Ristakäännös

Ristakäännös is a Finnish term that translates to "cross-turn" or "inverted turn" and refers to a specific type of maneuver in the sport of ski jumping. It is characterized by the jumper performing a rotation of their body in the air. Unlike a standard jump where the skis are held parallel to the direction of travel, in a ristakäännös the body twists, causing the skis to deviate from this alignment. This technique is typically seen in freestyle skiing disciplines, particularly in aerials and slopestyle, where judges assess the complexity and execution of such rotations. The ristakäännös requires significant aerial control and spatial awareness from the athlete. It is not a maneuver used in traditional ski jumping competitions governed by the International Ski Federation (FIS), which focus primarily on distance and style within a more defined set of rules. Instead, it is part of a broader category of aerial tricks that have evolved within the more creative and acrobatic branches of skiing. The successful execution of a ristakäännös contributes to a higher score in disciplines that value innovation and technical difficulty in the air.