How to Control Skiing Speed and Stop

All novice skiers must first learn how to stop and not only to halt your advance. Learning to stop will help you to control your speed down the slopes, a vital skill.

Things You'll Need

• Skis
• Ski boots
• Ski poles
• Water proof clothing

Instructions

1. Stand on your skis with your legs and knees apart and a slight bend at the hips and knees. Keep your arms out to the side for balance. A proper stance gives you more control.

2. Point the tips of your skis together to make a wedge by turning your heels outward. Many ski instructors will tell you to think of a slice of pizza. Making a wedge slows you down and eventually stops you.

3. Gain speed by bringing your skis parallel with each other. If you feel like you're going too fast, make a wedge again.

4. Turn down the slope by shifting your weight from side to side. Take the weight off the heel of the direction in which you want to turn. By lifting your right heel, you'll turn right. Turning down the slope helps you with speed control rather than flying down the pass in a straight line.

Tips & Warnings

• Choosing a shorter ski can help you gain more control. They're easier to maneuver and you'll have a lesser chance of getting them crossed up.

• Don't let the tips of your skis cross. When your skis get crossed it results in a loss of balance and subsequently a fall.