This question recently appeared in a thread on Epic, but I think that the right place to discuss it is here.
I am currently more than a little confused, whether my understanding of PMTS movements is correct.
Let us discuss two transitions:
1. In the end of the turn the old outside leg is aggressively flexed and tipped to LTE, while the old inside leg stays on its LTE for a moment until following the old outside (now new inside) leg to the new edge. It causes a visible O-shape of the legs, edges are engaged early.
2. In the end of the turn the old outside leg is aggressively flexed and moves into flat, the old inside leg is also drawn into flat, which leads to "float" - which can be very brief or extended, depending on the situation.
It seems clear to me, that both types of transitions cannot occur at the same time. Either you achieve O-shape (both skis are on LTEs for at least some time), or you achieve float (both skis are flat for at least some time). Are both transition types used in actual skiing, or one of them is just a drill? If both can be used, then in what situations? When do we have to exaggerate one or another type of transition (steepness, terrain, snow conditions, skier intentions)?
I think I have some ideas, but they may be wrong, so I will hold on to those, at least for a while. However, let us also imagine two types of turns:
A. Edges are engaged in the High-C stage of the turn, leading to arc-to-arc carving. Speed picks up easily. Speed control is achieved only by turn shape (more uphill in the end, if necessary).
B. In the beginning of the turn, skis are allowed to look for the fall line (TFR?) and new edges are engaged as situation allows, leading to a brushed carve? BPST?
Is it possible, that transition 1 leads to turn A and transition 2 to turn B? Or is it not always true?
I am a relative beginner in PMTS, learned from the books, had one camp (December A-basin) this Winter, my free skiing improved dramatically after that, racing (NASTAR only - I do it for just the second year) still sucks big time with handicap in the high 30-s. Trying desperately to improve in NASTAR using PMTS, so if any of the discussion above could be applied to amateur racing - great!
I will appreciate any answers or suggestions from PMTS gurus or fellow PMTS students of any current level, who would like to share their experiences. Working on a video, hope to get it out for MA next week.