Getting out of the wedge and into parallel (via a wedge christie)

A few weeks ago I wrote about how I teach a wedge turn, the primary fundamental input I focus on, and some reasons why a student might struggle.  You can read that post here.  Following on from that, how do we make wedge turners into parallel skiers?  There's a little step in-between called a wedge christie.  This is when the inside ski of a wedge turn spontaneously matches the outside ski and is parallel.  The key word here is spontaneous.  It is not forced by the skier and can happen at any point during the turn.  It will only happen if the skier is making effective and efficient movements that allow the skis to perform on the snow.

How Do You Coach Balance?

A few years ago when I was preparing for my Level 2 teaching exam, I called the trainer from the first mountain I worked at for some tips.  He told me not to coach balance at the exam.  Why?  Balance is a very intrinsic thing.  I can't balance for you, only create sensations that allow you to remain in balance.  This was when the PSIA only had 4 fundamentals; balance, edging, rotary, pressure.  (There are now 5 fundamentals, which go into more detail).

How I Passed My Level 2 Teaching Exam

Level 2 can be a tough one.  There's a big gap between the skills and knowledge needed to pass Level 1 and the jump to Level 2.  This approach might not work for everyone, but it served me well.  You may also have to teach tactics vs technique, so have some drills up your sleeve that will change how your students think about skiing down the hill.

How I Structure My Lessons

When I first meet a new student I introduce myself and start asking questions to better understand why they are taking a lesson.  Questions like, "when was the last time you skied?", "what trails do you normally ski on?" or "do you play any sports?".  This may seem obvious but it's important to know your student's needs.  Ask as many questions as you can think of, the lesson is about the student and not about you.

Review: Rossignol Experience 88 HD 164cm

Brand: Rossignol
Model: 2017 Experience 88 HD
Length/Radius: 164cm/13m
Dimensions: 135-88-124

I came to this ski after skiing on the Rossignol Experience 84 last season at 170cm.  I found at that length the ski was just a little long for me as I'm 5'8" and weigh only 130lbs.  The 84 is a great all mountain ski but I found it gave up edge grip on the really firm stuff due to its lack of torsional rigidity.  I just couldn't drive the tips hard enough to bite without them giving up.

Wedge Turns

I often see wedge turns taught in a variety of ways.  Some more effective, some less effective, and some which may create barriers preventing skill development further down the line for the student.  What is the main skill/fundamental of a wedge turn?  In the novice-beginner zone, the main fundamental we teach is turning, pivoting and steering the skis with leg rotation.  Before our students even click into their skis, we teach them how to draw bow-ties in the snow with their boots, how to herringbone and eventually make a wedge.  All these skills require leg rotation.  So let's break it down.