Transitioning from snowplough to parallel skiing may seem daunting, yet it enhances your skiing experience and boosts your style. Mastering parallel skiing enables faster speeds, and sharper turns, and garners admiration on the slopes. While intimidating, it’s crucial to abandon the safety of the ‘pizza slice’ technique.
This post offers tips to execute parallel turns effectively, comprising three key phases: initiation, edge change, and finishing the turn.
But first, what is parallel skiing?
Parallel skiing involves controlling speed and trajectory while transitioning edges with both skis aligned, resembling the number 11. Beginners often start with a snowplough, creating a triangular shape, nicknamed “pizza,” while parallel skiing is dubbed “french fries.” It’s for confident plough turners progressing to blues and easy reds, leaving the pizza stance behind.
Transitioning involves shifting body weight, prioritizing the outside ski, and angling skis and torso more downhill for smoother turns. It’s a daunting but essential progression for better skiing.
How to ski parallel?
Ready to move beyond the snowplough? Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the parallel turn.
Step 1: Selecting the training slope
Start by selecting a familiar green slope that’s quiet, long, wide, and gently sloped. This provides the perfect environment for practice, allowing ample space and minimal distractions.
Step 2: The posture
Stance is consistent: lean forward in boots, knees bent, torso downhill. Arms forward like holding a tray and poles up. Start turning by standing slightly, and finish by bending your knees more.
Step 3: Ski positioning
To ski effectively, keep your skis parallel and hip-distance apart on the slope, angled slightly downhill. Maintain a parallel position throughout the turn to avoid crossing tips.
Step 4: Your edges
Shift body weight onto the downhill leg to initiate a turn, leaning forward onto the inside edge. As the turn progresses, shift weight to the new outside leg. This technique optimizes control and stability on the slopes.
Step 5: Steering
While traversing the slope, shift your weight to the downhill leg, letting the skis’ tips and slight downhill momentum guide you into the turn. Face downhill, shift weight to the other leg, easing around with knees as guides. Bring the new inside leg in line with the downhill ski. When skis are parallel, bend your knees and prepare for the next turn.
Step 6: Envision
Align your torso downhill, mirroring your gaze. This enables you to anticipate your skis’ path, a remarkable visualization that effectively directs their course with precision and control. Ready to hit the powder? Check out the best ski resorts in the US.
Common Mistakes to avoid in skiing parallel:
To ski smoothly and safely, avoid common mistakes:
- Leaning back destabilizes skis; keep weight centered or slightly forward.
- Swiftly change edges to control speed; hesitation leads to faster, scarier descents.
- Initiate turns by leaning forward; insufficient lean causes unwanted speed.
- Maintain proper ski width; wide stance hinders turning and risks ski catching.
- Utilize the outside ski for quicker turns; pushing on it aids in timely reorientation.
- Allow skis to slide sideways; reluctance inhibits turning and speed control.
- Look ahead to anticipate terrain; proactive vision aids in maneuvering and safety.
By correcting these errors, you’ll ski with more agility, control, and confidence on the slopes.
Try private ski lessons
Enhance your skills by enrolling in professional skiing lessons at a reputable ski school. Gain insights into refining your technique from experienced instructors, and acquire the knowledge to guide fellow enthusiasts, deepening your comprehension of personal skiing development.
Final Words
Here’s what you need to kickstart your journey to mastering parallel skiing. Despite its seeming complexity, take it one step at a time, starting on a slope you’re comfortable with, and keep honing your skills. Soon, you’ll gain confidence and realize that parallel skiing is much easier and less tiring on the body. It’ll transform your skiing technique, leading to continuous improvement. Say farewell to the pizza, and welcome the French fries.