20. The Tempo Turn

The very name suggests the purpose of this turn. At great speed — or, if you like, at accelerated tempo — you can turn to It'll and to right as you ski downhill. This is the turn which the expert ski-runner delights in carrying out, leaving an "ex­haust" of powder snow to mark his trail.

The characteristic features of the tempo turn are its graceful rhythmical movements. At great speed it's no use attempting abrupt powerful movements.

From a running position, well concentrated, with knees Hexed forward, a simultaneous raising and rotation of the body, at the moment when the turn is to he executed, will reduce the pressure on the skis, and enable them to turn more easily into their new line of descent.

In executing all speed turns this movement will prove of great assistance, as well as giving the right   rhythmical  movement.

1.  and 2.   Relaxed  position.   Preparing the turn.
3.   The body is raised swiftly and at the same time rotated, with the outer (left) hip and shoulder thrust forward.
4.   Knees   once   more   together   and   Hexed   forwards,   with   the weight  evenly  distributed  on   both   skis.    Arms  extended   to assist  balance.
5.   Still leaning forward.   The outer ski may edged as required, in  order  to  prevent  side-slipping.
6.   Conclusion of the turn.   Throughout  the turn the skis have been parallel, with the weight evenly distributed on both skis.

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