3 Ways To Turn When Skiing - WikiHow

Home » How To Turn On Skis » 3 Ways To Turn When Skiing - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Turn When You're Skiing: Guide for Beginners PDF download Download Article A quick and easy guide to get smoother turns while skiing Co-authored by Kent Bry and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: January 27, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Completing a Snow Plough Turn
    • |
  • Doing a Parallel Turn
    • |
  • Using the Carve Turn
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Kent Bry and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Kent Bry is a certified ski and snowboarding instructor and the director of Adventure Ski & Snowboard, a school based in the San Diego, California metro area. With over 50 years of skiing and snowboarding performance and instruction experience, Kent is certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). Adventure Ski & Snowboard is a member of the PSIA and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI). Kent holds a BS in Recreational Therapy from San Diego State University and is also a California-registered recreational therapist. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 119,013 times.

One of the basics of skiing is learning how to turn properly, and if you’re struggling to make smooth, controlled turns, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explain how to do snow plough, parallel and carve turns so you can change your direction on the slopes. With practice and dedication, you’ll be able to turn and control your speed in no time.

How to Turn on Skis: Basic Steps

When you want to turn, move your ankles to the side to roll onto the edge of your skis. If you want to turn toward the right, move your ankles toward the right side. To move toward the left, position your ankles onto the left edge. Move both ankles toward the same side in either case.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Completing a Snow Plough Turn

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Position your skis in a “V” shape. 1 Position your skis in a “V” shape. Angle the front tips of your skis toward the middle so the back end of your skis are spread wider than the front, and apply light pressure on the inside edges of your skis by pushing your heels slightly outward.[1] With this position, you point the right ski in the left direction and the left ski in the right direction.
    • If you are just learning how to turn, the snow plough turn is a great place to start. The position also resembles a slice of pizza, so some people refer to it as the “Pizza Slice.”
  2. Step 2 Slide forward with your weight evenly distributed to start moving. 2 Slide forward with your weight evenly distributed to start moving. Bend your knees slightly, keep your feet centered, and angle your shoulders slightly forward. As you do this, you will start to slide down the slope.[2]
    • This allows you to gain speed so you can easily make your turn.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Push with the right leg to turn left, and push with the left leg to turn right. 3 Push with the right leg to turn left, and push with the left leg to turn right. Distribute your weight onto the right (or outside) ski as you slide down the slope. Since your right ski is slightly angled toward the left, you'll slide toward the left side. Your left (or inside) ski should still stay on the snow, but it will carry less weight on it.[3]
    • To ski toward the left, simply push with your left leg instead of your right.
    • The ski that has more weight on it will have more control than your other ski, which you can use to control the direction and make your turn.[4]
  4. Step 4 Distribute your weight evenly on both skis again to initiate a new turn. 4 Distribute your weight evenly on both skis again to initiate a new turn. If you want to change directions, shift your weight back onto both skis by pivoting your hips so they are straight. This slows down your speed, so you can transition into the next turn.[5]
    • Maintaining pressure on the inside edges of your skis and keeping your weight slightly forward can also help you control your speed.
  5. Step 5 Change your weight distribution to travel quicker or further. 5 Change your weight distribution to travel quicker or further. Take some weight off of the right ski if you want to pick up speed and turn sharply. If you want to slow down and come further across the slope, put more weight onto one side of your ski.[6]
    • By adjusting your weight, you can change the speed of your turn.
    • Look forward, instead of down at your skis, to help you turn easily and change directions.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Doing a Parallel Turn

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Lean forward and distribute your weight across both skis to start your turn. 1 Lean forward and distribute your weight across both skis to start your turn. Stand with your skis parallel and hip-width apart. Bend your knees and move your shoulders toward the front of your skis. This repositions your body weight and starts moving you down the slope.[7]
    • During a parallel turn, your skis stay parallel to each other the entire time, and you use your body weight to increase your momentum and make your turn.
  2. Step 2 Match the direction of your skis and your body to orient your turn. 2 Match the direction of your skis and your body to orient your turn. When parallel skiing, your skis should always face straight toward the front. This determines your direction of travel. To go toward the left, move your hips toward the left. To turn toward the right, reposition your body to the right side.[8]
  3. Step 3 Push to one side to redistribute your weight and make your turn. 3 Push to one side to redistribute your weight and make your turn. To turn, roll your knees and ankles in the direction you want to turn. Move both of your feet toward the same direction to keep your skis parallel. You can then switch your turn by adjusting your weight to the other side of your foot. The more you tilt, the sharper your turn will be.[9]
    • Keep your shoulders slightly rotated toward the direction you want to turn, and stretch and soften your legs throughout the turn.
    • If you want to turn to the right, for example, adjust your weight toward the right side of your feet. Then, put your weight on the left side of both feet to make a turn toward the left.
  4. Step 4 Ski at a constant speed until you want to come out of your turn. 4 Ski at a constant speed until you want to come out of your turn. Ski with your knees slightly bent and your weight distributed to the side you want to turn toward. When you finish your turn, distribute your weight toward the front center of your skis by leaning your shoulders forward. This realigns you to the forward parallel skiing position.[10]
    • The momentum you build up as you ski controls your speed.
    • Avoid leaning back and stay forward on the balls of your feet.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Using the Carve Turn

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Start to slide down the slope to gain momentum and speed. 1 Start to slide down the slope to gain momentum and speed. Position your feet hip-width apart, and place your hands on the poles in front of you. Then, lean forward slightly to move down the hill and gain momentum. Continue going straight down the slope to get more speed.[11]
    • When carving, gravity and momentum make the turn for you. If you’re a beginner, practice on a super flat slope to minimize your speed.
    • A carving ski is thinner in the middle compared to the tail and tip of the ski. This makes it possible to make a carve turn, which is a technique when the ski shifts from one side to the other.[12]
  2. Step 2 Roll onto the edge of the ski to start your turn. 2 Roll onto the edge of the ski to start your turn. When you want to turn, move your knees and ankles to the side to roll onto the edge of your skis. If you want to turn toward the right, move your ankles toward the right side. To move toward the left, position your ankles onto the left edge. Move both ankles toward the same side in either case.[13]
    • Applying pressure to the skis makes them naturally curve as you move.
  3. Step 3 Move your knees and ankles from side to side to change direction. 3 Move your knees and ankles from side to side to change direction. To move from left to right and carve down the slope, quickly roll from one edge to the other by shifting your ankles and knees to the opposite side.[14] Keep your upper body stable and don’t try to force the turn.
    • As you tilt your knees and ankles, it will naturally create a curve.
  4. Step 4 Put more pressure on the edge of your ski as you complete your turn. 4 Put more pressure on the edge of your ski as you complete your turn. When you are coming to the end of your turn, apply more pressure to the edges of your skis. This applies pressure to the middle of the board, which helps you slow down and ease out of the turn.[15]
  5. Step 5 Lean forward to redistribute your weight and increase your speed. 5 Lean forward to redistribute your weight and increase your speed. Repositioning the weight onto the front of your skis helps increase your speed, so you can move down the slope even faster. To do this, move your shoulders toward the front of your skis.[16]
    • Do this after you’ve nailed the turn, as you already will go rather quickly with this turn option!
  6. Step 6 Straighten your knees and ankles to finish your turn. 6 Straighten your knees and ankles to finish your turn. Once you’ve finished carving down the slope, move your ankles back to the center of your skis to start going straight again. This will slowly decrease your speed. Then, you can continue going straight or use your poles to start to slow down.[17]
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Certified ski and snowboarding instructor Kent Bry recommends taking “a private lesson if you can afford it.”[18] One-on-one training can help you learn the basics quickly, and some instructors use indoor stimulators so you don’t have to worry about losing control or hurting yourself on the slopes. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
  • According to personal trainer Babis Kanellopoulos, “the main muscles used while skiing are the glutes, quads and hamstrings.” To stretch your legs, “perform the seated figure-four stretch for your glutes, a simple quad stretch by grabbing your foot behind you and pulling it close to your butt, and a hamstring stretch by fully extending your leg and reaching towards your toe.”[19] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Be patient with yourself as you learn to ski. It takes time to nail the basics and master the advanced tricks! Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Do not try to do advanced turns until you master the basics, and don’t overstate your skill level when renting or buying ski equipment. Make sure you get equipment that meets your skill level to avoid injuries.[20] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

SkiHow to Ski: The Complete Guide for Beginners Alpine Ski if You Are a BeginnerHow toAlpine Ski if You Are a Beginner Stop on Ice SkatesHow toStop on Ice Skates Do a 360 on SkisHow to Land a 360 While Skiing Stop on Roller SkatesHow to Stop When Roller Skating Turn on RollerbladesHow toTurn on Rollerblades Hockey StopHow toHockey Stop SnowboardA Beginner's Guide to Snowboarding with Tips from an Instructor Drift on a BicycleHow toDrift on a Bicycle RollerbladeHow toRollerblade Figure Skate (for Beginners)How toFigure Skate (for Beginners) Ice Skate BackwardsHow toIce Skate Backwards Get on and off a Ski LiftHow toGet on and off a Ski Lift Teach Downhill Beginner SkiingHow toTeach Downhill Beginner Skiing Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/snowplough_turn.html
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/bEBIAfZ0iW4?t=48s
  3. ↑ http://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/snowplough_turn.html
  4. ↑ http://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/snowplough_turn.html
  5. ↑ http://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/snowplough_turn.html
  6. ↑ http://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/snowplough_turn.html
  7. ↑ http://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/parallel_turn.html
  8. ↑ http://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/parallel_turn.html
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/MPYesOmyMNw?t=87
More References (11)
  1. ↑ http://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/parallel_turn.html
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/UGn62uxnhjg?t=1m49s
  3. ↑ https://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/carving.html
  4. ↑ https://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/carving.html
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/UGn62uxnhjg?t=3m20s
  6. ↑ https://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/carving.html
  7. ↑ https://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/carving.html
  8. ↑ https://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/carving.html
  9. ↑ Kent Bry. Certified Ski & Snowboarding Instructor. Expert Interview
  10. ↑ Babis Kanellopoulos. Personal Trainer. Expert Interview
  11. ↑ https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/tips-and-exercises-to-help-you-avoid-ski-and-snowboard-injuries/2022/11

About This Article

Kent Bry Co-authored by: Kent Bry Certified Ski & Snowboarding Instructor This article was co-authored by Kent Bry and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Kent Bry is a certified ski and snowboarding instructor and the director of Adventure Ski & Snowboard, a school based in the San Diego, California metro area. With over 50 years of skiing and snowboarding performance and instruction experience, Kent is certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). Adventure Ski & Snowboard is a member of the PSIA and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI). Kent holds a BS in Recreational Therapy from San Diego State University and is also a California-registered recreational therapist. This article has been viewed 119,013 times. 3 votes - 53% Co-authors: 12 Updated: January 27, 2025 Views: 119,013 Categories: Snow Skiing Article SummaryX

To complete a snowplow turn when skiing, start by positioning the front tips of your skis toward each other to make a “V” shape. Next, evenly distribute your weight over your skis and start sliding forward down the slope. Then, shift your weight onto your right leg to turn left, or onto your left leg to turn right. Once you complete a turn, distribute your weight evenly on both skis to slow down or change direction. To learn how to do a parallel turn, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 119,013 times. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Kent Bry Co-authored by: Kent Bry Certified Ski & Snowboarding Instructor 3 votes - 53% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 12 Updated: January 27, 2025 Views: 119,013

Quizzes & Games

Traffic Signs TestTraffic Signs TestTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizAre You a Big Spoon or a Little Spoon QuizAre You a Big Spoon or a Little Spoon QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

SkiHow to Ski: The Complete Guide for Beginners Alpine Ski if You Are a BeginnerHow toAlpine Ski if You Are a BeginnerStop on Ice SkatesHow toStop on Ice SkatesDo a 360 on SkisHow to Land a 360 While Skiing

Featured Articles

What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness Test

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

Enjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Featured Articles

21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like Lies170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me QuizIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It) Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune GeneratorWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

Am I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizGuess the Emoji QuizGuess the Emoji QuizTake QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake QuizWhat's My Fight Style QuizWhat's My Fight Style QuizTake QuizWhat Type of Brain Do I Have QuizWhat Type of Brain Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Sports and Fitness
  • Individual Sports
  • Snow Skiing
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --611

Tag » How To Turn On Skis