Glossary
Retraction
Retraction
Retraction is a deep flexing of the legs as a skier goes through a transition. it allows the Center of Mass to take a very direct path of travel across the skis as it moves from turn to turn, so it provides a very quick transition. It provides for a fast transition, but it results in a later engagement of the front of the skis, and increases the risk of getting caught aft balanced, with hips behind the feet, and the outside leg never getting adequately extended by the apex of the turn. When retraction is done aggressively, and with good timing, it allows rebound to to unweight the skis so they can be pivoted. Retraction is a very movement and energy efficient way to unweight the skis.
Arc to Arc Retraction
Pivoted Retraction
