Estimate

Say a speed and try to match it.
Whoever gets the closest measured speed wins.

Estimate your speed with a variety of different styles such as parallel turns, short turns, carving or riding switch.

Measure

Try to hit 30 km/h.

Practice organisation:

Use the resort’s speed trap or an app or set up your own speed trap.

What you need:

5 m of cord, 4 poles or similar, 1 stopwatch, the speed table below

Instructions:

1. Measure a 20 m stretch at the edge of a blue piste.
2. Mark out a start line and a finish line (e.g. with poles).
3. Stand by the finish line and measure the time taken from the start line to the finish line. Always use the same fixed measuring point, e.g. the front tip of the ski or the shin.
4. Check the time against the table to see the speed. This is only a rough guide because the measurement isn’t very accurate.

Speed table

Reaction exercises

Callout
In a group of two, one rides behind the other and calls out. The person in front has to stop on hearing the call.

Elimination
A fun way to practise stopping: everyone rides together and has to stop as soon as the leader turns around. If you keep going, you’re out.

Directing traffic
Alternate between stopping, riding the fall line and sliding in the traverse position. The leader gives signals like a police officer directing traffic, and the group follows them. Agree the signals for stopping, riding straight down and slipping sideways before you start.

Stopping exercises

Try out different stopping methods such as speed check and power slide.

Estimate your stopping distance

Pick a specific place to stop, and estimate your stopping distance in advance.

Choose a turning style to stay in control at a constant speed along a particular stretch of piste.

Take account of the following:

• Piste difficulty
• Piste width
• Conditions
• Other piste users