‘Chicken Out’ turns

“Garlands are sometimes called “chicken out” turns because you aren’t fully turning in a new direction. You’ll get the feeling of doing a real parallel turn in a nice controlled rhythm without having to deal with picking up speed in the fall line. This is a real confidence builder for easing into the parallel turn.

Find a spot where you can do a nice long French Fries traverse without worrying about traffic from above. Ski across a slope with your uphill edges engaged so they are biting into the snow. Next, slowly get TALL, gently roll your ankles downhill, and release your edges. You’ll feel yourself starting to tip down the slope. This is how a parallel turn starts. Just let it happen as you gently guide your feet downhill.”