How to Control Speed Skiing

Controlling speed is essential to skiing safety, not only for yourself but for others around you as well. Keeping your speed in control doesn’t mean you have to go slow. Skiing fast is fun. Racers are always trying to beat the clock, yet with proper technique they keep their speed in control. Often as I'm skiing I see a "Never-Never" (never been skiing, never had a lesson) going straight down with arms wide out not making a turn at all, totally out of control. I’ve had other skiers tell me when they were learning how to ski they didn’t know how to stop. They'd look for an object or a group of people to crash into. By learning to control speed you'll be much safer on any terrain.

The way to control speed is both in, and in between your turns. First, whether you’re making small or large radius turns, timing is key. Ski in a rhythm. You'll see many skiers on the slopes listening to music. Some have helmets with speakers built in while others simply whistle. Their music helps them with rhythm. Secondly, make an uphill half turn or a ‘J’ turn. To make this turn, put pressure on your downhill ski as you’re continuing a carving turn past the fall line. Then traverse so you’re now going up hill once your speed is in control, then go into your downhill turn. With your skis continually on their edge, this is a good way of controlling your speed.

Technique tips for Controlling Speed:

• Turn uphill while keeping a rhythm.
• Whistle a rhythmic tune or listen to music to help the down up motion of turning a smooth motion.
• Stand in a dynamic stance with weight forward, feet slightly apart and your upper body facing slightly downhill.
• Steer both skis at the same time in the same direction.