I think the "feet up" mantra is a valid one, but like has been mentioned, can't be taken too much in isolation. Some people might interpret a "feet up" approach as a "feet only" approach, which is certainly not the best way to get yourself down the hill. The OP presents a situation where he says he would rather move his CoM (hip bones) down the fall line to initiate a turn. So let me counter with this question. How does one move their CoM down the fall line without first manipulating the ski/snow interface through their feet and legs? The ski/snow interface is our only leverage to enact any change, unless you're going so fast that you can use the airflow, or you're so angulated that you can reach down and push your CoM over with your hand.
So yes, I can have my focus be the CoM. And that's definitely a good place to focus, since it determines a lot of other things. But to make my CoM do something, I first have to do something with my feet and my legs, even if that's not my mental focus. Right?
So yes, I can have my focus be the CoM. And that's definitely a good place to focus, since it determines a lot of other things. But to make my CoM do something, I first have to do something with my feet and my legs, even if that's not my mental focus. Right?