How to Do a Snow Plow Turn on Skis

The most important thing to learn when you are starting to ski is how to stop! Once you jump off the lift, your skis will start to slide down the hill. Depending on the slope, the texture of the snow and other factors, you will probably begin picking up speed when heading down the slope. As more advanced skiers begin to whiz past you at breakneck speed, you will probably by looking for a way to control your own downward progress. The snowplow stop is the most basic way for a new skier to slow down or stop.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Skis
• Poles

1. Keeping your body weight forward, bend your knees into each other in a knock-kneed stance.

2. Create a wedge shape with your skis, with the point at the front and your inner edges pressing into the snow.

3. To guide yourself toward the left and place your weight onto the right ski. To turn to the right, place the weight onto the left ski. Keep the snowplow or pizza position with the knees bent.

4. To go faster, narrow the wedge angle by pulling your skis closer together. To go slower, widen the wedge.

Tips & Warnings

• Hold the poles under your arms and pointing out behind you, and use alternating poles in the snow to help you maintain your balance and momentum when making snowplow turns.
• Make sure not to cross the ends of the skis as you snowplow. Use the inside thigh muscles to keep the skis from crossing.