Wedge Turns: Skiing Tips

Video Transcript

Hi! This is Dave Smith with Hillcrest Ski and Sports in Gresham, Oregon on behalf of Expert Village. In this tutorial we will cover beginning skiing. In this clip we'll cover how to make a wedge turn which is simply a turn across the hill from the wedge position. To do this you'll need to understand the difference between your uphill ski and your downhill ski. Your uphill ski is the one that's closest to the top of the hill at the bottom of your turn. The downhill ski, on the other hand is the ski that's closest to the bottom of the hill at the end of your turn. From the wedge position extend your knees and transfer the majority of your weight onto the ski that will become your downhill ski at the bottom of the turn. Steer your skis across the hill until your skis are almost perpendicular to the hill and you slow to a stop. At first, just try making one turn in one direction. Then, enter the wedge position and try making a turn the other direction coming to a stop upon completion. Once you master this try linking some wedge turns keeping your speed in between turns.