much you are an amazing teacher

[@Belupeta]

Would it be possible to have a tip/advice on how to do it? Thanks!!

[@sandratessem9980]

Merry Christmas

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you. You too

[@milomirkrunic5971]

Bravo!

[@MsMsmak]

Merry. Christmas Deb!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

And happy new year. Happy skiing😉

[@gk1525]

Thanks!

[@tube7769]

like your new poles. Just ordered one.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Love it!! I LOVE my One Ways. You will too.

[@showze21]

good one. ive been working on active steering a lot lately, not just simply pressuring the ski onto its side cut to do a turn. doing these steered turns on flats or uphill is harder and requires stronger steering inputs and better balance. the steering is giving me a much better turn. the problem with the modern skis is that the rocker and the side cut creates too much propensity to turn. so, the steering skill isnt even necessary to turn. so, active steering can be used to control the propensity to turn thats caused by the side cut and rocker. no?

[@EdgarSnowSki]

Will try on my 26m powder skis :)

[@bobfrizzell1059]

I've read where Mikaela says something about never wasting any terrain. Seems to work for her. Season's Greetings.

[@gogglebro9421]

Deb, I think I’m seeing you flexing your ankles also (like I do) to keep yourself balanced while moving forward on your skis.

[@Crazy-Roland-vDrums]

hi, do you think u could do a video on LONG turns? For long turns are u supposed to ski across the slope? Not sure if i'm explaining this very well - what i mean is really broad, sweeping turns, with a wide radius "C" shape. There's ONLY around 3 videos on long turns on KZbin. THANKS!!

[@normalizedaudio2481]

I got a place where I have to do it anyway. I'll think about this instead of getting pissed.

[@frankm2588]

Merry Christmas, are you working there on pulling/holding the skis back? One more than the other?

[@kkrsnn5632]

Will try it next time I'm on a flat slope 😁

[@jurijfranko9002]

Hi Deb! Can you repeat this challenge with skis you won Olimpic gold on? :-)

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Hi Jurij. Wonderful hearing from you. I hope you are well. Ha! You ask a very fun question. To tell you the truth I can not remember if I did this drill back then. It is hard for me to imagine that I could do this today with my old skis from 1984. I may have to try. Did you do this drill back then? Do you do this drill today? All the best to you and happy new year.

[@yuurishibuya4797]

Hello Deb, happy holidays, do you have live online Q&A sessions?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I'm sorry. I do not. Where do you ski?

[@yuurishibuya4797]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong mostly in eastern Washington and Northern Idaho ski areas affiliated with Indy Pass.

[@steven7650]

Deb I love your videos, but I love catwalks said NO ONE EVER!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ha!!!!!!!

[@geraldsmith2104]

Nice exercise for working foot to foot

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Is that a question?😉

[@geraldsmith2104]

No. It was a statement of how useful the exercise is. I have being doing since I first saw the video and found that it very good for forcing the foot to foot action.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@geraldsmith2104 oh good!!!!! Have fun😉

[@stevejenkins845]

God I wish I was young wen I started skiing lol

[@mailitedd185]

Too bad my mountain is so tiny we don't have catwalks!

[@yuurishibuya4797]

I think I can do only turn left, some how right turn doesn’t work.

[@Ethan-um7cp]

Meh, right turns are overrated.

[@anatolievseev]

Might be a boot fitting issue...

[@yuurishibuya4797]

@@anatolievseev went to see a boot fitter. Have to experiment with the modified ones in the following weeks. Will see.

[@anatolievseev]

@@yuurishibuya4797 If he is good, you will see the difference! I know some excellent ones in Summit County!

[@yuurishibuya4797]

@@anatolievseev thanks for your help, will check back after trying out the new mods this weekend

[@stevedoe1630]

All that “foot-to-foot” talk got me thinking… Do pro skiers do anything special to take care of their feet? Being wedged into 92-98 mm last boots has to take a toll throughout a career.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Foot beds in ski boots. I also wear foot beds in all my shoes. I like to take care of my feet😉