Why Do Skiers Lean Forward?

Skiing instructors constantly tell their students to lean forward for multiple reasons. Both downhill and cross country skiers use the leaning forward technique. Downhill skiers work with gravity and lean forward while racing down the mountain. Skiers lean forward to improve their balance and increase speed no matter what terrain they are on.

  1. Speed

    • A skier leans forward to increase his speed while racing down a mountain. Weight distributes further down on the skis, pushing the ski tips into the snow. When the tips of the skis are pushed down, it creates a closer seal with the snow, which gives the skier more control over the ski grip and speed.

    Balance

    • Skiers lean forward for balance. The forward lean adjusts the center of gravity of the body. If the center of gravity is too far on the back of the skis, control is lost and there is a greater chance of falling. The downward position of the body while leaning forward puts the center of gravity directly in the middle of the skis, evening out the balance. The skis have an increased grip on the snow when there is added pressure on them, creating a flatter surface between the skis and the snow.

    Flexibility

    • Skiers must be flexible to react quickly to unexpected bumps or obstacles that can be hidden under snow on the mountain. Moguls, or tiny hills made of snow, work the flexibility of the leg and knee joints. Leaning forward allows the body to be in a comfortable position to absorb those expected and unexpected bumps in the course.

    Glide

    • Skiers lean forward so that the tips of their skis connect firmly with the powdered snow under them. The bottoms of skis contain wax, put on to increase the glide over snow. Leaning forward too far puts too much pressure on the ski tips, forcing them under the snow rather than gliding over. The skis plants into the ground, which can cause a dangerous fall for the skier.

    Stance

    • A skier gains maximum control when his lean is far but not too far. A skier must bend slightly at the knees while heels are pressed down. Once the heels are down, the ankles are flexed. The lean forward is done by the lower body, rather than bending from the waist.