First off, I have yet to see a racer/demonstrator/coach/instructor perform a WPT as well as they-whom-have-coined-the-term, the Mahre brothers.
For the past several years, I’ve tried to understand the function of a WPT beyond being a versatility drill/exercise. So, I dug out an old VHS tape of a Mahre recreational training camp from the 80’s, where they include WPTs as part of the clinic. From my interpretation, the Mahres view a WPT as the most advanced short radius turn transition from a progression of stepping-to-transfer (weight/pressure) techniques. The WPT has the latest/longest delay of transfer from one ski to the other in transition.
Phil explains as he demonstrates each step of the progression:
“Novice racers use very little stepping from turn to turn, but will realize that a step is very helpful, especially when running gates...
“There are three basic racing steps. 1. Inside to outside. (Inside edge of old outside ski to outside edge of new outside ski) This step helps you maintain your height while traversing the hill...
“The second basic step is inside —> flat. This step enables you to quickly start a new turn...
”The third basic step is inside —> inside, stepping from the inside edge of the turning ski to the inside edge of the new ski, this immediately starts the new turn...
”The WPT is used in a steep course down the fall line. You literally fall into the new turn. In the right situation, this is the fastest way down the course.”
I think the main difference I see between the Mahres performing a WPT compared to most instructors and demonstrators is that the Mahres can time their delayed transfer very effectively so that the engagement of the new outside ski accelerates and shoots them right into the next turn. Most other demos I see have too long of a delay in engagement of the new turning ski, and the engagement does nothing to add to or enhance the turn... it’s nothing more than a balance exercise at that point.
It’s possible that a WPT is only effective as a component of high level skiing at higher speeds and steeper pitches. It’s also possible that a WPT is less necessary or functional on modern shaped skis compared to longer straight skis... as transition body movements became less “vertical” and more “horizontal.”
Von Gruenigen was also a master of this delayed transfer technique in GS.