So most people tend to push their skis to an edge. Now that we established that, let’s talk about setting skis on edge. The difference is subtle, but definitely noticable.
Setting the skis on edge happens when the feet and lower legs are tipped in the direction of the desired turn, allowing the edges to grip the snow, this sets the skis carving. It is that simple!?!
Pushing the skis is very common, and involves pushing the skis (base of support) away from the body (center of mass). Most skiers perform this operation in order to “lighten” or “unweight” their skis allowing for a faster turn across the fall line. This may be done to gain confidence and overcome fear at first, but quickly becomes the favored movement pattern.
So the advantages of not pushing the skis include: better grip, better ski performance, and more predictable movement patterns
There are of course times when pushing the skis can prove helpful, but this should not be adopted as the default movement pattern since it doesn’t offer the ski performance needed for day to day skiing.
Next time you head out, play with setting your skis on edge, and enjoy the top part of those turns!