One benefit of improving your skiing is the feeling of control that develops. To achieve that secure feeling we often seek runs, terrain, and conditions with which we are comfortable and then ski them at a comfortable speed.
I’d like to challenge that conventional way of thinking by positing that the only way you can truly know that you are in balance is to lose and regain it. One amazingly fluid and exciting skier I had the pleasure to ski with recently likened her skiing to a series of linked recoveries. She goes for it when she skis and if she gets out of balance she corrects mid-stream with a double pole plant or repositioning of the body. To watch her you would never think she is out of balance. My best runs of the day were when I really went for it – it is amazing how quickly you are able to recover from any imbalances when you are active in your skiing. When trying this, keeping the turn shape smaller as it keeps you moving.
To be clear I’m not advocating being unsafe. You have to be mindful of other people on the hill. But the next time you are out skiing, look for opportunities to ski off-piste, on rollers or side angles, and pick up the speed skiing on the edge of your comfort zone. You may be surprised to see what you are capable of.
