Practice initiating turns without any wedge to build solid parallel turning skills on groomed blue terrain Practical tips and progression steps included.
The Direct Parallel Drill is a straightforward way to practice initiating turns without any wedge or snowplow. It’s designed to help you build solid parallel turning skills by focusing on tipping both skis to the new edges at the same time. This drill works best on a groomed blue run where you have enough space to practice controlled turns without distractions.
Start by skiing down a comfortable blue run at a moderate speed. From a parallel stance, focus on tipping both skis simultaneously to engage the new edges as you begin each turn. The key is to avoid opening a wedge at any point—your skis should stay parallel throughout the turn. If you feel yourself slipping into a wedge, stop and reset. Slow down a bit and try again, paying close attention to the timing of your edge transition.
The most important moment to focus on is the transition between edges. This is when you shift your weight and tip your skis from one edge to the other. You want this to be smooth and simultaneous on both skis. Think of it as a clean, deliberate movement rather than a gradual slide or a wedge correction.
For reps, aim for about 10 to 15 turns per session. Start slow and controlled, then gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence. Common mistakes include allowing the inside ski to lag behind, opening a wedge to slow down, or rushing the edge transition. If any of these happen, slow down and reset your focus on keeping the skis parallel.
This drill builds a strong foundation for more advanced parallel turn techniques. For more about parallel turns and related drills, check out the Parallel Turns skill page. Practicing this regularly will help you ski more efficiently and with greater control. Turn Lab highlights this drill as a practical step for skiers ready to move beyond wedge turns.
Avoiding the wedge forces you to commit to parallel edges, which builds better edge control and smoother turn initiation.
Stop, slow down, and restart the drill more deliberately. Focus on tipping both skis simultaneously without opening the wedge.
Aim for 10 to 15 clean turns per session, gradually increasing speed as you get more comfortable.
Turn Lab organizes mental cues, drills, and progression milestones into a structured path from beginner to expert. Free for all beginner skills.
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