Skiing is a thrilling and exhilarating sport that combines speed, technique, and a sense of adventure. Among the essential skills that every skier must learn, mastering parallel turns is one of the most important. Parallel turns form the foundation for more advanced skiing techniques and provide greater control and stability on the slopes.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about parallel turns in skiing. We’ll cover the basic mechanics of the turn, how to execute it step-by-step, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for improving your technique.
Whether you are just beginning to ski or you want to refine your skills, learning how to perform parallel turns is key to skiing with greater confidence and control.
What Are Parallel Turns in Skiing?
Parallel turns refer to the technique where both skis remain parallel to each other throughout the turn. This is the basic turning technique used by intermediate skiers and above, allowing for smooth, controlled descents on a variety of terrains.
The goal of parallel turns is to maintain balance and control while navigating the slopes, adjusting your speed and direction with each turn.
In parallel turns, the skis are kept in a parallel position (instead of in a “V” shape, as in snowplow turns). This enables better control, greater speed, and the ability to tackle steeper slopes. Mastering parallel turns is crucial for progressing to more advanced skiing techniques, such as carving, mogul skiing, or skiing on difficult terrain.
Why Are Parallel Turns Important?
Parallel turns are the foundation for most intermediate and advanced skiing techniques. Here are a few reasons why learning parallel turns is so essential:
Control and Stability: By keeping your skis parallel, you can maintain better control of your speed and direction, making it easier to navigate various types of terrain.
Increased Speed: Parallel turns allow you to ski faster and more efficiently compared to the snowplow technique. This is because the parallel position creates less friction, allowing for smoother turns.
Smooth Transitions: Parallel turns help you make smoother transitions between different sections of the slope, preventing jerky movements and improving overall skiing fluidity.
Progression to Advanced Techniques: Once you master parallel turns, you’ll be able to easily progress to more advanced skiing techniques like carving, mogul skiing, and skiing on steep or challenging slopes.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Do Parallel Turns in Skiing
Now that you understand what parallel turns are and why they are important, let’s break down the process of performing them step by step. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to perform parallel turns with ease and confidence.
1. Start with the Right Stance
Your skiing stance is key to executing parallel turns properly. Here’s how to position yourself:
Feet shoulder-width apart: Stand with your feet about hip-width apart, making sure they are parallel to each other. This is your starting stance.
Slight bend in the knees: Keep your knees slightly bent to absorb any bumps or changes in terrain. This helps with balance and control.
Lean forward: Keep your body slightly leaning forward, with your weight over the middle of your skis. Avoid leaning back, as this can make it harder to control your skis.
2. Maintain a Balanced Position
Good balance is essential for parallel turns. Focus on the following:
Centered body weight: Distribute your weight evenly over both skis. You should not lean too much to one side or the other, as this will throw off your balance.
Relax your upper body: Keep your arms relaxed at your sides, and avoid tensing up. Relaxation will help you respond more fluidly to the movement of the skis.
Focus on your hips: Your hips should remain square to the slope, and you should avoid twisting or rotating your torso too much. This will help you maintain a strong, balanced position.
3. Initiate the Turn with Your Skis
To initiate a parallel turn, you need to begin shifting your weight and turning your skis in the desired direction. Follow these steps:
Use your legs: Push your inside ski (the ski closest to the turn) slightly outward while keeping your outside ski straight.
This will start the turn in the desired direction.
Press on the edges: Engage the edges of your skis (the inside edges) by leaning slightly toward the direction you are turning. This helps you grip the snow, slowing your speed and guiding the turn.
Follow through with your body: Your body should naturally follow the direction of your skis. Turn your head, shoulders, and hips in the direction of the turn. This will help you maintain proper alignment and control throughout the movement.
4. Use the “S” Shape to Control Speed and Direction
Parallel turns are typically performed in an “S” shape. As you turn, you will be creating a series of S-shaped curves down the slope, allowing you to adjust your speed and direction. Here’s how to do it:
Begin the turn by carving the snow: As you lean into the turn, make sure your skis carve into the snow, creating a smooth arc. The inside edge of your skis should press into the snow to provide the necessary control.
Control your speed: By adjusting the size of your arcs, you can control your speed. Wider arcs will allow you to maintain speed, while tighter arcs will slow you down. It’s important to adjust the size of your turns based on your comfort level and the steepness of the slope.
5. Finish the Turn and Prepare for the Next One
Once you’ve completed one turn, you’ll need to set up for the next. Follow these steps:
Exit the turn smoothly: As you near the end of the turn, begin to straighten out your skis and transition smoothly into the next turn. This will help you maintain a continuous flow.
Keep the skis parallel: Ensure that your skis stay parallel throughout the entire turn. If you allow them to diverge into a “V” shape, you may lose control and stability.
6. Practice and Refine Your Technique
Like any skiing technique, parallel turns require practice. Start by practicing on gentle slopes with wide, easy turns. Once you feel comfortable, you can gradually increase the difficulty by skiing on steeper slopes and making sharper turns.
Tips for Improving Your Parallel Turns
Here are some additional tips to help you perfect your parallel turns and ski with more confidence:
Use your core: Engaging your core muscles (abs and lower back) will help you maintain a solid and stable position while making turns.
Look ahead: Always keep your eyes focused on where you want to go, not directly in front of your skis. Looking ahead will help you anticipate the terrain and make smoother turns.
Practice gradual turns: Start with gradual, wide turns and slowly work your way to sharper, more controlled turns. Focus on your body mechanics and ensure you’re engaging the proper muscles.
Control your speed: One of the advantages of parallel turns is the ability to control your speed. Practice adjusting the size of your turns to manage your speed, especially on steeper terrain.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While learning to make parallel turns, avoid these common mistakes:
Leaning back: Leaning too far back on your skis can throw off your balance and make turning difficult. Always maintain a forward stance to keep your weight over your skis.
Not using your edges: Failing to engage the edges of your skis can cause you to lose control during the turn. Make sure to apply pressure to the inside edges of your skis for better grip and control.
Allowing skis to diverge: If your skis are not staying parallel, you may end up in a snowplow position. This will reduce your speed and stability. Keep your skis parallel throughout the turn.
Overturning: Turning too sharply can lead to a loss of control, especially on steeper slopes. Try to keep your turns smooth and fluid, rather than forcing a tight angle.
How to Transition from Snowplow to Parallel Turns
If you are still using the snowplow technique (the “pizza” position with skis forming a “V”), transitioning to parallel turns can take some time. Here’s how to make the switch:
Start on easy slopes: Begin by practicing parallel turns on easy, gentle slopes where you feel comfortable.
Gradually bring your skis closer together: As you gain confidence, gradually bring your skis closer together until they are parallel, rather than keeping them in a wide “V” shape.
Focus on balance: Maintaining balance is key to skiing in parallel. Keep your weight centered over your skis, with slight pressure on the inside edges.
Use the turn shape: As you practice, focus on making smooth, S-shaped turns rather than forcing your skis into a straight line. This will help you transition to a more controlled parallel skiing style.
Conclusion
Mastering parallel turns is an essential skill for any skier who wants to progress to more advanced techniques and ski with greater control and confidence. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can improve your turning technique, manage your speed, and enjoy a smoother, more fluid skiing experience. Remember that practice is key, and with time, you’ll be able to tackle steeper slopes and more challenging terrain with ease. Happy skiing!