Be sure to read Jerry Garwick's very informative article about Harold Harb and the Primary Movement Teaching System! click here

ANATOMICAL ALIGNMENT AND YOUR SKIING
By Maria Fermoile PT, OCS
Certified PMTS Ski Instructor and Skier Alignment Specialist

Have you ever thought that your anatomical alignment (how your bones stack up skeletally) could affect your skiing? Actually our individual alignment can play a “major” role in our skiing ability! Skiing is about being able to balance on 2 slippery boards while sliding down a slippery hill! The ability to balance and regain balance in this highly dynamic situation can mean the difference in who wins a World Cup Race or a Gold Medal in the Olympics.

Bode Miller is an excellent example of a high level skier who has amazing ability to regain his balance---did you see him nearly fall in the downhill portion of the Olympic Alpine combined event? Amazingly his was able to regain his balance, complete the race and go on to win a Silver Medal in the event! The US women’s downhill coach, Jim Tracy, says that with the new skis and new technique (see article on the new skis and technique in ski tip section) “It’s important to be really balanced on these skis and let the skis do 90% of the work!”

diagram 1.

So how does your alignment affect your balance?

Well let me give you couple of examples...Lets say you are “knock kneed”. If we put you on skis in this position you will end up automatically having increased pressure on the big toe edge of your skis (see diagram 1). As a result you will have difficulty balancing and riding a “flat ski”, difficulty going straight on cat tracks, "catching edges", and difficulty trying to get out of the last turn because your ski doesn’t want to let go of the turn you are in!

diagram 2.

If you are “Bowlegged” you will have more pressure on the “little toe” edge of your skis (see diagram 2). This can cause you to catch your little toe edge, make it difficult balance on and hold your big toe edge in the snow to complete your turns, and it can pull your skis apart because each ski is being pulled toward its little toe edge

There are many other anatomical alignment problems that may be limiting your skiing potential! These problems are not your fault- it’s just your own individual anatomy! The GOOD NEWS is that skiing is one of the few sports where we can accommodate alignment problems and get you in a more optimal position so you can balance!

figure 1.

How do you know if your alignment needs to be assessed?

Practice a straight run in easy terrain and try balancing on one ski (see figure 1 & 2), ride on it for 10-15 yards and then try to stand and balance on the other ski and ride it for 10-15 yards. What happens when you try this? First, can you balance on one ski? Can you balance and slide with minimal upper or lower body compensation? Does your ski track straight or does it veer one direction or another? If you are having difficulty with this exercise it may be your anatomical alignment keeping you off balance!

figure 2.

What is involved in getting ALIGNED?

Good alignment involves a comprehensive assessment of your static (indoor skeletal assessment) and dynamic alignment (on snow assessment of your ability to balance on each ski). Alignment starts with a good footbed which will provide the foundation for your skiing. Then the information obtained from your indoor and outdoor assessment is applied to the equipment you are currently using. From there your alignment can be integrated and optimized to your equipment, and/or recommendations made for equipment that will help optimize your alignment and ability to balance!

If you would like to learn more about downhill skier alignment check out www.harbskisystems.com, or Anyone Can Be An Expert Skier 1 by Harald Harb. If you are interested in having your indoor alignment or on snow alignment assessed contact me at maria@theskiwizard.com to set up an appointment. For more information on how to Improve your balance see article in fitness section.

Maria Fermoile PT, OCS -- is a Physical Therapist and an Orthopedic Certified Specialist with 14 years of experience treating Orthopedic and Sports injuries. She has combined her expertise of the human body and biomechanics with her passion for skiing. She is a Certified PMTS Ski Instructor and a Skier Alignment Specialist. Maria also teaches preseason ski fitness classes in the fall through Clovis Adult School.

Email Maria with questions or comments at: maria@theskiwizard.com
Or you can visit her website: www.theskiwizard.com

* Phantom Move is movement pioneered by Harald Harb, author of Anyone Can Be An Expert Skier 1 & 2. This ski tip was adapted from his books with his permission. Check out his website at www.harbskisystems.com. Books and video are available on his website or through Amazon.com.