Transitions are moments of relative calm between the serial dramas playing out at each gate.   These transitional moments are short; at the highest levels, they are very brief, perhaps only 1/10th of a second.  The casual observer, often distracted by the speed and drama at each gate, isn't paying much attention to these brief interludes; it is only when caught on camera that they can be better appreciated.  

Just as every turn - dictated by the course setter, surface, pitch, speed, and equipment - differs, each transition differs, too.  But there are nonetheless fundamental similarities among transitions: the skeleton is no longer stacked and in fact there is often a structural and muscular disconnect (particularly pronounced in slalom) between upper torso and arms, middle torso, and legs; legs are of relatively equal length so there is no long-leg, short-leg dichotomy; edges are at least briefly flat; and there is much less downward force - indeed, perhaps none - on the skis.  Transitional motion seeks to free the skis to begin the next turn in an arc outside the gate while the torso stays closer to or even inside to the corridor between gates, falling or tipping into the corridor.  And the racer's vision remains firmly fixed inside that corridor.   

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Tipping in
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And diving in

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The disconnection is more obvious in slalom.
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Vision and gaze are to the racer's left, chest and arms perhaps 10 degrees less so, freeing the torso to pass inside the next gate, while pelvis and femur directions are perhaps 20 degrees further to the right, and the feet and skis may be 10 degrees still further to the right.   

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Skis and femurs are seemingly disconnected by 20 degrees or more.

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These are the same moves used by young juniors.

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