Arms and Stance: Dynamics, Timing and Balance

The arms are extensions of the body’s central mass and are specifically used to help us regulate balance through micro-movements. If we make them rigid, we link them to the same body that may already be losing stability, thereby losing an essential tool for making adjustments.

The key word is dynamics:

• Relaxed arms, with a reference stance similar to that of a goalkeeper waiting for a penalty

• a phase of shock absorption and one of stabilization during the transition and development of the turn

• when maximum balance is needed, the arms naturally move into the best position

The exercise proposed is simple and effective: hold the pole resting on your wrists, toss it lightly and catch it, simulating the rhythm between the end of one turn and the beginning of the next. “Toss and catch” becomes the mental image to associate with the edge change and the development of the turn.

Even at low speed or in a snowplough, this exercise helps you achieve the right coordination, improving timing, stance and overall balance.

Lively arms, fluid skiing: less rigidity, more sensitivity. This is how solid technique is built… along with an ever-greater sense of control.