Loss of altitude, skiing better on steep terrain: the “staircase” of the turn and balance over the outside ski

When you tackle a turn at speed, especially a wide turn on steep terrain, you do not remain at the same height: between the beginning and end of the turn, you also lose 3, 4 or 5 metres of vertical drop. The problem? Often the outside foot moves down… but the shoulders remain behind, out of fear of the gradient. The result is a ski that is not working from a centred position, and a position that is backseat and unstable.

The key image is that of a staircase:

• each step represents the altitude you lose during the turn

• the outside foot necessarily moves down

• the shoulder and body must “follow” the foot, step by step

Only then does the load continue moving onto the outside foot, the ski bends correctly and the line becomes clean and effective.

This concept is fundamental at every level, but it becomes especially clear for intermediate skiers: it is not about “throwing yourself into the void”, but rather about consciously accelerating towards the last step, knowing exactly where you will end up and what balance to rely on.

Enjoy the acceleration through the steep part of the turn, looking for the last step of the staircase: outside foot, shoulder above it, balance, confidence. That is where solid and rewarding skiing begins.