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Carving basics can't be explained by theory alone—you need to complete several foundational lessons, step by step
First, build a concept,What is carving?
1. Carving means sliding forward with the ski edges standing on their sides
2. Your body weight is fully pressed onto the edges
3. The edges are engaged but without scraping the snow—instead, you slide forward along the direction of the edges
What skill level is needed to practice carving?
* Have at least two full ski seasons of experience (included);
* Have skied more than five times in Chongli, or Beidahu, or Yabuli;
* Not overly afraid of speed—at least comfortable with the level of speed reached when free-riding down Nanshan;
* Must be committed to wearing protective gear including a helmet, butt pad, elbow pads, and knee pads.
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Please follow the practice in the following three modules:
Step one: Traverse Sliding Practice
This part mainly involves practicing decomposed movements. Traverse sliding means gliding diagonally downhill toward the side of the slope.
Please repeatedly practice traversing to the left, then come to a stop, then practice traversing to the right—do not connect them together yet.
(See the practice chart for specific repetition counts and strictly follow those numbers)
1. Forward Side Reach -- Forward
(Assuming turning right) Reach your right hand toward the front part of the right ski, press your shin against the tongue of the boot, make a short downhill rush, then gradually turn toward the right downhill;
During the turn, keep the ski edges engaged, but continue reaching your hand forward.
2. Hand to Hip -- Outside Hip
(Assuming turning right) Place both thumbs forward, hands on either side of the hips. First rush a short distance downhill, then traverse. Consciously push your hip uphill (or press or shift it).
3. Knee Push -- Outside Knee
(Assuming turning right) At the start of the traverse, use your left hand to push your right knee outward, pushing the right knee to the right. Obviously, many people can’t reach their right knee with their left hand—visualize an energy field between your hand and knee, where pushing the hand moves the knee. You can also use a small ball or short stick to help perform this action.
4. Martial Arts Fist -- Shoulder Rotation
(Assuming turning right) Make fists with both hands, place them between your ribs, let your shoulders protrude, then traverse. Pay special attention that the shoulders move in sync with the skis—the skis go in which direction, the shoulders should too.
* Especially note, traverse sliding means first rushing downhill, then beginning to turn diagonally forward. When you begin turning diagonally forward, check uphill to ensure no one is approaching for safety.
* Personal Practice Chart This chart is for a single training session. Self-learners may adjust it as needed, but remember: you must complete at least 3 runs, finishing an entire run each time. Finish with a test. It’s best to have someone score you.
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Step two: Edge Transition
Once you've practiced the breakdown of the first step, it's time to start applying these movements. However, during application, additional exercises are needed. Without practicing the second step, many obstacles will arise.
1. Keep Moving Forward
When transitioning between turns, be bold and push forward for a stretch. A practice method could be: after completing one turn, start counting numbers—1, 2, 3, 4, 5—and don’t start the next turn until you’ve counted at least five. The number can be adjusted as you see fit.
2. Feel the Transition Between Inside and Outside Edges with Your Feet
After getting used to pushing forward, begin to gradually feel the transition from the inside edge to the outside edge, and vice versa, within that forward stretch. It may not feel very smooth at first, but try it anyway.
3. Match the Acceleration and Prepare Mentally
Each time you transition between turns, your skis will suddenly speed up. Try saying out loud at the end of each turn: “It’s going to get faster.” This increases your mental preparation time.
4. Move Shoulders Forward, Bend Waist, and Press Knees
After each turn, your center of gravity will inevitably shift backward. After finishing a turn, actively push your shoulders forward. Pushing your shoulders forward will naturally cause your waist to bend, and the resulting pressure should be felt in your knees.
*Personal Practice Chart
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Step Three: Comprehensive Training
This part currently cannot be described fully in writing and can only be accomplished through on-site guidance. First, set a practice routine.
*Training Chart
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