Webbski Ski & Snowboard School

Tip of the Month: Flex for Better Control!

By Matt Marinos, Ski School Technical Director - Emeritus

Expert skiers have better control because they maintain constant contact with the snow. For better control on the slopes, make sure you flex with all your joints.

Bumps often make that difficult. To handle rough terrain like a professional flex your hips, knees and ankles together so they act like shock absorbers. All three joints should flex equally. Let the bump push you legs up into your body and extend in the troughs between bumps.

But what about larger bumps? Don't the boots limit how far you can flex? And how do you flex without sitting back? The answer is to continue flexing your knees and hips equally (see below) even after your ankles have reached the front of your boots.

The key word to remember is "equal" when it comes to flexing. Flexing only the knees will leave you in a sitting position that strains your legs and makes balance difficult. Flexing only at the waist will leave you leaning too far forward which tightens back muscles and make the next bump tough to absorb. Finally, don't forget your hands. Reach them forward as your flex in one smooth motion to stay centered over your skis.

Proper flexing is a key to better skiing. Give it a try the next time you are on the slopes!