Skill Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Summary: Many skiers believe that leaning forward is the key to balance, but this approach is limiting. Discover why unlocking your lower legs is the real secret to staying in control.
The Ski Balance Myth
If you've been skiing for a while, you've probably heard this classic tip: "Lean forward!" While it’s not entirely wrong, it's also not the full story.
Relying too much on upper-body balance can actually make you stiff, reducing your ability to react to changes in terrain. The real key? Using your lower legs dynamically to stay balanced and in control.
Let’s dive into why shifting your balance from your foot’s ball to your heel can change the way you ski forever.
The Problem: Relying Too Much on the Upper Body
Traditional ski balance advice often encourages:
❌ Leaning aggressively forward
❌ Locking your ankles into a rigid stance
❌ Using your upper body for balance
This approach works against the terrain instead of moving with it. When your lower body is stiff, all the balancing happens from your torso and arms, making turns feel forced and unbalanced.
The Fix: Instead of relying on your upper body, shift your balance point to the front of your heel and allow your lower legs to move freely.
How to Find the Right Balance Point
✅ Instead of standing on the balls of your feet, try shifting your weight.
✅ This unlocks more range of motion in your ankles, allowing better flexibility.
✅ It keeps your center of mass over your base of support, improving overall stability.
Why This Works: The Science of Balance
Professional skiers don’t just hold one position—they are constantly adjusting their feet, allowing their lower legs to absorb terrain changes instead of relying on their arms or upper body.
When you move your feet forward or back, you adjust your center of mass without overcompensating with your torso. This allows for smoother turns and better control at all speeds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Mistake 1: Keeping Ankles Locked
If your ankles are stiff, you can’t absorb movement properly.
🚫 Mistake 2: Using Arms for Balance
Flailing arms means you're not centered over your skis.
🚫 Mistake 3: Leaning Too Far Forward
This makes it harder to react quickly when conditions change.
Instead, relax your ankles and focus on subtle lower-leg movement.
Lean Less, Move More
Skiing isn’t about staying static—it’s about flowing with the snow. By shifting your balance point and unlocking your lower legs, you’ll be able to react faster, turn smoother, and ski with more confidence.
🎥 To learn more, check out the full video from Carv, where we'll break down the complete progression of unlocking better balance.
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