Garland Drill for XC Ski Downhill (Counter-Rotation, Angulation, Edge Control, Pressure Control)

The "Garland" drill is a common maneuver in all downhill ski and snowboard training, so let's practice it on our cross-country skis!

The idea is to perform short uphill stops while in a long downhill traverse. In this drill, we're keeping our upper bodies facing downhill (counter-rotation) and dropping our weight and bumping our hip to the uphill side (angulation) to put both of our skis on their uphill edges (edge control). In order to fully come to a stop, then, we must pressure down on our skis (pressure control).

Start performing this drill by traversing shallow lines across the hill. Then, challenge yourself by skiing more in the direction of the fall line (i.e. steeper downhill traverses).

When you've completed a series of these drills, pat yourself on the back because you've essentially just performed a bunch of hockey stops!

I apologize for not publishing this video Saturday or Sunday (for you to practice this drill this past weekend). My old kitty cat had a medical event soon after I returned home from work Saturday afternoon and, needless to say, I was mentally exhausted following the ordeal. Fortunately, she bounced back soon thereafter, acting as if nothing ever happened. I wish I was that resilient!

XC Downhill Video Series:
•    • Intro to Classic XC Skiing (Part 4): Basic...  
•    • Revisiting a Basic Snowplow for XC Skiing ...  
•    • Snowplow Turns for XC Skiing Downhill (Par...  
•    • Snowplow Turns for XC Skiing Downhill (Par...  
•    • Performing Step Turns with Your Cross-Coun...  
•    • Performing Hockey Stops with Your Cross-Co...  
•    • Embrace the "Tuck" When XC Skiing Downhill  
•    • Practice the Pizza/French Fries Drill When...  
•    • Practice Using Active Feet When XC Skiing ...  
•    • Discussing Terrain Management and Combinin...  
•    • Side-Step and Herringbone Techniques for B...  
•    • Learning Cross-Country Ski Downhill Techni...  
•    • Garland Drill for XC Ski Downhill (Counter...  

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Please note that I include accurate subtitles/closed captions for all of my videos. So if you're having a difficult time hearing me, enable the "CC" option (bottom right of video player).
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Read these Tahoe Trail Guide articles for more information:
• Invest in Technique More Than Gear - https://tahoetrailguide.com/invest-in...

• Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1) - https://tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cr...

• Introduction to Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 1) - https://tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...

• FAQs about Classic Cross-Country Skiing - https://tahoetrailguide.com/faqs-abou...

• FAQs About Waxing Your Waxless XC Skis - https://tahoetrailguide.com/faqs-abou...

I've produced this collection of articles and videos about backcountry travel and exploration with the beginner and intermediate adventurer in mind. This is the demographic for whom I most often served while working in the Lake Tahoe outdoor recreation industry. In essence, these informational projects I create and publish are extensions of the many conversations we've had over the years.

Please note that, although I encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone, you need to know your limits and when to turn back. Tahoe Trail Guide and its contributors are not liable for property loss or damage, personal injury, or death. Always consult multiple sources when venturing into the backcountry. Always be prepared for the worst case scenario. Your safety is your responsibility.

Copyright © 2025 Jared Manninen

For more information, visit https://TahoeTrailGuide.com