This is a pretty classic drill that hits on all the elements of the skills concept. The “standard” version involves making small steps throughout a series of turns.
There are many variations on the theme of 10,000 or 1,000 steps (depending on how you say it). It can be customized to work for different skills, skier levels, ages and parts of the turn.
Beginners
Any hopping, stepping, or shuffling style activities work on the two most important skills for beginners: balance and rotary. You can use them with just boots and/or one ski then repeat with both skis on flat or very gentle terrain.
Intermediate
Using this kind of drill can help facilitate matching skis. For wedge turners stepping or shuffling drills will improve balance and rotary movements of the inside leg.
You can help more advanced intermediates become parallel skiers by working on engaging and releasing edges. Step to the edges, then flat, then to the new edges.
Your student may be reluctant to pick up a ski. Work into shuffling by starting at the bottom of the turn and stepping progressively earlier. Terrain selection is critical. Also, encourage your students to take steps up the hill to control speed.
Advanced
Advanced students can benefit from feeling when they are in balance and out of balance. It can be equally helpful for edging and pressure management.
Ask advanced skiers to change edges in the middle of the trail so they have enough time to turn before they get to the trees. Don’t pick a busy trail for this.
You’re looking for the moment of truth. Can your student release and re-engage edges? Do they move in the direction of the new turn at transition? Is their pivoting before or after? The drill will be a helpful diagnostic and troubleshooting tool.
Kids
Kids tend to move as a unit. If you can get their eyes, inside hand toes pointed in the same direction, you’ll get them moving. You can take the further to get them stepping on the sides of their boots or the edges of their skis.
Parts of the turn
If you’re student jams the bottom of the turn or rushes the top you can use 10,000 steps to isolate that part of the turn and make adjustments.
There are many variations on the theme of 10,000 or 1,000 steps (depending on how you say it). It can be customized to work for different skills, skier levels, ages and parts of the turn.
Beginners
Any hopping, stepping, or shuffling style activities work on the two most important skills for beginners: balance and rotary. You can use them with just boots and/or one ski then repeat with both skis on flat or very gentle terrain.
Intermediate
Using this kind of drill can help facilitate matching skis. For wedge turners stepping or shuffling drills will improve balance and rotary movements of the inside leg.
You can help more advanced intermediates become parallel skiers by working on engaging and releasing edges. Step to the edges, then flat, then to the new edges.
Your student may be reluctant to pick up a ski. Work into shuffling by starting at the bottom of the turn and stepping progressively earlier. Terrain selection is critical. Also, encourage your students to take steps up the hill to control speed.
Advanced
Advanced students can benefit from feeling when they are in balance and out of balance. It can be equally helpful for edging and pressure management.
Ask advanced skiers to change edges in the middle of the trail so they have enough time to turn before they get to the trees. Don’t pick a busy trail for this.
You’re looking for the moment of truth. Can your student release and re-engage edges? Do they move in the direction of the new turn at transition? Is their pivoting before or after? The drill will be a helpful diagnostic and troubleshooting tool.
Kids
Kids tend to move as a unit. If you can get their eyes, inside hand toes pointed in the same direction, you’ll get them moving. You can take the further to get them stepping on the sides of their boots or the edges of their skis.
Parts of the turn
If you’re student jams the bottom of the turn or rushes the top you can use 10,000 steps to isolate that part of the turn and make adjustments.
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