Stopping on skis is a fundamental skill for control and safety on the slopes. The most common ways to stop involve using your skis to create friction against the snow.
Primary Ski Stopping Techniques
There are two main techniques for stopping on skis, generally taught to beginners:
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The Snowplow Stop: Also known as the wedge or pizza stop, this is typically the first stopping method learned.
- Point your ski tips towards each other, keeping the tails wide apart.
- Push the tails wider apart to slow down and stop, digging the inside edges of your skis into the snow.
- The wider you push your tails, the more friction you create, and the faster you will slow down or stop.
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The Parallel Stop / Skid Stop: This method is used as you progress and become comfortable skiing parallel. It involves turning your skis sideways across your direction of travel, often initiating from a parallel turn.
- While skiing with skis parallel, quickly pivot your skis 90 degrees (or slightly less) across your direction of travel.
- Dig the uphill edges of your skis into the snow to create friction and stop.
- As described in instructional videos, to help initiate this pivot or edge grip, you might need to lighten the pressure on one foot by flexing that leg slightly. This makes it easier to tip your skis up onto their sides, engaging the edges for the stop.
Mastering the Parallel Stop
Perfecting the parallel stop requires practice and balance. It often involves a swift movement where you transfer your weight and rotate your lower body to bring your skis sideways.
As noted in skiing instruction, making one foot "a little bit light" by slightly flexing the corresponding leg can assist in tipping your skis onto their side edges. This action helps in quickly engaging the edges against the snow for an effective stop.
Key Principles for Stopping
Regardless of the technique, effective stopping relies on:
- Edge Control: Using the edges of your skis to dig into the snow.
- Body Position: Maintaining balance and control.
- Practice: Consistently practicing the technique to build muscle memory.
By learning and practicing these techniques, you can confidently control your speed and stop whenever needed on the ski slope.
