Revisiting the high tuck

Park City is a great ski mountain, but it has many flat level traverses that call for the most aerodynamic ski positions in order to save time. 

Using a full-tuck to travel these is not really practical, scares people and bring unwanted attention, so this winter, I have rediscovered the high tuck, which is another version of venerable tuck, but with legs extended. 

I get it by adjusting the hands upwards and moving them closer to the face, resting just below the chin. According to wind tunnel tests by the US Ski Team it works almost as well in decreasing drag than raising or lowering the stance. 

This breaks the air with a sharp point of contact. Lining up arms with legs decreases a racer’s width and exposure. Closing up other gaps, like the one between the elbows leaves fewer areas for air turbulence to build up, resulting in less drag. 

According to these tests, a good high tuck with proper hand position is way better than a low tuck that impedes turns and flexibility. 

With it, it still possible to turn effectively from the high tuck as well as absorbing terrain irregularities, making good speed, and quickly regaining the use of the poles if the situation demands it.