From basic to advanced skiing, the key lies in mastering the details of your movements, especially edge control, force transfer, and body coordination. The following explains each technique and provides practical training tips.

1.Edge Change Edge change refers to switching the skis from one edge to the other during a turn, allowing the skis to smoothly enter the next arc. A smooth edge change ensures continuous, fluid turns and prevents slipping or losing balance during the transition. Core movements:

Prepare your body posture in the middle to end of the turn.

Bend your knees and hips to gradually transfer weight from the old outside edge to the new outside edge.

The angle of the ski edge comes from body inclination, not simply rotating the skis; this effect is transmitted through leg movements. Training tip: Practice continuous bent-knee edge changes on gentle slopes, keeping your center of gravity stable and smoothly transferring weight toward the new turn direction.

2.Counter Edge Counter edge technique involves applying force on the opposite edge of the ski during a turn to control speed or adjust the turning rhythm. Principles:

At the beginning or end of a turn, slightly pull the edge in the opposite direction to create resistance or redistribute pressure. Training tips:

Practice flexible switching between inside and outside edges, rather than relying on fixed edge angles.

Control the amplitude of the counter edge; too much may cause slipping, too little may have no effect.

3.Edge Lift Edge lift is raising one ski’s edge slightly off the snow using leg movements. Applications:

Useful in narrow terrain, around obstacles, or during rhythm-based turns. Tips:

Relax and activate leg muscles, using hip and knee elasticity to lift the edge.

Coordinate with your weight and turn rhythm, rather than lifting randomly.

4.Weight Transfer Weight transfer is fundamental in all techniques; when moving from one turn to the next, weight must shift from the old outside leg to the new outside leg. Principles and tips:

Gradually transfer weight toward the leg that will become the new outside leg at the end of the turn.

Use knees and hips to adjust pressure so the outside edge firmly grips the snow. Training tips:

Beginners should practice large weight shifts to build the feeling; advanced skiers can practice “seamless weight transfer,” appearing to glide in a straight line while naturally shifting weight to the next edge.

5.Upper Body Rotation Upper body rotation significantly affects efficiency and fluidity. Purpose:

Guide the body into the new direction by rotating the shoulders and hips before starting a turn. Correct technique:

Rotation should come from core control and hips, not from swinging the arms excessively.

Keep shoulders facing downhill to naturally lead the legs and skis into the new turn.

6.Step Turn Step turn involves slightly lifting the skis off the snow during a transition and then placing them back to engage the next edge. Applications:

Useful in narrow terrain or when quick directional changes are needed. Tips:

Practice lifting the inside ski slightly on gentle slopes, then press it back onto the new outside edge.

Ensure rhythm and weight transfer are coordinated to avoid imbalance in the air.

7.Hop Turn Hop turn is an advanced technique for quickly changing direction on certain terrains or tight snow surfaces. Tips:

Use leg spring to lift the skis, not the torso.

Maintain control of your weight and body posture for stability. Training tips:

Begin with small hops on wider slopes to feel ski lift and landing coordination.

Land on the new outside edge to maintain control.

Advanced Turn Sequencing

Anticipate the next direction before entering a turn.

Upper body rotation → edge change → weight transfer.

Use edge lift or hop turns when necessary to adjust rhythm.

Stabilize the outside edge after the turn and prepare for the next action.

Training Tips for Improvement

Start on gentle slopes and practice each technique individually.

Use video feedback or coaching to correct movements.

Rhythm and body coordination are more important than pure strength.

Continuously feel the ski edges interacting with the snow rather than performing movements mechanically.

Conclusion Mastering these advanced techniques requires time and patience. Each practice session improves balance, rhythm, and body coordination. With consistent training, skiers can confidently control their skis in all snow conditions, achieve smoother and more precise turns, and fully enjoy the speed and freedom skiing provides. Remember, skill development relies not only on strength but also on observation, sensation, and precise body control. Only by progressing step by step can every technique be fully integrated into your skiing.