From snowplough to parallel turn – how to make the switch

Why do so many get stuck in the snowplough?

• Uncertainty: The snowplough brakes and gives you stability. On steep slopes the body automatically falls back on it.
• Leaning back: if you lean back, you can't turn your skis parallel.
• Terrain too steep: practising on slopes that are too difficult teaches you to brake instead of ski.

The path in three stages

1. Stem turn: you start the turn in a snowplough but bring the inside ski alongside during the turn. Goal: bring it in earlier and earlier.
2. Parallel finish: the skis are parallel from the fall line onwards. Only the start of the turn is still stemmed.
3. Parallel turn: both skis turn together from the very first moment.

Three exercises for your next day on the slopes

• Pole plant for timing: plant your pole deliberately at the start of every turn. It gives rhythm and confidence.
• Up-movement: rise briefly before the turn so the skis get light, then turn them together.
• Rhythmic turns: link even turns on a gentle slope, always parallel, never braking.

And when it gets steeper?

On steep slopes, short turns help: short, rhythmic turns that let you control your speed without falling back into the snowplough. They're best learned once your parallel turn is solid on blue slopes.

Learn faster with an instructor

In the technique camp “Confident Parallel” on the Turracher Höhe, we take you from stem turns to confident parallel skiing in two mornings – with video analysis and in small groups. If you'd rather learn during the week, Ski lessons for adults is right for you.