How to Snowplow on Skis
Learning how to make a snowplow turn'also known as a wedge turn'is the first step to controlling your speed and direction on skis.
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Instructions
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Keep an open mind when learning how to make snowplow/wedge turns.
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Spread your feet about shoulder-width apart.
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Make sure your knees and ankles are slightly bent.
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Point your toes in toward each other. This will force the tips of your skis to angle toward each other.
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Keep your weight approximately even between both feet until you're ready to initiate a turn.
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Increase pressure on the inside edge of the ski you want to turn. If you want to turn left, you put pressure on the right ski by pushing down with your right big toe.
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Maintain your center of gravity above both skis.
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Turn the ski with your legs, hips and feet, not your upper body.
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Allow your shoulders to face down the slope. Your shoulders and upper body should not follow the turn of your skis.
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Ease pressure off the ski edge as you finish the turn.
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Prepare for the next turn.
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Tips & Warnings
The snowplow turn is commonly referred to as a wedge turn.
Control your speed by making bigger turns or by making a bigger snowplow shape with your skis.
Linking one turn with another allows the skier to progress down the slope in a fluid manner. Linking turns is the ultimate goal when learning the snowplow/wedge turn.
Skiing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.
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Comments
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The snowplow and the wedge turn are not the same at all. The stance for a wedge trun differs from that of a 'snowplow' which was taught decades ago as a beginning stop and go plus turning means. With today's shaped skies and design the wedge turn requires very different posture and much less effort. Consult a PSIA instructor for what a wedge turn is versus a 'snowplow' turn.
