Parallel Ski Techniques

Every new skier longs to head flawlessly down a slope with his skis completely parallel. It's a sign of control and balance and is much more comfortable than snowplowing down a slope. With regular practice and by applying some key techniques, parallel skiing is possible for any determined skier.

  1. Starting Out

    • Find a beginner slope and start out with your skis positioned at a 10- to 15-degree angle across the slope. Balance your weight equally on both skis and also between your toes and heels. Maintain the position of the ski boots directly under your hips. Press forward with your shins placed against the front of the boots, while gently tipping your knees uphill. This will engage the edge of your ski, allowing for an easier turn. Then, turn around and do the same thing in the other direction. As you get the hang of it, angle your skis to face a bit more downhill. Before you know it, parallel skiing will come easily.

    Angulation

    • Having the right angulation helps a skier maintain balance against centrifugal force. This involves positioning your skis on the outside part of a turn. This angle is obtained by bending your knees, hips or even using your whole body to place the skis outward. It's like riding a bike. When a bicyclist makes a turn, she always leans inward. The higher the speeds, the more that angulation becomes crucial.

    Proper Distance Between Skis

    • Some new skiers erroneously believe that the closer the skis are kept together, the better. Instead, maintain your skis about 6 to 8 inches apart to allow for greater ski control. This extra room is important because the skier has more room and freedom to easily roll the skis onto the edges and can put the right amount of pressure at the appropriate area for turns.

    Pole Placement

    • Some skiers are thrown off balance by improper use of ski poles. When the poles are planted into the snow for too long of a time, the skier's inside arm is pulled behind the body, which can result in a loss of balance and big spills on the ski slope. Even if the skier does not fall, he is thrown off balance and cannot make the next turn as desired and loses his rhythm.