Depending on what the purpose of your turn is, there are several types of turns. Click through the slides below to learn about each turn and when to use it.
THE KICK TURNThe kick turn is used most often for changing directions. Stand with your skis parallel across the fall line. Plant your poles uphill, where they are out of the way but can be used for support. Swing your downhill ski off the snow and place its tail on the snow next to the tip of the other skis. Swing this ski back onto the snow, facing the opposite direction. Bring your other ski around so your skis are once again parallel. STEM CHRISTIE TURNStart in a parallel traverse position. Enter the turn from a regular traverse position; then, stem the uphill ski into a half-V. As you transfer your weight, angle your body over the ski, causing both skis to come around your turn. As you establish a new direction, skis will be in a parallel position. Try to get into a rhythm. PARALLEL TURN (CHRISTIE)Start the turn from the traverse position, standing squarely over your skis. Swing your downhill pole slightly in front of you as you begin to initiate your turn. Sink slightly and plant your pole lightly in the snow on the downhill side between your boot and ski tip in anticipation of the turn. As you up-unweight (a down-up movement of the ankles and knees to reduce weight on the skis before turning) the pressure on the inside edges of your skis transfers to the outside edges and your ankles and knees power your skis around in the turn, ending in a traverse position. Finish the turn and prepare for the next one. Your upper body should be kept as still as possible throughout the turn. WEDELNThe Wedeln is a snow skiing style in which the skier executes a series of short quick parallel turns by moving the backs of the skis from side to side (half-turns) at a constant speed. |
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To learn more about turns
and see some images of
how it is done, visit
How to Turn.
