1) If possible, choose a platform that you feel comfortable standing on. (Even though it may seem like a good idea, you should never unbuckle your skis, turn them by hand, and then put them back on.)
2) Shift all your weight onto the downhill ski.
3) Position both poles high enough so that they don't interfere with the turning motion of your ski. They will also provide you with sufficient stability for the next steps.
4) Lift the uphill ski and turn its tip in the desired direction. Make sure that the end of the uphill ski does not extend beyond the downhill ski. If this is the case, you must push the uphill ski forward until it no longer blocks the downhill ski in order to make the next turn. If the snow is soft enough, you can position the end of the ski at a low angle in the snow – this will provide the stability needed and prevent the ski from locking up. You should now be in a silly, slightly straddle position with your feet pointing in almost opposite directions. It may not feel like it - but you're doing everything right.
5) Position your poles so that you have the stability needed to shift your weight and do the karate kick. This is important. Even if a caffeine-fueled horde of Lycra-clad skimo nerds are standing behind you, yelling at you to hurry up– take enough time to reposition your poles to find the best position for the next move.
6) Shift your weight from the downhill ski to the uphill ski.
This and the next move are some of the most challenging in the hairpin turn, but don't let that discourage you. Relax, take a deep breath and perform a smooth, controlled movement using your poles to maintain balance.
7) Lift your downhill ski and karate kick your heel to push the tail of the ski out and away from you. If done correctly, the tip of the ski swings upwards, around and forwards so that it now points in the desired direction.
8) You did it! If you're still standing after the last step, you'd better suppress the storm of joy that's probably overcoming you now - after all, you want everyone to think that you have the chaos that was just averted under control. Take a few steps to the edge of the trail so that you can cheer on your friends as they try to kick (and to let the skimo guys pass. You could learn a thing or two from them, they are real hairpin bend pros).
Our mountain and ski guides will be happy to show you all the tips and tricks for the perfect ski tour.
Tip: Book in good time :)
