Switchbacks: How do you do 'em?

I watched a member of our party do the stepover "Dartmouth" turn all day a few weeks ago, and my knees ached every time I watched him!

Here's a little video of Jane demonstrating the Dartmouth turn at our campsite on Sasse Ridge this Wednesday. 12 mb, windows media file format.

www.larryscascaderesource.com/pics/DartmouthTurn.wmv


And yes, Jane is, or should I say was a full-time ski instructor. But she is retired and no longer has ski instructor malpractice insurance, therefore this video is *strictly for entertainment purposes only* and should not be used for any other purpose. Don't even think about trying this turn without competent, certified instruction from recognized ski schools who display the "We Teach the Dartmouth Turn" logo.

Larry

Larry/Jane,

That was an excellent demo.  My hip flexor would require considerable stretching before I tried that move.  Is there a Middlebury(Vermont) alternative ?   

I have been very impressed with the Dartmouth turn as I watch it being done by Clem and a few others. When I try it, I get just to the point where I am about to set my new uphill ski to the snow and my entire ski life flashes before my mind. I suspect that if I went any further I would hear loud snapping and crunching sounds and never walk -- much less ski -- again.

Just thought I would weigh in with a boarder's perspective. As a longtime boarder and shorter time splitboarder, I have self taught (watching AT pals) and turn very much like Lowell. The heavy end of the board is at the tip so the heel tap is important for uphill and downhill ski. My second trip with a splitboard was up left of the phantom following stronger, more experienced and impatient skiiers with a miners nose for elevation gain. Perfect for learning in a hurry. Nearly new board looked like it had 2 or 3 seasons after that trip. I'm curious about the downhill initiated turn, doesn't that lose a little elevation and make it hard to stay in the track?

Regarding the downhill kick turn. Yes, you lose a little elevation and if you are the first in line others will have to wait. It is however the only approved PSIA kick turn taught for years, with both nordic and alpine instructors using it. I got lots of brownie points one year in an exam when I taught the Dartmouth turn and no one had ever seen it before.
As for the knees, it all depends on your natural stance. I find the Dartmouth turn is much less of a stretch for me than the downhill kick turn. Easier on the knees and the hips. A way to lessen the strain is to bend forward at the waist, lean on both poles uphill of the skis ( base permitting) once you have your skis crossed. This allows you to not only support a heavy pack without wiggles, but it also allows you to acutely flex the downhill knee and twirl the downhill ski freely around to match the uphill ski. Looks tricky, everyone thinks you are a wizard and no one realizes how easy it is. If you look at the video carefully, one of the turns is done with the poles both planted on the uphill side. Study this one for the double pole technique.
Jane

Larry and Larry's Sister,

I have never seen that done, thanks for the video and the slow mo, I don't think I'd been able to get a good look at the technique if you hadn't slowed it down.

And by the way, I turn the same as Lowell but I'm going to give the Dartmouth a try.