Parabolic Ski Tips and Techniques
Alpine skiing was revolutionized in the mid 1990’s by the introduction of the parabolic ski. Suddenly, alpine skiers were able to make sharper turns and ski down more challenging slopes with increased precision. Not only could alpine skiers with parabolic skis do all this, they suffered much less fatigue from skiing, as the parabolic ski transferred the hard work from the leg muscles to the skis.
What is it about parabolic skis that make them so perfect for difficult slopes? The secret is in the shape of the ski. Parabolic skis have an hourglass shape, with the middle of the ski being the skinniest part and the ends of the skis wider. Parabolic skis are also a bit shorter than the straight-cut traditional alpine skis. The hourglass shape of the parabolic ski allows energy to be transferred through the ski during a turn. This makes turns, and especially sharp turns, much easier to complete without wiping out. In the past, sharp turns had been especially problematic for beginners, and they kept all but the most advanced skiers off the most challenging slopes. Today, skiers with relatively little experience are able to handle more challenging terrain. More advanced skiers are now able to execute tricks once limited to snowboarding.
Another advantage of parabolic skis is their versatility-they can be used for back-country skiing or as Telemark skis. This means that skiers are not limited to certain types of slopes or terrain-parabolic skis deliver the possibility of trying all types of skills. Therein lies the challenge-those who plan to use parabolic skis on many different types of ski hills should learn as many different skills and techniques as possible. Parabolic skis may make alpine skiing easier and less tiring, but they are not magic, and can not take the place of training and practice. The following tips and techniques will help you as you conquer difficult slopes with your parabolic skis.
There is nothing more enjoyable than using your parabolic skis to carve up a fresh, snow-covered ski slope. You may struggle a bit the first time you attempt this skill, but usually, carving doesn’t take very long to master. You should start with your feet about shoulder width apart and your shoulders squared off with the rest of your body. Many first-time parabolic skiers make the mistake of twisting their bodies to face the bottom of the hill as their skis face sideways. Instead, face the tips of your skis at all times-this will help you keep your skis on edge, which is the trick to successful carving.
To ski on edge, you’ll want to shift most of your weight to the ski that is closest to the bottom of the slope. Then, roll to the edge of your skis, avoiding any bending in the waist. If you are on edge and your body is straight, you should be inclined slightly away from the hill. Your parabolic skis need to stay on edge throughout the entire turn. To stay on edge as you carve, roll your ankles and knees toward the top of the ski slope. As you finish the turn, gradually stop rolling your ankles and knees and bring your legs directly under your body again. Back in the beginning position, you’ll be ready to start your next turn.
A good way to practice carving and feel more comfortable with your skis on edge is to find a wide bunny slope that isn’t busy and slowly ski down the slope in a tucked position. Slowly roll your ankles and put your skis on edge, and try to keep them that way for the remainder of the hill. Repeat this process until you feel comfortable in a tuck with rolled ankles. Then, practice skiing down the bunny slope with rolled ankles, but this time rolling your knees as well. Carve as you would on a steeper hill, but make your turns long and slow, until you are able to keep your skis on edge for the entire turn.
The parabolic ski will enable you to take your skiing to new levels once you’ve practiced on gentler hills and gotten the feel for them. Practice carving techniques on the bunny hills, and soon you’ll be tearing up the black diamonds!
