i'd like to add that when a client says they have a strong side and a weak side, it usually can be immediately fixed by measuring the natural stance of the skier and shimming the boot or preferably the binding. when i first started teaching at ski school 20 years ago, it amazed me how much of a difference a shim on my right ski was. nobody has a flat stance, and a flat stance is what you need for the perfect turn. i've "fixed" countless clients by carrying temporary shims and applying them under the boot during the lesson.
It's different pelvic rotation, usually from driving/gas pedalling. I guess a shim can cheat it. I prefer to ski and be punished until my skeleton re-aligns.
If my weak side is my left leg which leads to poor rightward turns (left leg bears most of the pressure), then which side should the shim go in, left or right?
Most skiers I watch (including myself a few years ago) have the opposite problem: too little pressure on the inside ski. Eventually, try the same exercise on one ski but this time on the _inside_ ski. This will radically improve your carving and overall stability in high speed, high load turns.
I'm so glad you posted this i feel like this is my major obstacle when carving. I lose control of my inside ski (I'm guessing because there is not enough pressure on it) and crash and burn. I cant wait to try what youve said.
If slope isn’t that hard to skiing you don’t need inside ski. Basic skiing skills. More pressure on the inside ski may look good but it won’t give that much safety
@ hi, I had this problem too and would be told, “more pressure on the inside ski”. I’d have a A-frame and it took me a while to realise that it’s not pressure. It helps to lead the turn with the inside ski by tipping it onto the little toe edge, keeping the angles across the skis the same. This has to be done with some effort but not pressure on the inside ski. Also, it helps if the inside ski is pulled back and not allowed to get too far ahead of the outside ski. This makes the initiation of the following turn easier.
This is a very helpful video. When I first learned turning, the instructor said put your weight on the outer ski but I didn’t know what that meant. It took me awhile to turn successfully. The stork drill showed me very clearly how that weight transition looks like! Will try that when I go next time!
Appreciate the comment, Mia! The stork drill is a game-changer for understanding weight transition-one of the most critical aspects of effective turning. It’s awesome to hear it clicked for you! Keep refining it, and you’ll notice incredible progress on the slopes. Let us know how it feels next time out there!
Implementing a pole plant would also help Marco with his timing..... timing and turn initiation forces the edge position. As a race coach this practice has helped many performance oriented skiers even out their turns...... typically doesn't perfect it, which is where your exercise and mine combine. Great exercise though!!!
What helps me is saying in my head STAND ON THE TOP SKI EARLIER rather than extend the leg I then say to myself to push my shin forwards as I go up to get my balance over the ski as I roll the lower leg over like a shift in the gearstick of a car . I have a habit of bum back a bit ( two artificial hips to manage! ) what he,ps my wife especially is to open the lower ski thigh as it becomes the uphill ski to allow the angulation to put more edge angle pressure Itry to imagine little skis on the end of my KNEEES not my feet as this seems to help shorter turns . All of this is undone if my hip position is not forward over the ski as I have artificial hips. I’d love some lessons on skiing with artificial hips as I really have to work on ANGULATION to combat the lack of flexibility .i love the TOPPLING EXERCISES when it feels like I ROLL MY HIPS OVER ( NOT SWING THEM) as my upper body stays solid in my core seems to help not soft . I’d love feedback if anyone has the time thanks 🤗
I have got the feeling with carving that the whole position is on the back, "sitting" on skies in comparison to position with sliding, oldschool riding where we are more to the front; such overall observation, looking at different lessons and strugling with carving ;-) I have not found anyone talking about it; if there is difference in weight distribution front-back
On UA-cam nearly alla lessons are commenting back sitting, but when you go to slope all seem skis like that, and with upright boots and upright stance. Nearly alla lower priced boots are all to upright.
Really good video, really like your instructions. when you do the stork turn, do you use your feet to steer the outside ski or is it more just pressure and let the ski do the work?
Thank you Scott! Great question! In the stork turn, it’s a mix of both. The key is to apply pressure on the outside ski while allowing it to engage with the snow, creating the natural turn shape. There’s a subtle steering action from your foot to guide the ski, but the real work is in balancing the pressure and letting the ski carve smoothly. Think of it as guiding rather than forcing the ski to turn. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have more questions!
In my teaching, I suggest ‘pushing the mountain away’ with the outside ski (force transmitted through big toe/instep). Students intuitively understand that command. Then, lifting the inside ski (stork drill), with a focus on lifting the heel forces the student into the correct forward lean. Works almost 100% of the time.
Hi Wen, yes, I’ve actually seen the insole-less prototypes in Zermatt this summer and had the chance to ski with one of the core CARV testers. Unfortunately, I can’t share too many details just yet, but the official launch is scheduled for the 14th of October-I’ll definitely bring all the updates to the channel then! As for the ski pressure metric potentially changing, regardless of the changes, the outside ski pressure drill will always remain one of the best drills to master. I remember a fellow L4 ski instructor once told me, ‘If only everyone practiced and mastered this drill, we’d have far fewer problems when coaching professional ski instructors.’ For subscribers only, here’s a $40 coupon you can use for CARV: shop.sensiel.ch/products/carv-ai-ski-instructor. Thanks for your comment, and stay tuned!
Luckily, Outside Ski Pressure was only ever an indicator. In fact, CARV never specified a target for that "metric" because you could score extremely highly (in terms of overall Ski:IQ) but with highly varying levels of Outside Ski Pressure. It's also pretty easy to feel for the balance switch underfoot, especially with these types of drills. I look forward to the discussion over the ramifications of CARV 2 app and hardware when the embargo lifts.
Good point, Kuan! Outside Ski Pressure has always been more of an indicator. With CARV 2 moving to insole-less sensors, it’s going to be interesting to see how it improves tracking. Are you a CARV user yourself? Looking forward to discussing all the new features once it’s officially out!
@@stefanslock Thanks for your comment, Stefan. The move to insole-less sensors was aimed at solving issues for custom-fitted boots and improving reliability, as the insoles were sometimes not as accurate. I’ve been testing CARV 2 behind the scenes but still use CARV 1 insoles on some setups. Hoping to share a proper comparison of both versions on the channel soon. Support for CARV 1 users should still be in place due to pre-paid memberships, though rollout details might need clarity 🥲.
Thanks for your question! This was on Piste 86 Gobba di Rollin (3889 m, T-bar may be closed in winter as it’s too cold 🥶) and Piste 85 in Zermatt-perfect terrain for perfecting drills!
Problem with these storks are you have to handle yours skis somewhat to achieve doing that. Too much words and telling, it easier to teach that skiin is not any special, you use one foot at a time, just like walking, skating, cros-country skiing, even cycling, only one foot at a time. If that is kept in mind it starts to flow. In alpine sking the problem is you cannot learn by seeing others, a 1)nearly all others suck 2) you do not see the weight transitions like: If someone stands front of you, you have to ask which foot is your weight now? ;-) But again: my lesson is: one foot a time, just like walking. And, do not next ask, which one? -like you ever missed it in your walking? ;-D
Thanks for the comment! The Fischer RC4s aren’t the most forgiving, but with good posture, balance, and precise edging, they offer an exhilarating and joyful ride. They can be tiring over a long day since they constantly want to turn fast on their edges. Elite ski instructors always prioritize precision and technique over equipment-this is a core mantra in high-level instruction. When the execution is perfect, equipment plays a smaller role. However, racing skis like the RC4 do require both precision and strength to perform at their best. Maybe in a future video, we’ll compare the impact of ski selection on classic ski drills, as many reviews can feel biased or subjective, without highlighting what skis can or can’t do. It’s also a matter of preferences-try skiing in powder with race skis, or being the fastest through gates with all-mountain skis, and you’ll see the difference. After all that, I must admit I love the RC4s, but not when I’m demonstrating basic snow ploughs or skiing on flat terrain!
I don't think it's that way. I'm an intermediate skier and have the same ones. You just have to edge a little so that they bend well. The boy keeps his skis very flat.
@@luisbarilo Thanks for your input, Luis! You’re right-edging is key with the RC4s, and they’re a joy to ski when handled well. Skiing is all about refining technique, and skis like these really push that to the next level. Looking forward to sharing more insights soon on how to get the most out of them!
Also my First thought when i saw the guy in black with the SL FIS Raceski. I also got a pair of these a know them very well. For a person learning how to carve and do slalom turns it’s definitely the wrongest ski to choose, it needs very clear inputs and is hard to control if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you do it’s an amazing ski which is very fast an precise. Of course it is being a competitive race ski. But for a learner I would try something less heavy and more flexible that forgives mistakes and doesn’t drain you as much in the beginning. One tier down there is the Worldcup SC from Fischer as well, but it still has that typical Fischer advanced feel which makes the ski more versatile for an advanced skier but more difficult for a beginner. In the last years i tested a lot of skis from Head. An in general they are more forgiving and a bit “boring” (at least for me as a mostly Fischer guy), but that’s makes them more easy to carve. I use the sometimes on a relaxed day when skiing with the family. For a beginner the e-slr or e-sl would be something to try. They are easy to carve while you can learn to lean deeper into the edge. Edit, I changed to my iPad from my tiny phone screen while watching and noticed the Marco actually is using the Fischer SC and not the SL. Is I sad still not the best beginner ski, but more suitable. Maybe my comment still is interesting for someone.
Thanks for your comment, Jennifer! You’re right-the RC4 is a powerful ski and can feel like a lot for intermediate skiers. But when you dial in posture, balance, and precision, they really come alive. I personally love them for their energy and responsiveness, though they’re not my go-to for demonstrating basics or skiing on flat terrain!
Great question, Maria! The Stork Turn drill is beneficial at all levels. It’s fantastic for building control by focusing on balance, edge control, and body positioning. For intermediates, it’s a great way to enhance control, while advanced skiers can use it to boost precision. Have you tried it?
The step turn is to correct the abstem. Weight transfer has many different mechanics, muscular... ballistic... momentum is the best. You start slow and steady continuous round turn shapes focusing on weight transfer with consistent slow speed. keep momentum out of it for a while... then start to put a bit more juice into the flow feeling new sensations of compaction satisfaction under foot.
I m not at all convinced of this teacher and his teaching methods; besides the student has too stiff racing skis, the speed is too slow, his legs are stiffand lack power. In turns he does not stay down before lighting up. He or any other learns nothing of this. Sorry.
Hi @Capo51, Let’s keep this platform constructive. The world’s top coaches don’t blame equipment or physical conditioning-they focus on guiding skiers to master awareness, refine technique, and build strategy. This transformative drill emphasizes measured metrics and the sensations critical to progression, especially when execution is slowed down for precision. Blaming external factors misses the point of what elite instruction is all about.
Appreciate your input! Every element of this drill is part of a progression that’s been carefully crafted and tested by top instructors to refine key fundamentals. What you see here is just one piece of the puzzle. Always open to constructive conversations that help push skiing technique forward!
I used to be conceited about how great I ski, but I got over it & now I'm perfect.
i'd like to add that when a client says they have a strong side and a weak side, it usually can be immediately fixed by measuring the natural stance of the skier and shimming the boot or preferably the binding. when i first started teaching at ski school 20 years ago, it amazed me how much of a difference a shim on my right ski was. nobody has a flat stance, and a flat stance is what you need for the perfect turn. i've "fixed" countless clients by carrying temporary shims and applying them under the boot during the lesson.
So true
It's different pelvic rotation, usually from driving/gas pedalling. I guess a shim can cheat it. I prefer to ski and be punished until my skeleton re-aligns.
Do you have som pics of shims or where to buy them?
If my weak side is my left leg which leads to poor rightward turns (left leg bears most of the pressure), then which side should the shim go in, left or right?
You should go to the gym or practice on the slope.
Most skiers I watch (including myself a few years ago) have the opposite problem: too little pressure on the inside ski. Eventually, try the same exercise on one ski but this time on the _inside_ ski. This will radically improve your carving and overall stability in high speed, high load turns.
I'm so glad you posted this i feel like this is my major obstacle when carving. I lose control of my inside ski (I'm guessing because there is not enough pressure on it) and crash and burn. I cant wait to try what youve said.
If slope isn’t that hard to skiing you don’t need inside ski. Basic skiing skills. More pressure on the inside ski may look good but it won’t give that much safety
@@lukelambert3179it’s not so much pressure on the inside skin but that it has to be be tipped onto the little toe edge.
@panjang4709 thanks I feel like when I'm skiing red runs I lose my inside ski a lot and in my head this is because I don't put enough pressure on it?
@ hi, I had this problem too and would be told, “more pressure on the inside ski”. I’d have a A-frame and it took me a while to realise that it’s not pressure. It helps to lead the turn with the inside ski by tipping it onto the little toe edge, keeping the angles across the skis the same. This has to be done with some effort but not pressure on the inside ski. Also, it helps if the inside ski is pulled back and not allowed to get too far ahead of the outside ski. This makes the initiation of the following turn easier.
This is a very helpful video. When I first learned turning, the instructor said put your weight on the outer ski but I didn’t know what that meant. It took me awhile to turn successfully. The stork drill showed me very clearly how that weight transition looks like! Will try that when I go next time!
Appreciate the comment, Mia! The stork drill is a game-changer for understanding weight transition-one of the most critical aspects of effective turning. It’s awesome to hear it clicked for you! Keep refining it, and you’ll notice incredible progress on the slopes. Let us know how it feels next time out there!
Good to see videos of Zermatt. I skied there many times and Cervinia on the other side.
Implementing a pole plant would also help Marco with his timing..... timing and turn initiation forces the edge position. As a race coach this practice has helped many performance oriented skiers even out their turns...... typically doesn't perfect it, which is where your exercise and mine combine. Great exercise though!!!
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE ❤❤
What helps me is saying in my head STAND ON THE TOP SKI EARLIER rather than extend the leg I then say to myself to push my shin forwards as I go up to get my balance over the ski as I roll the lower leg over like a shift in the gearstick of a car . I have a habit of bum back a bit ( two artificial hips to manage! ) what he,ps my wife especially is to open the lower ski thigh as it becomes the uphill ski to allow the angulation to put more edge angle pressure Itry to imagine little skis on the end of my KNEEES not my feet as this seems to help shorter turns . All of this is undone if my hip position is not forward over the ski as I have artificial hips. I’d love some lessons on skiing with artificial hips as I really have to work on ANGULATION to combat the lack of flexibility .i love the TOPPLING EXERCISES when it feels like I ROLL MY HIPS OVER ( NOT SWING THEM) as my upper body stays solid in my core seems to help not soft . I’d love feedback if anyone has the time thanks 🤗
Hi thank you for your coaching I am looking forward to winter cheers Andrew
Great video thanks for sharing the good tips.
Thanks, Adam! Glad you enjoyed the video and found the tips helpful. Keep practicing, and let me know how it works for you out on the slopes!
Excellent. That looks a good piste in summer. Great teaching.
Worthless teaching. Sorry. Just bad instruction.
I have got the feeling with carving that the whole position is on the back, "sitting" on skies in comparison to position with sliding, oldschool riding where we are more to the front; such overall observation, looking at different lessons and strugling with carving ;-) I have not found anyone talking about it; if there is difference in weight distribution front-back
On UA-cam nearly alla lessons are commenting back sitting, but when you go to slope all seem skis like that, and with upright boots and upright stance. Nearly alla lower priced boots are all to upright.
Fantastic colour 😍
Really good video, really like your instructions. when you do the stork turn, do you use your feet to steer the outside ski or is it more just pressure and let the ski do the work?
Thank you Scott! Great question! In the stork turn, it’s a mix of both. The key is to apply pressure on the outside ski while allowing it to engage with the snow, creating the natural turn shape. There’s a subtle steering action from your foot to guide the ski, but the real work is in balancing the pressure and letting the ski carve smoothly. Think of it as guiding rather than forcing the ski to turn. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have more questions!
In my teaching, I suggest ‘pushing the mountain away’ with the outside ski (force transmitted through big toe/instep). Students intuitively understand that command. Then, lifting the inside ski (stork drill), with a focus on lifting the heel forces the student into the correct forward lean. Works almost 100% of the time.
The new CARV is getting rid of the pressure insole.
Hi Wen, yes, I’ve actually seen the insole-less prototypes in Zermatt this summer and had the chance to ski with one of the core CARV testers. Unfortunately, I can’t share too many details just yet, but the official launch is scheduled for the 14th of October-I’ll definitely bring all the updates to the channel then!
As for the ski pressure metric potentially changing, regardless of the changes, the outside ski pressure drill will always remain one of the best drills to master. I remember a fellow L4 ski instructor once told me, ‘If only everyone practiced and mastered this drill, we’d have far fewer problems when coaching professional ski instructors.’
For subscribers only, here’s a $40 coupon you can use for CARV: shop.sensiel.ch/products/carv-ai-ski-instructor. Thanks for your comment, and stay tuned!
Luckily, Outside Ski Pressure was only ever an indicator.
In fact, CARV never specified a target for that "metric" because you could score extremely highly (in terms of overall Ski:IQ) but with highly varying levels of Outside Ski Pressure.
It's also pretty easy to feel for the balance switch underfoot, especially with these types of drills.
I look forward to the discussion over the ramifications of CARV 2 app and hardware when the embargo lifts.
Good point, Kuan! Outside Ski Pressure has always been more of an indicator. With CARV 2 moving to insole-less sensors, it’s going to be interesting to see how it improves tracking. Are you a CARV user yourself? Looking forward to discussing all the new features once it’s officially out!
It's really is a pity
@@stefanslock Thanks for your comment, Stefan. The move to insole-less sensors was aimed at solving issues for custom-fitted boots and improving reliability, as the insoles were sometimes not as accurate. I’ve been testing CARV 2 behind the scenes but still use CARV 1 insoles on some setups. Hoping to share a proper comparison of both versions on the channel soon. Support for CARV 1 users should still be in place due to pre-paid memberships, though rollout details might need clarity 🥲.
Thanks
Which slope in Zermatt was this?
Thanks for your question! This was on Piste 86 Gobba di Rollin (3889 m, T-bar may be closed in winter as it’s too cold 🥶) and Piste 85 in Zermatt-perfect terrain for perfecting drills!
@marcogiardinastories thanks so much for the quick response, gonna check it out tomorrow, the view looks amazing :) hope it will be open
Nice 👍❤
Just take a few runs on one ski, right ski and left ski. It will do you a world of good.
2:06, I don't believe Marco is really that bad. He is just demonstrating hesitant and jerky technique.
Problem with these storks are you have to handle yours skis somewhat to achieve doing that. Too much words and telling, it easier to teach that skiin is not any special, you use one foot at a time, just like walking, skating, cros-country skiing, even cycling, only one foot at a time. If that is kept in mind it starts to flow. In alpine sking the problem is you cannot learn by seeing others, a 1)nearly all others suck 2) you do not see the weight transitions like: If someone stands front of you, you have to ask which foot is your weight now? ;-) But again: my lesson is: one foot a time, just like walking. And, do not next ask, which one? -like you ever missed it in your walking? ;-D
Fischer RC4 skis seems too strong for this skier. Try more forgiving skis that he can bend.
Thanks for the comment! The Fischer RC4s aren’t the most forgiving, but with good posture, balance, and precise edging, they offer an exhilarating and joyful ride. They can be tiring over a long day since they constantly want to turn fast on their edges. Elite ski instructors always prioritize precision and technique over equipment-this is a core mantra in high-level instruction. When the execution is perfect, equipment plays a smaller role. However, racing skis like the RC4 do require both precision and strength to perform at their best. Maybe in a future video, we’ll compare the impact of ski selection on classic ski drills, as many reviews can feel biased or subjective, without highlighting what skis can or can’t do. It’s also a matter of preferences-try skiing in powder with race skis, or being the fastest through gates with all-mountain skis, and you’ll see the difference. After all that, I must admit I love the RC4s, but not when I’m demonstrating basic snow ploughs or skiing on flat terrain!
I don't think it's that way. I'm an intermediate skier and have the same ones. You just have to edge a little so that they bend well. The boy keeps his skis very flat.
@@luisbarilo Thanks for your input, Luis! You’re right-edging is key with the RC4s, and they’re a joy to ski when handled well. Skiing is all about refining technique, and skis like these really push that to the next level.
Looking forward to sharing more insights soon on how to get the most out of them!
My only point of disagreement is that I find the snowplow/wedge to be the biggest impediment to advancement in skiing, bar none.
Also my First thought when i saw the guy in black with the SL FIS Raceski. I also got a pair of these a know them very well. For a person learning how to carve and do slalom turns it’s definitely the wrongest ski to choose, it needs very clear inputs and is hard to control if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you do it’s an amazing ski which is very fast an precise. Of course it is being a competitive race ski.
But for a learner I would try something less heavy and more flexible that forgives mistakes and doesn’t drain you as much in the beginning. One tier down there is the Worldcup SC from Fischer as well, but it still has that typical Fischer advanced feel which makes the ski more versatile for an advanced skier but more difficult for a beginner.
In the last years i tested a lot of skis from Head. An in general they are more forgiving and a bit “boring” (at least for me as a mostly Fischer guy), but that’s makes them more easy to carve. I use the sometimes on a relaxed day when skiing with the family. For a beginner the e-slr or e-sl would be something to try. They are easy to carve while you can learn to lean deeper into the edge.
Edit, I changed to my iPad from my tiny phone screen while watching and noticed the Marco actually is using the Fischer SC and not the SL. Is I sad still not the best beginner ski, but more suitable. Maybe my comment still is interesting for someone.
Ciao Plateau rosa , quanti giorni fa ?
Ciao, era circa dodici giorni fa … tempo splendido … e piste non affollate
Where are you skiing this summer?
Zermatt, Switzerland and is definitely worth it … stunning conditions and skiing with world top class ski racers literally all around …
Old fashion terminology….tipping might be better….start the turn with the foot🙏🙏
RC4 is a consumer “race” ski, too much ski for an intermediate skier…
Thanks for your comment, Jennifer! You’re right-the RC4 is a powerful ski and can feel like a lot for intermediate skiers. But when you dial in posture, balance, and precision, they really come alive. I personally love them for their energy and responsiveness, though they’re not my go-to for demonstrating basics or skiing on flat terrain!
Is that intermediate?
Great question, Maria! The Stork Turn drill is beneficial at all levels. It’s fantastic for building control by focusing on balance, edge control, and body positioning. For intermediates, it’s a great way to enhance control, while advanced skiers can use it to boost precision. Have you tried it?
Wer ist alles Schweizer 😂
That pulsing MG logo on bottom right of the video is a real distraction
This is a step turn which you are trying to get rid of.
The step turn is to correct the abstem. Weight transfer has many different mechanics, muscular... ballistic... momentum is the best. You start slow and steady continuous round turn shapes focusing on weight transfer with consistent slow speed. keep momentum out of it for a while... then start to put a bit more juice into the flow feeling new sensations of compaction satisfaction under foot.
yup. it can be fixed by simply shimming the binding or boot. the step or "flinch" is caused by having a slightly uneven stance.
I m not at all convinced of this teacher and his teaching methods; besides the student has too stiff racing skis, the speed is too slow, his legs are stiffand lack power. In turns he does not stay down before lighting up.
He or any other learns nothing of this. Sorry.
Hi @Capo51,
Let’s keep this platform constructive. The world’s top coaches don’t blame equipment or physical conditioning-they focus on guiding skiers to master awareness, refine technique, and build strategy. This transformative drill emphasizes measured metrics and the sensations critical to progression, especially when execution is slowed down for precision. Blaming external factors misses the point of what elite instruction is all about.
Yes, plus doing low speed drills on frozen corduroy!
Never teach it moving this slowly.
Pointless. He's not learning anything.
Appreciate your input! Every element of this drill is part of a progression that’s been carefully crafted and tested by top instructors to refine key fundamentals. What you see here is just one piece of the puzzle. Always open to constructive conversations that help push skiing technique forward!
@@marcogiardinastoriesagree!
Very hard to hear and follow. Makes no sense.