One common way to brake or stop when skiing, especially for beginners, is by using the snow plow technique.
Mastering the Snow Plow Stop
The snow plow, also known as the wedge or pizza shape, is a fundamental technique used to control speed and stop while skiing. The core principle involves pointing the tips of your skis towards each other and pushing your tails apart.
Based on beginner stopping methods, the process is as follows:
- Start: Begin skiing with your toes pointing inwards.
- Control Speed: To go slower, push your heels out and make the snow plow shape wider. Pull your feet closer together to go faster.
- Brake/Stop: To brake effectively or come to a stop, keep making the snow plow wider. The wider the angle of your skis in the snow plow shape, the more resistance you create against the snow, slowing you down and eventually stopping you.
This technique allows skiers to manage their descent and come to a complete halt by adjusting the width of the wedge shape formed by their skis. Practicing this motion on gentle slopes is key to building control and confidence.
Remember to keep your body balanced and centered over your skis while practicing the snow plow. This helps maintain stability as you adjust the width of the wedge to control your speed or stop.
