Skiing Wedge to Parallel Turns

Beginning Parallel Turns

Everything in our online instructional guide has been building up to this point, the parallel turn. The parallel turn is a barometer that shows other skiers and yourself that you're no longer a beginner but are on your way to becoming an expert skier. So lets review those skills we've gone over so far and share some tips that will help you in making parallel turns. Always keep your weight forward with your shins in contact with the tongues of the boots. If you're like me your boots will always seem hard and stiff when you first put them on, after a few runs they seem to loosen up. If your boots become loose as you ski you may need to adjust your buckles. Keep the joints in your legs flexible and ready for changes in the terrain. Keep your body facing slightly down the hill. Shift your weight to the outside ski. Strive to actively guide the inside ski earlier in the turn. In the beginning you may skid and create a small rooster tail. That's OK, but as you practice, work to reduce skidding and always have fun on the hill.

Wedge to Parallel Turns

Begin by traversing across the hill with your skis parallel and your body facing somewhat downhill. When you're ready to begin your turn, shift your weight upwards by stretching your ankles and knees. Make a wedge with your skis by forcing out the tail of your outside ski. Make the turn with the wedge. After the turn, slide your skis parallel and traverse in the other direction. Repeat this until you're comfortable traversing and turning. Once you're comfortable linking your diagonal traverse with wedge or snowplow turns, try to make a narrower wedge while making large radius turns. Increase your speed while skiing as you narrow your wedge. While making a turn in a small wedge and right when you start facing across the hill, deliberately point the uphill/inside ski further uphill until it is parallel with the downhill/outside ski. Apply more pressure to the outside ski, resulting in more control. Hold this parallel position as you traverse before you guide the skis into a small wedge and start a new turn. Once you are comfortable sliding your skis into a parallel position, try making the entire turn with your skis parallel.

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