Snow plough skiing, also known as the wedge or pizza shape, is a fundamental technique for beginners to control speed and stop. It involves pointing the tips of your skis towards each other while keeping the tails wide apart, forming a 'V' shape.
Understanding the Snow Plough
The snow plough works by creating resistance against the snow with the inside edges of your skis. The wider you push the tails apart, the more resistance you create, which slows you down. Conversely, bringing the skis closer together (but still in the 'V') reduces resistance, allowing you to gain speed.
Key Elements of the Snow Plough
- Ski Shape: Form a 'V' shape with your skis. Tips should be closer together (but not touching or crossing), and tails should be wider apart.
- Edge Control: Apply pressure to the inside edges of your skis.
- Body Position: Maintain a relaxed, slightly bent knee and ankle position. Keep your weight balanced over the middle of your skis.
Steps to Snow Plough Ski
Learning the snow plough is best done progressively.
- Practice on the Flat: As highlighted in beginner lessons, it's crucial to get the snow plough dialed on flat ground first. This allows you to get comfortable with the ski position without the added challenge of gravity pulling you downhill.
- Form the 'V': Start from a standstill. Push your ski tails outwards until your skis form a stable 'V' shape. Ensure your tips are close but not touching to avoid crossing them, which can cause you to fall.
- Engage Edges: Feel the inside edges of your skis digging slightly into the snow.
- Move Gently: On a gentle slope, slowly release some of the braking pressure by slightly narrowing the 'V' shape to start moving.
- Control Speed: To slow down, widen the 'V' shape by pushing your tails further apart and increasing pressure on the inside edges. This act of going wider with the skis is how you create more resistance and can even stop yourself from moving, as indicated in beginner instructions.
- Stopping: To stop completely, widen the 'V' shape as much as you comfortably can, pushing hard on those inside edges.
Practical Tips for Snow Ploughing
- Keep your weight centred and slightly forward.
- Avoid sitting back, as this can cause you to lose control.
- Look where you want to go, not down at your skis.
- Practice making the 'V' shape wider and narrower to feel how it affects your speed.
Adjusting Your Snow Plough for Speed Control
Here's a simple breakdown of how adjusting the ski position affects your speed:
| Ski Position | Effect on Speed | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Wide 'V' | Slows Down/Stops | Braking, Stopping |
| Narrower 'V' | Speeds Up | Gentle Descent |
| Skis Parallel | Fastest | Cruising (Advanced) |
Mastering the snow plough on flat ground and then moving to gentle slopes, focusing on widening the stance to control or stop your movement, is key to building confidence and control on the skis.
