Mastering Ski Turns: Tips for Beginners
Mastering Ski Turns: Tips for Beginners
October 8, 2025 (12 minutes reading time)
The ski turn—this first essential technique that frees you from the green slopes! Don’t panic if it feels complicated at first—we’ve all struggled. From the slightly ridiculous snowplow stance to stylish carving, every skier progresses at their own pace. In this cheeky yet supportive guide, we break down each step without putting you to sleep, with practical tips to avoid wipeouts and speed up your progress. Ready to transform the way you glide?
Table of Contents
The basics of turning: understanding before acting
What is a ski turn?
A ski turn is much more than simply changing direction. This movement turns your body into a dynamic balance system where every motion matters.
In practice, turning means transferring your weight from one ski to the other while adjusting the angle of your ski edges against the snow. Your outside ski becomes the driver of the turn, while the inside ski supports the transition.
Three key elements orchestrate this process: the pressure applied on your skis, the tilt of your torso toward the inside of the turn, and the perfect timing between these actions. Whether skiing parallel or in a snowplow stance, these principles remain the same.
Position and balance: straight skis and aligned torso
The ideal stance combines stability and adaptability. Keep your torso steady and facing downhill, creating a strong axis. Your legs—especially ankles and knees—initiate movement while your upper body maintains direction.
For optimal balance, distribute most of your weight on the outside (downhill) ski during the turn. This position is not static but constantly adjusted to maintain fore-aft and lateral stability.
The role of edges and the fall line
The edges are the metal sides of your skis that grip the snow. To change direction, you use these edges rather than sliding. The fall line (the straight line downhill) serves as your constant reference.
In the transition phase, releasing the edges, shifting balance, and engaging the skis allows for a smooth turn. The pressure applied on the outside ski’s edge determines the quality of your trajectory.
Common beginner errors and quick fixes
Too far back → Bend knees slightly without sitting down
Not enough weight on outside ski → Lift the inside ski slightly during the turn
Excessive torso rotation → Keep shoulders parallel to the slope
Looking at skis → Look ahead toward the intended trajectory
Dragging poles → Plant the downhill pole to mark the turn change
How to make a snowplow turn
The snowplow is the first essential technique for every beginner. In this stance, with ski tips close together and tails spread apart in a V-shape, you can brake and make your first turns safely.
The snowplow technique explained
To perform an effective snowplow, place your skis in a wedge shape (tips close, tails apart). This naturally creates resistance that slows your descent. The wider the angle, the stronger the braking. Control comes from your knees, which steer the edges. Keep them slightly bent and turned inward to stay balanced.
Starting your first turn safely
To initiate a turn, shift about 90% of your weight onto the outside ski while keeping your torso facing downhill. Turning right? Press your left ski (outside ski) and vice versa. The downhill ski becomes your main guide through the curve. Always look far ahead in the direction you want to go, not down at your skis. Anticipating with your gaze naturally helps transfer pressure and maintain balance.
Controlling speed as a beginner
Regulate speed by adjusting your ski angle and the pressure applied. On flat terrain, experiment with different wedge angles to feel how they affect speed. To slow down during a turn, slightly increase the snowplow angle. Ski schools are invaluable here—an instructor can help you refine this fundamental move, the foundation of all future progress.
Understanding the stem: intermediate ski tutorial
The stem is the perfect bridge between snowplow turns and parallel skiing. It helps skiers move to steeper slopes while keeping excellent control of speed and trajectory.
In essence, the stem involves briefly positioning skis asymmetrically during a turn before bringing them back parallel. This gradual transition builds the sensations needed for more technical turns.
Upstem (stem christie)
Start across the slope with skis parallel
Open skis into a slight snowplow to begin the turn
Gradually shift weight to the uphill ski (future outside ski)
Pivot both skis toward the new direction
Finish in parallel across the slope
Downstem
Begin across the slope, skis parallel
Set the downhill ski’s edge
Shift weight forward onto this ski to initiate the turn
Pivot the downhill ski while keeping it in contact with the snow
Bring the uphill ski parallel to complete the turn
How to ski in parallel
From snowplow to parallel without skidding
Moving from snowplow to parallel turns marks true progress. Begin the turn in snowplow, then gradually shift your weight to the outside ski. Once past the fall line, bring the uphill ski parallel to the downhill ski as early as possible.
Aim to have your skis flat when changing direction—this makes bringing them parallel easier. Stay balanced, with knees slightly bent, ready to link turns without excessive skidding.
Weight transfer on the outside ski
Shifting weight is the key to parallel turns. At the start of the turn, deliberately load the outside ski (downhill ski). This must happen early and firmly to establish a solid base guiding your trajectory.
Keep knees slightly bent during the transfer to absorb terrain variations. Independence of the legs is essential: the outside leg bears most of your weight, while the inside leg follows without forcing.
Mastering pole planting
Pole planting becomes essential at the intermediate level. Plant the pole slightly forward and downhill at the start of the turn, in sync with extending your body. This adds a third point of support, helps trigger the turn, and gives rhythm to your skiing.
For an effective plant, keep your arm slightly bent, and touch the snow at the exact moment you begin shifting weight. Timing is crucial: planting closer to the skis produces a tighter turn, while planting farther away widens the arc.
Skiing on edges: controlling turn radius
Inclination and edge grip
Edging is where the magic happens. It turns flat skis into precision tools that carve the snow. Increase the angle between ski base and slope to enhance grip.
The secret? Tilt your body into the turn. Bend knees, draw the outside knee toward the inside leg, and engage the edges. The outside ski becomes the pillar of the turn while your torso anticipates the trajectory, always facing downhill.
Turn radius and speed
Turn radius depends directly on edge angle. More edge = shorter radius. A tight 8–9 m turn requires deep edging, while broader turns need less inclination.
This link between radius and edge angle lets you control speed: short turns slow you down, wide turns accelerate you. That’s the essence of carving, where skis don’t skid but trace a perfect arc, like on rails.
Carving: the alpine cut turn
Edge control in carving
Carving is more than a technique—it’s the art of sculpting snow without skidding. Unlike skidded turns, carving relies on strong edge grip, with the outside ski as the key driver.
Mastering carving means precise weight transfer—about 70–80% on the outside ski (downhill ski). It digs into the snow while the inside ski stays close, sometimes barely touching. This allows you to draw a clean arc, like World Cup racers.
Position forward, bend knees, and gradually load the outside edge. The ski naturally follows its parabolic shape, creating a sharp and dynamic turn.
Progressing to pure carving
Progress requires patience and practice. Start on gentle, well-groomed slopes at moderate speed. The goal is to feel the ski turn naturally through its shape, without forcing it.
Advanced skiers can watch pros for inspiration—carving is the hallmark of top athletes, maximizing speed and precision.
Comparison:
Carved turn → clean line, acceleration out of turn, 70–80% weight on outside ski
Skidded turn → wide smudged trace, controlled speed loss, more balanced weight
Specialized and short turns
Short turns and "godille"
Godille refers to a rapid sequence of short-radius turns. Demanding but effective, it allows precise speed control on narrow passages. Timing is crucial: extend, lighten skis, and pivot at the exact right moment. Pole plants mark each turn, creating the signature rhythm of godille.
Practice finishing each turn fully before starting the next, with skis nearly across the slope.
Adapting to terrain
Different terrains call for different turn techniques. On hard snow, prioritize edging and precise weight transfer. In powder, ski fluidly with balanced weight on both skis.
In steep terrain, jump turns are highly effective: lighten the ski tails while keeping tips on the snow, hopping into the new turn. This requires strong upper body control and anticipation.
Safety and progression: advice from a ski instructor
Progression in skiing isn’t a race but a journey where every turn counts. As Mathieu, a ski instructor for 15 years, says: “Skiing is like learning to dance—you start with simple steps before mastering the tango of the slopes.”
Why go to ski school?
Taking lessons is a shortcut to correct technique. “Immediate corrections prevent bad habits,” says Mathieu. “One hour of lessons can replace three days of solo trial-and-error.” Ski schools adapt their teaching to all profiles—from cautious to adventurous—so everyone finds their path.
Tips for the next turn
“The secret to a good turn? Already thinking about the next one,” smiles Mathieu. Anticipation and relaxation are key. You don’t need to be an Olympian to enjoy skiing well. Mistakes are part of learning—embrace them! The mountain is big enough for all our wobbles before they turn into elegant arcs.
Choosing Picture gear to progress
Jacket, pants & accessories
The right outfit directly impacts comfort and progress. Choose jackets and pants with at least 10,000 mm waterproofing and breathability to stay dry. Freedom of movement is crucial: ergonomic cuts allow natural flex and extension.
Technical layers play a vital role in thermal comfort. Opt for materials that wick moisture while retaining warmth. A multilayer system lets you adjust insulation according to effort and weather.
Durability reflects our commitment to responsible skiing. Reinforced wear zones and recycled or organic materials ensure long-lasting gear without compromising performance.
Skis adapted to your level
A suitable pair of skis completes your gear. Progressive skis make learning turns easier, but don’t hesitate to ask a shop expert for advice on the model that best supports your technical growth.
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