The perfect carving turn

We joined Alexander on the slopes and asked him to explain how it works in practice. What should we keep in mind if we want to learn more?

The entrance to the turn:

Apply early pressure on the outside ski by stretching the outside leg. The body moves in towards the centre.

Centre of the turn:

Utilise the edges by moving the body inwards using the knees, hips and finally the whole body. The edge is most angled when the ski is in line with the fall line.

The exit from the turn:

Straighten the edge of the ski, gaining balance on the side that will become the outside ski in the next turn by extending the inside leg.

Does it sound easy? It certainly looks easy when professionals like Alexander gracefully make their way down the black piste at full speed. But it takes practice. What matters is good balance, a low centre of gravity, correct positioning of the body, angling the edges to the maximum and, of course, being able to resist when the pressure is greatest in the turn.

Having the right equipment is also important. It makes the ride easier. Alexander uses a pair of Rossignol skis with a 21 metre turning radius. On his feet is a pair of well broken-in Strolz boots with a booster strap, which provides good contact with the skis and the surface.
- What equipment skiers prefer is individual. Virtually all skis you find in sports shops today are carving skis. The turning radius may vary from 10 metres to 35 metres. One tip is to try out several models, many shops have demo skis for loan. The most important thing is to find a ski that you like and that suits your skiing style,’ he says.

Alexander says that ski boots are just as important as skis. The choice of ski boot is also individual, no two feet are the same.
- Always buy ski boots in a shop with skilled staff who know what is meant by a good boot and who know the differences. ‘It's incredibly important that the boot fits your feet in order to achieve the perfect carving turn,’ he emphasises. Another good tip if you want to learn more is to go to a ski school for an hour or two. The best way to learn something is to do it in practice. If you join Alexander or one of his colleagues on the slopes, you're guaranteed to become a better skier. And maybe one day you'll experience ‘the perfect carving turn’.

- There are many things that are fun about skiing and being able to make good carving turns is definitely one of them. If you don't know how to do it, it often doesn't take much to get you on the right track. With a few good tips and a little training, you will notice the difference relatively quickly and get more out of your skiing,’ says Alexander Högberg.

Text: Ola Matsson