How We Hit the Plateau: What’s Really Holding You Back?
Intermediate skiers often feel stuck—good enough on blue runs, but not quite ready for more challenging terrain. According to the SkiChatter , many plateau due to incomplete engagement with core joints and missing drills like “Impulse” and “Stop on a Dime”
Andrew (CSIA member since 1984) emphasizes one central issue: the need for more dynamic body engagement. It’s not just missing technique—it’s a mindset gap. Many intermediates rely on previous habits and static skiing, missing the power and freedom that comes from coordinated, active movement.
Working vs Playing: Are You Too Mechanical?
Andrew’s Signature Insight: There’s a big difference between working your skiing (forcing outcomes) and playing (flow, balance, rhythm).
Intermediate skiers often:
- Grip too tightly.
- Move stiffly, overthinking every turn.
- Let fear root them in familiar patterns.
Instead, channel playful exploration—comfortable, dynamic, responsive movement. Skiing shouldn’t feel robotic. Learn to feel the snow.
Why Mindset is The #1 Thing Holding Back Intermediate Skiers
Here’s the secret: Your mind is holding your body back.
- You fear losing control—so you tighten up and resist motion.
- You cling to wedge habits for safety.
- You deny yourself the joy of fluid, balanced carving.
Andrew stresses that injury-free progress comes from trusting yourself—embracing a slightly messy, slightly daring balance between control and flow.
There’s been many times when my mind was too cluttered and it took over the run. Too many things to think about, too many distractions. If found if I took a couple breathes, gave myself a simple question (“Let it go)”, counted 5.4.3.2.1. – the run seemed to go a lot smoother and the linking of one turn to the next seemed to flow and become effortless.
Breaking Through: Andrew’s “Become more playful, Don’t Force it” Formula
- Breathe, Relax, Ready
Take a breath. Drop your shoulders. Set intention. - Impulse + Flow
Activate all joints together—ankle, knee, hip—to push/recoil. Driven by pressure management drills like Impulse - Edge Engagement
Tilt skis onto the edges, guide turns through hip and knee, not the upper body. Use Side-Slip and Braquage to refine edge control - Feel the Rhythm
When you finish the turn, let go. Flow into the next. Trust the rhythm. - Toy with Terrain
Experiment with steeper, softer, varied snow—always playful, always learning.
Pro Skill Drills That Bust the Plateau
1. Impulse Drill
- Choose a gentle to moderate fall line slope.
- Use ankles and knees to compress then release—like tiny rebounds.
- Ski actively—feel that bounce propel you into the next turn
2. Side-Slip or Braquage Wiper
- Himalaya slide diagonally, release edges to slide, re-engage to grip.
- Try it sideways—like car wipers—for both directions.
3. Hockey Stop
- Steer both skis under you to come to a crisp stop.
- Develops lower-body coordination, rotational control, grip, balance throughout.
4. Hop Turns
- Gentle jumps going into the Fall-line
- It unlocks the joints and creates proper mobility in all joints (Ankle, Knee, Hip)
- Enhances agility and Proprioception (body awareness)
5. Garlands
- Part-turns on each side, flow back and forth.
- Reinforces balance, smooth radar for transitions.
Mindset Shift: Let Go to Take Control
Instead of forcing perfect form:
- Embrace slightly imperfect, fluid skiing.
- Smile—it releases tension.
- Celebrate “good enough” transitions and imperfect landings.
- Track your small wins: tight stop, better edge control, relaxed carve.
Link Your Way to Mastery: 5 Related SkiChatter Resources
- 8 Ways to Move from Wedge Skiing to Parallel – Easy Guide: drills and progression tips
- How to Self‑Assess and Measure Your Ski Improvement: tools to track your progress
- Technique / Ski Improvement Category: wide range of instruction
- How to Choose the Right Ski: gear that empowers your technique
- Always Thinking About Skiing?: dive deeper into mountain passion
FAQ: Busting Plateau Myths
Q1: Why can’t I progress even though I’ve skied many seasons?
A: You’ve mastered fundamentals—but haven’t engaged the dynamic movement needed for the next level. Plateau happens when you stop challenging your body and mind.
Q2: Is fear normal when stepping up?
A: Yes! Fear is a growth signal. Use it to focus, not freeze. Andrew calls it “False Expectations Appearing Real.” Embrace the edge—gently.
Q3: How often should I practice drills?
A: A few drills for 5–10 minutes every ski day, and one focused session weekly is enough to shift habits.
Q4: Should I book a lesson?
A: Definitely! A coach can see what your sensors and muscles aren’t telling you. Even a short feedback session enhances your internal tweaks.
Q5: Do I need new skis or boots?
A: Consult with your favourite ski shop boot fitter
A: Maybe- If your ski isn’t responsive, technique feels muted.
Q6: How do I maintain progress off-season?
A: Andrew reminds us—skiing is year-round. Dryland training like hopping, balance exercises, and even visualization work wonders.
Why It Matters… Beyond Blue Runs
Unfreezing the mind-body connection opens more than steeper terrain:
- Joy: Skiing becomes fluid, expressive, fun.
- Confidence: You know you can handle what’s ahead.
- Safety: Dynamic skiing improves adaptability and reduces risk.
- Passion: Deepens your love of skiing—you’re always pushing a boundary, always learning.
Next Steps to Break Your Plateau
- Pick one core drill—Impulse or Side-Slip. Add it to your routine.
- Monitor progress—take quick notes or video your session. Look for smoother transitions.
- Ski relaxed—drop tension and clamp down on fear.
- Repeat weekly, refine, experiment—try speed variations and terrain types.
💡 Ready for Your Breakthrough?
You’ve skied enough. You know the basics. Now it’s time to play, not work—engage your whole body, shift your mindset, and let your skiing come alive.
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