↪️ Ski Lesson 2: Snowplow Turns

Once you can stop, it's time to turn. A snowplow turn keeps the wedge from Lesson 1, but presses more on one ski. The skis then steer you across the slope, and turning across the hill is the best way to control your speed. In fact, experienced skiers control their speed mostly through turns, not by braking.

Why turning controls your speed

Pointing straight down the slope — along the fall line — is the fastest direction. The more your skis point across the hill, the slower you go. By linking turns from one side of the run to the other, you spend most of your time traveling across the slope, which keeps your speed steady without constant braking.

The key idea: weight the outside ski

• To turn left, press more on your right (outside) ski
• To turn right, press more on your left (outside) ski
• Keep the wedge shape the whole time — don't let the skis come together yet
• Turn your whole body gently, led by your knees and eyes, not by twisting your shoulders

Practice on flat ground first

Stand in a wedge on flat snow. Shift your weight slowly onto your right foot, then back to the center, then onto your left foot. Notice how pressing one ski makes you want to move in the opposite direction. This small weight shift is the whole secret of the snowplow turn.

Step by step

1. Start with a wedge, sliding slowly straight down a gentle slope
2. Look toward where you want to go, then gradually press on the opposite ski
3. Let the skis carry you across the slope until you slow down
4. Release the pressure, return to an even wedge facing downhill
5. Press on the other ski to turn the other way, and keep linking turns

Drills that help

• Hands on knees: put your hand on the outside knee and gently push it toward the turn to feel the pressure
• Follow the line: an instructor or friend skis an S-shape, and you follow their tracks
• Count the rhythm: say “turn, two, three” to keep turns even on both sides
• Stop at the end: finish a turn completely across the hill until you stop, to feel how turning controls speed

Common mistakes

• Twisting the upper body: keep your chest facing roughly down the slope
• Leaning into the hill: stand over your outside ski, not toward the slope
• Turns too short: finish each turn across the hill so you actually slow down
• Wedge too wide: a medium wedge is easier to steer

Dealing with fear

Many beginners feel nervous as the skis point downhill at the start of each turn, because that is when speed briefly increases. The natural reaction is to lean back or rush the turn, which makes control harder. Instead, keep your weight forward, look toward the end of the turn and trust that the turn will slow you down. Practice on a slope gentle enough that this moment feels comfortable.