The Canadian technical approach to skiing is a result of the evolution of a sport. Equipment has
changed since the first skiers hit the slopes, but the laws of physics haven’t.
Many of the forms of balance and movements of contemporary skiing can be traced to
McCullough of the 50’s, Killy in the 60’s, Stenmark through the 70’s into the 80’s, and Tomba
through the 90’s to the “Herman-ator” and beyond. All of them showed the world the best way to
ski with the equipment of the day, and all of them balanced according to physics and
biomechanics.
Through competitive skiing and looking for easier ways to teach, instructors and coaches have
developed systematic approaches to analyzing and developing skiers. The sport of skiing can be
defined by technique, or science, but the development tools must be practical and effective.
The building blocks of the Canadian Approach are the result of the combined efforts of thousands
of people in 2 organizations who have worked with these ideas through ski schools or coaching.
The concepts presented here are the result of people sharing ideas on skiing, and looking for
better ways to do this.