7.0 Carved traversing

First carves in the traverse

The easiest way to get a feel for the edge is to try to ride the traverse while balancing on the edge. Make sure you orient your body in the direction of travel and lean slightly into the turn. Ride the whole traverse calmly until you come to a stop again. Traversing is a little unstable at first, but after a few attempts you will get a good feel for it.

It is important to feel the difference between the carved and the skidded traversing for yourself. Also try switching from skidded to carved riding and back again. When you switch from carved to skidded, you are braking and vice versa, it's about finding the point where the edge is firmly pressed into the snow and you are riding along the edge.

Once you have a feel for the edge, the next step is to practise changing the edge slowly on a flat area. Start riding slowly in the fall line carved. Now change the edge by bringing your body's center of gravity to the opposite side. Try to do this calmly and without rushing. If it is easier for you, you can also switch from the carved to full base and then back to carved.

Do you already recognize the difference between skidded and carved?

Then it's time to take a look at your first carved basic turns. Find out more in the following module 7.1 Carved turns