Skiing the corridor

The rule in GS is that you have to break the imaginary line between the two gates of the same colour with both skis, when passing through the gates.  When racing GS, focus on passing through the two gates of the same colour in the corridor.  Running a direct line may not always be the best approach if you do not have the tactical skills to manage your speed.  If you focus on skiing through the gates, instead of around the turning gate, you may actually be faster, even though your line may not be as direct.  Sacrificing speed for line, unfortunately doesn't always get the best result.  It is easier to see the problems associated with this approach in a master's race verses a world cup race.  In a world cup race, every skier skis a direct line reasonably effectively.  Where as in a master's race, a direct line doesn't work out well for everybody.  The photo below shows a view of a GS corridor.  Next time you are in a race, try thinking of passing through the corridor as opposed to around the turning gate.  If you have better results, it may be more helpful to think of it that way.