Downhill parallel skiing involves linking turns down the fall line and is a thrilling experience. During a parallel turn, your skis remain parallel to each other and shoulder width apart. Before parallel skiing, you should first master traversing techniques. To learn to downhill parallel ski chose an uncrowded trail with a gentle to moderate slope.
Step 1
Engage the right edges of your skis and traverse from left to right across the slope. Keep most of your weight on your downhill ski.
Step 2
Lean forward and distribute your weight evenly over both skis to initiate a left turn.
Step 3
Switch to your left ski edges at the moment your skis point down the fall line.
Step 4
Put your weight over your outside ski and complete the turn across the fall line.
Step 5
Traverse the trail from right to left. Keep most of your weight on your downhill ski.
Step 6
Balance your weight evenly over both skis, lean forward and initiate a right turn.
Step 7
Change to your right edges when your skis point down the fall line.
Step 8
Position your weight over your outside ski and turn through the fall line.
Step 9
Traverse the slope from left to right and continue linking turns until you reach the bottom of the trail.
Tips and Warnings
- When performing parallel turns, balance your weight over the middle of your skis and do not lean back onto the tails, recommends MechanicsofSport.com.
- Downhill parallel skiing at high speeds involves a risk of injury; KidsHealth advises skiers to wear safety gear that includes a helmet.
Things You'll Need
- Ski gear
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