Parallel skiing is a fundamental skill that every skier must master to progress to higher levels of skiing. Unlike the traditional snowplow or wedge technique, which involves forming a “V” shape with the skis, parallel skiing involves keeping your skis side by side, parallel to each other, as you glide down the slope. This technique provides better control, faster speeds, and greater stability on various types of terrain. If you’re new to skiing and want to learn how to ski with more ease and confidence, parallel skiing is an essential step.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of parallel skiing, step by step, so you can start improving your technique on the slopes. We’ll cover everything from the basics of body posture and balance to turning techniques and tips for building your confidence. Whether you’re learning to ski for the first time or are looking to transition from the snowplow to parallel skiing, this guide is designed to help you take the first steps toward becoming a more proficient skier.
What Is Parallel Skiing?
Parallel skiing refers to a technique where your skis are kept parallel to each other, as opposed to the V-shaped stance used in snowplowing. It is often seen as a more efficient and controlled way of skiing because it allows for greater speed and smoother transitions between turns. In parallel skiing, your skis should be about hip-width apart, with the edges of both skis carving into the snow.
When skiing in parallel, the main goal is to maintain balance and control as you glide down the slope. To achieve this, you will need to use a combination of body positioning, weight distribution, and turning techniques. Unlike snowplowing, parallel skiing requires more muscle coordination, but it also offers a much more fluid experience as you gain control over the skis.
Benefits of Parallel Skiing
There are several benefits to learning parallel skiing as a beginner. Here are a few key advantages:
Better Control and Stability: When your skis are parallel, it’s easier to make subtle adjustments to your speed and direction, giving you better control over your movements.
Smoother Turns: Parallel skiing allows you to turn more smoothly and efficiently than snowplowing, making it easier to navigate slopes and curves.
Increased Speed: Parallel skiing lets you ski at higher speeds with better control. As you progress, you can tackle more advanced terrain, including steeper slopes.
Improved Confidence: Mastering parallel skiing can make you feel more confident on the slopes since you’ll have greater control over your movements.
A Beginner’s Guide to Parallel Skiing
Before you start skiing in parallel, it’s important to have a solid foundation in basic skiing techniques. If you’re new to skiing, start by learning the basics of balance, turning, and stopping using the snowplow technique. Once you’re comfortable with that, you can begin transitioning to parallel skiing.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to start parallel skiing:
1. Proper Ski Stance and Posture
The first thing to focus on is your stance. When skiing in parallel, keep your knees slightly bent and your body centered over your skis. Your weight should be evenly distributed over both skis, and you should feel balanced from head to toe.
Feet and Skis: Keep your feet about hip-width apart. Your skis should be parallel to each other, not angled outward. Avoid the instinct to make a “V” shape with your skis, which is a snowplow position.
Knees and Hips: Your knees should be slightly bent, and your hips should be forward. Keep your body relaxed, but be mindful of your posture—avoid leaning too far back or forward. Stay centered over your skis.
Arms and Hands: Keep your arms slightly in front of you, and your hands should be held at waist level. If you’re using ski poles, hold them lightly in each hand, but avoid leaning on them for balance.
2. Learning to Glide
Once you’re in the proper stance, practice gliding down the slope in a straight line. As a beginner, start on a gentle, flat slope where you can comfortably control your speed. Focus on maintaining your balance and staying centered over your skis.
Weight Distribution: Keep your weight evenly distributed across both skis. Try not to put too much weight on the inside or outside edges of your skis. This will help you maintain balance and control.
Body Position: Stay relaxed and upright, with your body positioned slightly forward. Your knees should bend to absorb the shock from the snow, which will help keep you balanced.
3. Mastering the Parallel Ski Turn
Turning in parallel is one of the most important skills to master. Parallel turns are accomplished by using the edges of your skis to carve into the snow and change direction.
Initiating the Turn: To start a turn, shift your weight slightly toward the inside edge of the ski that you want to turn toward. If you’re turning to the left, for example, apply more pressure to the left ski’s inside edge.
Steering Your Skis: As you initiate the turn, gradually steer your skis to the side, using the edges to carve into the snow.
Keep your body positioned with your knees slightly bent and your weight centered. Don’t lean too far inside the turn—this will cause you to lose control.
Completion of the Turn: As you finish the turn, gradually level your skis back to parallel. You should feel like you’re smoothly carving into the snow, with your skis maintaining contact with the surface throughout the turn.
4. Using Ski Edges for Control
Parallel skiing relies heavily on the edges of your skis for control. The edges grip the snow, helping you carve turns and stop when necessary. Learn how to use your ski edges effectively by focusing on the following:
Inside Edge: The inside edge of your ski is the edge closest to the center of your body. This edge is key for carving turns and controlling your direction.
Outside Edge: The outside edge of your ski is farthest from the center of your body. You’ll need to use this edge to push the ski into the snow to maintain control while turning.
Tips for Success
Mastering parallel skiing takes time and practice. As you continue to improve, here are a few tips to help you succeed:
Stay Relaxed: It’s natural to feel tense when learning something new, but try to stay relaxed. Tension can make your movements stiffer and more difficult to control.
Focus on Smooth Turns: Don’t rush your turns. Focus on making smooth, controlled movements as you carve your way down the hill.
Practice in Different Conditions: As you gain confidence, practice skiing in different snow conditions and on various terrains. This will help you become a more versatile skier.
Take Ski Lessons: If you’re struggling with any aspect of parallel skiing, consider taking lessons from a professional ski instructor. They can provide valuable feedback and help you fine-tune your technique.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As you begin learning parallel skiing, there are a few common mistakes to be aware of:
Leaning Back: A common mistake for beginners is leaning too far back on the skis, which can make it difficult to control speed and balance. Always try to stay forward over your skis.
Turning with the Upper Body: Avoid turning your upper body when making parallel turns. Focus on using your legs and ski edges to initiate the turn.
Not Looking Ahead: Many beginners focus too much on their skis or the ground directly in front of them. Instead, look ahead to where you want to go and let your body naturally follow.
Progressing to Advanced Techniques
Once you’ve mastered parallel skiing on easy slopes, you can start advancing to steeper terrain and more challenging conditions. You’ll also want to work on refining your technique for faster, more aggressive turns, and improving your carving skills.
Consider exploring advanced skiing techniques, such as short turns, carving on steeper slopes, and even skiing in moguls or powder. As you progress, you’ll develop better control, speed, and precision.
Conclusion
Parallel skiing is an essential skill for any skier looking to improve their technique and enjoy skiing at a higher level. While it may take some time to master, with practice and the right technique, you’ll quickly find that parallel skiing is a smoother, more controlled way to enjoy the slopes. Start slow, practice your turns, and soon you’ll be skiing with confidence and style. Happy skiing!