What are three turning forces that children can use?

• A. Gravity, wind resistance, speed
• B. Arm strength, balance, momentum
• C. Upper body rotation, leg steering, tipping the ski
• D. Edge angle, base pressure, ski length

Answer: (C)

When a child turns, the turning forces they actively apply come from three coordinated actions: upper body rotation, leg steering, and tipping the skis to engage the edges. Turning begins as the upper body rotates toward the direction of the new path, guiding the torso and directing momentum so the skis follow the intended arc. Leg steering then takes over to precisely steer the skis under the hips—using the knees and ankles to guide the skis rather than twisting the upper body, which keeps balance and control. Finally, tipping the skis onto their edges establishes the edge grip needed to carve the turn and hold the new direction.

External factors like gravity, wind resistance, and speed influence motion but aren’t the deliberate turning forces a child exerts. Arm strength, general balance, and momentum are broader factors, not the specific actions that generate a turn. Edge angle, base pressure, and ski length matter for technique and setup, but the three active turning forces kids use are the upper body rotation, leg steering, and tipping the skis.