Practice the Pizza/French Fries Drill When XC Skiing Downhill

[@AlistairLipp]

Thanks

[@teebeecurl]

Thanks for the reminder lesson, Jared. I am always forgetting the importance of getting into that athletic position to help manage turning and snowplowing. As someone who skies at pretty much a beginner level, this type of instruction is really valuable.

[@JaredManninen]

You're welcome! Glad I could be of service :) Yeah, the athletic stance is fairly critical to being able to perform all kinds of techniques, as well as just to help us stay upright. Thanks for tuning in, and for the kind words :)

[@paulgrimshaw8334]

Great short clip, Jared. One of the benefits of bent knees is that it allows the “human suspension” to work in both directions. The legs absorb and release shock from uneven snow, so as to help maintain consistent pressure underfoot when that is appropriate. The muscles in the legs are like giant rubber bands but they only work when the knees are unlocked and bent.

[@JaredManninen]

Thank you, Paul. I appreciate the great feedback! Yes, accessing our natural suspension system through flexed ankles, knees, and hips :) It's such an easy thing to do. That is, just dropping our weight by a couple of inches to become way more responsive when dealing with variable terrain and conditions. Thanks so much for tuning in, and for contributing to the conversation :)

[@paulgrimshaw8334]

@ my pleasure, Jared. I’ll be applying your excellent tips night skiing at Hardwood Hills in the Halton Hills of Ontario, Canada next week. It’s on the Canadian XC ski championship circuit and offers lots of terrain (and great snow). You have a great channel and cool vibe.

[@JaredManninen]

Thanks, Paul! I try to keep things pretty down to earth 😁 And have fun next week!

[@wstks-fmworldwide5390]

I'll try this drill this weekend at Forbush Corner outside of Fredric, MI. . . Can't wait!

[@JaredManninen]

Excellent! I'm pretty confident in my downhilling abilities, but I'm constantly implementing this approach on the really steep downhills :)

[@KoryLasker]

Good, clear explanations! Thanks, Jared. A further video could approach turns at the bottom of hills where pizza/snowplow is tricky due to ruts or snow build up.

[@JaredManninen]

Hey Kory! Great to hear from you :) And, as always, thanks for the kind words and nice feedback. Your idea for a future video is great. I'll put it on the list :) Hope you're having a great winter so far. Thanks for tuning in and contributing to the conversation :)

[@rocketmanrc]

At the Canmore Nordic Center watching your video😂

[@JaredManninen]

So cool! haha :) Ski some laps for me while you're out there!