Alpine Technical Manual Flashcards
Mechanics
Refers to the essential actions of the skis and body movements that are present in all skiing, regardless of terrain, snow conditions, pitch of the slope and speed of descent.
Technique
The way skiers move and the methods they use to apply the mechanics of skiing. Different techniques provide movement options for how skiers affect or react to the action of the skis on the snow.
Tactics
Strategic choices skiers make in order to achieve a goal. Decisions are based on intent, knowledge, and level of performance within the context of the skiing environment. Skiers may choose to adjust turn shape, speed, line, timing, or technique to accommodate factors such as snow conditions or terrain.
Abduction
Movement of the leg away from the midline of the body
Counter-Rotation
When the upper body turns in one direction as the lower body turn in the opposite direction.
Counter-Rotation is…
Most effective in situations requiring immediate, strong rotational input to the skis.
An instant but short-lived source of rotational input.
Most effective in short turns
Useful when the skis are very light, either on or off the snow
Anticipation
Describes a position or anticipatory movement in preparation for turning, in which the upper body actively turns to face down the hill rather than across the hill in the direction the skis are pointing.
Transfers strong rotational input to the skis when the edges are released
Commonly used in short radius turns with a blocking pole plant to stabilize the upper body
Adduction
Movement of the leg toward the midline of the body.
Turning
The rotational action of the skis relative to the surface of the snow.
Result of muscular input used to change the direction the skis point.
A skier’s curved path of descent, or change in direction of travel.
Steering
Actively directing the skis along an intended arc by turning
Pivoting
Rotating a ski about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the snow.
When pivoting, the skis are flat and the skiers direction of travel does not change.
Pivot Point
At the center of the skis, pivoting about the vertical axis of the body.
Pivot Slip
A maneuver where a descending skier quickly pivots the skis to slip sideways while continuing to travel in the same direction as before.
Edge Control
The ability to tip the ski onto its edge and adjust the angle between the base of the ski and the snow.
Edge Control Angle has a significant impact on what two variables?
Speed
Direction of travel
The amount a skier inclines depends on…
Magnitude of force
Edge angle
Turn radius
Pitch of the hill
Snow conditions
Speed of descent
Hip Angulation should be most prevalent at what 2 phases of a turn?
Shaping
Finish
Knee angulation is more prevalent in
Shorter turns
When greater edge angles are required at slower speeds.
Sliding
Forward travel of a flat ski in a straight run down a slope.
Slipping/ Sideslipping
The action of the skis as they travel in a direction sideways to the length of the ski.
The edge angle adjusts the speed of decent without creating a turning force.
Higher edge angles slow the descent while lower edge angles allow speed to increase.
Skidding
Blends forward and sideways action of the skis.
Spectrum: sideslipping-carving
Ankle extension pushes the skis backwards or forwards
Forwards
Ankle flexion pushes the skis forward or backward?
Backward
Equilibrium
When opposing forces are in a state of balance.
