General: Shape up. Just as your car runs better with a tune up, you'll ski or ride better if your in shape. Work out regularly and it will pay off greatly on the hill. Bike, run, inline skate, take an aerobics class, whatever, but get into shape.

Quick Tip:
Direct your pole swing in the intended direction of travel.
Why: To promote movement and balance into the intended direction of travel.
When: Throughout the turn.
Visual Indicator: The pole swings smoothly in the intended direction of travel.
Drill: As the turn progresses, you will compress. While compressing make sure that the hands are reaching out in front of you. At the beginning of the new turn your body will lengthen into the new turn. As you begin to lengthen plant the pole in the intended direction that your body is traveling at that time.