Parallel skiing is one of the most popular techniques in alpine skiing, offering control and speed. It involves skiing with your skis parallel to each other, which is more efficient and stable than other forms of skiing, such as snowplow skiing.
However, when you are skiing at high speeds or on steep slopes, knowing how to slow down becomes a crucial skill. The ability to control your speed not only ensures your safety but also helps you navigate challenging terrain with ease.
This article will guide you through the methods you can use to slow down when parallel skiing, whether you’re on a gentle slope or facing an advanced downhill challenge. By understanding the basic principles of skiing and using the right techniques, you can maintain control over your speed while skiing, improving both your confidence and enjoyment of the sport.
Why Slowing Down is Important in Parallel Skiing
Slowing down while skiing is just as important as going fast. In fact, it’s a crucial skill for every skier, from beginners to experts. Skiing at high speeds without the ability to slow down can lead to accidents, falls, and potential injuries.
Furthermore, understanding how to control your speed will help you handle different types of slopes, whether you’re skiing on groomed runs or in more challenging, off-piste areas.
In addition to safety, slowing down is essential when navigating difficult conditions such as icy patches, trees, or narrow trails. It’s also helpful when you are skiing in crowds or near other skiers and snowboarders, as it allows you to maintain a safe distance from others.
Methods for Slowing Down When Parallel Skiing
There are several techniques you can use to slow down when parallel skiing. These techniques are based on how you position your skis, control your body, and interact with the snow. Let’s break down the most effective methods.
1. Use the “Snowplow” Technique
Even though you’re skiing parallel, you can incorporate elements of the snowplow technique to help you slow down. The snowplow is a classic beginner technique where you angle the tips of your skis toward each other and push the tails out.
This creates friction against the snow, which slows you down. While parallel skiing, you can use a slight snowplow position to reduce your speed.
To perform this, slightly bring the tips of your skis closer together while keeping the tails wider apart. The more you angle the tips inwards, the more drag you will create, helping you slow down. However, remember that this method should not be used too aggressively, as it can disrupt the flow of your turns.
2. Turning Across the Slope (Carving and Edging)
One of the most efficient ways to slow down when parallel skiing is by using your turns to control your speed. Turning across the slope, rather than directly downhill, creates friction and reduces your speed. This technique is often referred to as “carving” or “edging” and is essential for advanced skiers.
To carve effectively, you need to put pressure on the inside edge of your ski and make controlled turns across the slope. The angle of your skis will help determine the speed: the more you lean into the turn and use your edges, the more you can slow down. If you’re skiing downhill, make wide turns across the slope. If you’re on a flat or uphill section, you can use tighter turns.
Carving works well because the edge of the ski grips the snow, creating friction that naturally reduces speed. It’s essential to keep your body balanced and centered, focusing on smooth, controlled turns to avoid skidding.
3. Skiing in “Wedge Turns” (Modified Snowplow Turns)
In addition to carving, wedge turns can be a helpful technique to slow down, especially when you’re on steeper terrain. The wedge turn is a modification of the snowplow, where you turn your skis to form a “V” shape. This technique works well for beginners or intermediates who are still mastering full parallel skiing.
To perform a wedge turn, you start by turning both skis into a “V” shape. This will cause the inside edges of the skis to dig into the snow, creating resistance and slowing you down. Unlike the snowplow, the wedge turn is used to help navigate turns while also decelerating. The wider the “V” shape, the more resistance you create, slowing your descent.
As you become more comfortable, you can move from the wedge turn to a more advanced parallel turn. However, this technique is a useful tool for gradually reducing speed without needing to come to a full stop.
4. Reduce the Use of the Uphill Skiing Edge
In parallel skiing, especially for intermediate skiers, using the uphill ski to control your speed is an effective method. The uphill ski is the one that is farthest from the slope when you turn. By using the edge of this ski, you can make fine adjustments to your speed while turning.
When you make a turn, focus on increasing pressure on the uphill ski edge, which will create resistance as you carve across the slope. This method helps maintain balance while slowing you down. You don’t need to use a snowplow or carve excessively – simply focusing on the uphill ski edge gives you more control over your descent.
5. Absorb Bumps and Changes in Terrain
Slowing down when parallel skiing doesn’t always mean making drastic turns or changing your stance. You can also absorb changes in terrain, such as bumps or variations in the snow, to naturally reduce your speed. By bending your knees and staying flexible, you can absorb shock and reduce the forward momentum that would otherwise speed you up.
For example, when you approach a bump or a mogul, absorb the shock by bending your knees and leaning back slightly. This allows you to maintain control over your speed while still progressing down the slope.
6. Controlling Your Body Position
Another effective method for slowing down is controlling your body position. Keeping your body low to the ground and centered will give you more control over your skis, making it easier to slow down. If you stand upright and stiffen your legs, you will lose some of the natural fluidity needed to control your speed.
Try to stay relaxed, with your knees slightly bent and your weight centered over the middle of your skis. This will help you make adjustments to your speed by pressing into the snow when necessary.
Incorporating Snowboarding Techniques
Though snowboarding and skiing are two distinct sports, there are some snowboarding techniques that can be helpful for slowing down when skiing. For instance, snowboarders often use “skidding” or “side-sliding” to reduce speed. While this technique is more common in snowboarding, skiers can also use a similar approach by turning their skis sideways across the slope to create friction and slow down.
This method is particularly useful for skiers who are learning to control their speed on less steep slopes. By using a combination of skiing and snowboarding techniques, you can develop a versatile approach to speed control.
Safety Tips for Slowing Down When Parallel Skiing
When you’re learning how to slow down while parallel skiing, safety is paramount. Here are a few tips to ensure you maintain control and stay safe on the slopes:
Wear the Right Gear: Make sure you have the right equipment, including properly fitted boots, skis, and protective gear. Helmets are especially important for all skiers.
Know Your Limits: Don’t try to ski too fast or too steep before you’re ready. It’s important to gradually increase your skill level as you build confidence.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always check your surroundings for other skiers, snowboarders, or obstacles. Maintain a safe distance from others and avoid crowded slopes when possible.
Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the more natural slowing down will feel. Practice on gentle slopes and gradually work your way up to more challenging terrain.
Conclusion
Learning how to slow down when parallel skiing is an essential skill that every skier should master. Whether you’re carving down the slopes, performing wedge turns, or using your uphill skiing edge, each technique offers a unique way to control your speed and navigate the mountain safely. By understanding how to reduce your speed and maintain balance, you will be able to ski confidently on a variety of terrain. Remember, the more you practice, the better you will become at managing your speed, making skiing a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.