Skiing is one of the most exhilarating winter sports, combining speed, technique, and an appreciation for nature's winter beauty. For beginners, mastering the basics—especially turning and stopping—forms the foundation for safe and enjoyable skiing. Whether you're on the bunny slopes or ready to venture onto steeper terrain, learning these skills early on is crucial. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to effectively turn and stop on skis so you can hit the slopes with confidence.
Why Turning and Stopping are Essential
Turning and stopping are not just about controlling your speed; they are critical safety skills. These movements help you navigate crowded slopes, avoid obstacles, and maintain control on varying terrain. Without them, skiing can feel overwhelming and dangerous, but with practice, they become second nature.
Understanding the Basics of Turning
The ability to turn efficiently helps you control your direction and speed, allowing you to navigate the mountain with ease. There are different techniques for turning, but most beginners start with the snowplow turn, a simple and effective method that helps you transition smoothly into more advanced techniques later.
The Snowplow Turn
The snowplow, also known as the wedge, is a classic method for beginners to control speed and direction. Here's how to do it:
Start in a V-shape: Point your ski tips toward each other to form a "V" while keeping your heels apart. This creates the snowplow stance.
Shift your weight: To turn, you need to shift your weight to the opposite side of the direction you want to go. For example, if you want to turn right, apply more pressure to your left ski. If you want to turn left, shift your weight to your right ski.
Steer with your knees: Think of turning your skis by steering with your knees and ankles, not just your feet. This motion helps guide your skis in the right direction.
Control your speed: The more comprehensive your snowplow (or the more pressure you apply), the slower you'll go. Narrow your plow slightly to pick up speed, and widen it to slow down.
The snowplow turn is excellent for beginners, but as you improve, you'll want to move on to more efficient methods, like parallel turns.
The Parallel Turn
The parallel turn is a more advanced technique but still very manageable once you've gotten comfortable with the snowplow. It's faster, more dynamic, and allows for sharper turns.
Start with parallel skis: Unlike the snowplow, your skis remain parallel to each other throughout the turn.
Initiate the turn: Begin by slightly bending your knees and rolling your ankles to edge your skis. Apply pressure to the ski that is on the opposite side of the direction you want to go. For example, if you want to turn right, press down on the left ski.
Edge control: As you roll your ankles and shift weight, the edges of your skis will bite into the snow, guiding you through the turn.
Follow through: Continue the movement by allowing your skis to glide through the arc of the turn. Practice this slowly at first, and as you gain more control, increase your speed.
Stopping Techniques
Once you've mastered turning, the following essential skill is stopping. Learning how to stop is crucial for maintaining control on the slopes, avoiding obstacles, and staying safe. Here are two basic stopping methods to focus on.
The Snowplow Stop
Much like the snowplow turn, the snowplow stop is perfect for beginners because it's easy to learn and effective at low speeds.
Form a wedge: Just like with the snowplow turn, point your skis inward to form a "V" shape. Your heels should be apart, and your ski tips should almost touch.
Increase pressure: To stop, apply more pressure to your heels and widen the "V." The greater the angle between your skis, the more friction you'll create with the snow, allowing you to come to a stop.
Maintain balance: As you come to a stop, keep your body balanced and centered. Don't lean too far back or forward—staying centered will keep you stable and help you avoid falling.
The Hockey Stop
As you progress, the hockey stop is a faster and more dynamic way to halt your movement on the slopes. It's a method often used by more advanced skiers but can be practiced by beginners ready for a challenge.
Start parallel: Begin by skiing with your skis parallel to each other.
Pivot and edge: To stop, quickly pivot your skis perpendicular to your direction of travel. As you do this, apply pressure to the edges of both skis.
Slide to a stop: As your skis turn sideways, they will create friction with the snow, bringing you to a quick halt. When you stop, your skis should be almost horizontal to the slope.
Practice control: The hockey stop can be tricky to learn at first, but with practice, you'll be able to stop quickly and efficiently, even on steeper slopes.
Tips for Building Confidence
Start small: Begin practicing your turns and stops on flat or gentle slopes where you can focus on technique without worrying about speed.
Practice regularly: The more time you spend on the slopes, the more comfortable and confident you will become with turning and stopping.
Use your body: Don't just rely on your legs. Turning and stopping require full-body movements, including your hips, core, and shoulders. The more engaged your body is, the more control you'll have.
Take a lesson: If you're struggling, consider taking a lesson from a professional instructor. They can offer personalized tips and corrections to help you progress faster.
Mastering the basics of turning and stopping on skis is critical to becoming a confident and skilled skier. Whether you're practicing snowplow turns or working on parallel techniques, taking the time to perfect these movements will not only make skiing more enjoyable but also safer. Keep practicing, be patient with your progress, and before long, you'll be navigating the slopes like a pro.
