Training and technique

How to Kick Turn

A Kick turn is used for cutting a new upward diagonal path on steep sections. Once you have traversed so far up the face, you will want to kick turn to zig zag your way up the hill. It is done by securing the downhill ski firmly in the snow, then you lift the uphill ski in front of your body and place it facing across the slope in the other direction, with heel end more or less at the heel end of your downhill ski. You ensure this ski is fixed in place, and balancing with the help of your poles, you lift the downhill ski, kicking it up to get out of the snow, and allow it to come to rest alongside the uphill ski (which has now become the downhill ski). Tricky? Get a lesson with a guide or click here to see a video demo.

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