I went out and filmed an instructional video on the two-step turn. Being able to set up a tripod and shoot in a place where no one else is around really helps me stay calm and focused.

Now, I’d like to share a few thoughts on the two-step turn?this time, about how I position it.

In front of us, there are two doors to choose from.
One is the door that leads to continuous turns.
The other is the door that says, “This is simply a change of direction.”

On the side of the former, you might find the telemark turn, its carving variations, or perhaps the one-step turn.
On the other hand, on the “change of direction” side, I would place the kick turn. It is, quite simply, exactly thatーa change of direction.

…So, as you may have already guessed, I choose to open the latter door.

Now, if we think of it as belonging to the same family as the kick turn, one defining feature is that it does not create much vertical drop. By “drop,” I mean the amount you descend from the moment you begin changing direction until the moment you complete it.

A kick turn is performed after coming to a complete stop, so the drop is minimal.
In contrast, the two-step turn changes direction while still moving, so some amount of drop is inevitable. Even so, compared to a telemark turn or a one-step turn, the difference is quite clear.

And to reduce this drop, you need to quickly pivot the skis around.

To make that happen, the simplest way is to let the pelvis rotate. In order to rotate the pelvis, you take a long back step with one foot. By doing so, the other ski can turn easily. It comes around and ends up across the fall line, allowing you to come to a solid stop.

A quick pivot, and then a stop. ーThat’s a change of direction, isn’t it?

From there, you begin to lose elevation gradually by traversing. You can keep your feet fore and aft if you like, or bring them back together if that feels better.

In other words, the two-step turn can be broken down into two parts: a “direction-change phase” and a “traverse phase.” This way of thinking belongs to the latter door.

This kind of decomposition might remind you of something. Yesーit’s the same idea as B-tele in contrast to A-tele. I find that quite interesting myself.

In practice, when you actually use this idea, you’ll find that descending on light skis can be done safely almost entirely with this method. It really is something like an ultimate toolーa kind of “lethal weapon,” if you will.

If the slope and snow conditions allow, you can also adjust where you place that back step, shaping it more like a turn arc. When you do that, it starts to look as though you’re linking telemark turns. And as a bonus, it has a controlled, elegant appearance.

That sense of elegance matters.

Ahーand one more important point. I believe the two-step turn places relatively little strain on your boots. You’re not forcefully twisting the skis while they’re jammed into the snow to make a turn. After all, the step itself happens in the air.

Reducing stress on the gear doesn’t just prevent damage to equipmentーit also reduces strain on our bodies.

In the mountains, safety comes first.

This is a wonderful skiing techniqueーplease come and learn it. The lessons are conducted in the backcountry using a light, waxless setup (light skis). It’s hard to imagine it not being fun! And please make use of our rental gear as well.