Stopping on skis effectively, especially when skiing fast, requires different techniques than those used at slower speeds or by beginners. While beginner methods focus on control and gradual deceleration, stopping at higher speeds demands a more aggressive and rapid maneuver.
Stopping for Beginners (Slower Speeds)
For those new to skiing or moving at slow speeds, stopping techniques are primarily centered around control and building confidence. Resources like the video titled "5 ways to stop on skis FOR BEGINNERS" often cover fundamental methods suitable for learning the basics.
- Snowplow Stop: This involves bringing the tips of your skis together and pushing the tails apart, forming a wedge or "snowplow" shape. Applying pressure to the inside edges of the skis creates friction against the snow, allowing you to slow down and eventually stop.
- Gentle Turns for Speed Control: As mentioned in the reference, making nice turns at very slow speeds is a great technique when you're new to skiing. While not an immediate stop, controlled turns help manage speed and can bring you to a halt gradually by using the resistance of turning across the slope.
These methods are effective at low to moderate speeds but are not designed for stopping quickly when skiing fast.
Stopping While Skiing Fast
To stop rapidly when skiing at higher speeds, more advanced techniques are necessary. These methods use the edges of your skis to create significant friction or abruptly change direction to shed speed.
- Parallel Stop (Skidded Turn Stop): This is a common method for stopping quickly. It involves turning both skis sideways simultaneously, perpendicular to the direction you were traveling. By strongly engaging the uphill edges of your skis and pushing snow, you create resistance that brings you to a rapid halt. The degree of edge angle and force determines how quickly you stop.
- Hockey Stop: Similar to a parallel stop, but typically executed more abruptly and forcefully, creating a spray of snow. It's a sudden pivot of both skis sideways, using strong edge pressure to stop almost instantaneously. This requires good balance, edge control, and coordination.
| Technique | Primary Speed/Skill Level | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Snowplow Stop | Beginner / Slow | Form a wedge with ski tips together, push tails apart, edge inward. |
| Gentle Turns (Speed Ctrl) | Beginner / Very Slow | Turn across the slope gradually to manage speed. |
| Parallel Stop | Intermediate / Fast | Turn skis sideways simultaneously, edge hard across the fall line. |
| Hockey Stop | Advanced / Fast | Abrupt, forceful sideways pivot with strong edge pressure. |
Stopping fast requires practice and comfort at speed. It's essential to master beginner stopping techniques at slower speeds before attempting faster stops, as uncontrolled stops at high speed can be dangerous.
