Hockey Stop to Turn Drill for Confident Steep Terrain Control

This drill is a solid way to build confidence and control on steep terrain by using hockey stops as your foundation. The goal is to link aggressive stops with quick pivots, eventually smoothing those stops into clean turns. It’s about edge control, timing, and body position—key elements when you’re tackling steep groomed black runs.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Point straight down the fall line on a steep section. Commit to an aggressive hockey stop by digging your edges in hard. You want to feel your skis bite into the snow, holding you firmly in place. Your weight should be centered or slightly forward, not leaning back.

2. Release your edges immediately after the stop. This means relaxing your ankles and knees just enough to let your skis pivot freely. Avoid stiffening up here; the release is crucial to transition smoothly.

3. Pivot into a hockey stop on the opposite edge. Rotate your skis quickly but controlled to the other side, setting up for the next stop. Your upper body stays stable and facing downhill, helping you maintain balance.

4. Link these movements together. Fall line → stop → release → pivot → fall line → stop → repeat. Start slow to get the timing right, then gradually increase speed as you feel more comfortable.

5. Round out the stops into turns. Once you’re linking stops smoothly, soften the stops into turns by maintaining aggressive edge engagement but allowing your skis to carve through the snow instead of skidding.

What to feel for:

• Solid edge grip during stops without leaning back.
• Smooth, deliberate edge release before pivoting.
• Stable upper body that doesn’t twist excessively.
• Controlled, confident pivots that set you up for the next move.

Reps and progression:

Start with 10 to 15 linked stops per run. Focus on quality over quantity—each stop and pivot should feel deliberate. As you get more comfortable, work on rounding those stops into full turns, which will help you handle steep terrain more fluidly.

Common mistakes:

• Leaning too far back during stops, which reduces edge hold.
• Skipping the edge release, causing stiff, jerky pivots.
• Letting your upper body twist with your skis, which throws off balance.
• Rushing through the drill without control, leading to sloppy technique.

If you want to build on this drill, check out related skills on carving and edge control to further refine your steep terrain technique. Using this approach from Turn Lab will help you gain the confidence and precision needed to ski steep groomed black runs with more control and less stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many reps should I do per run?

Aim for 10 to 15 linked hockey stops per run, focusing on smooth transitions and consistent edge control.

Can I do this drill on less steep terrain?

While it’s designed for steep groomed black runs, you can start on moderate slopes to get comfortable with the movements before stepping up.

What common mistakes should I watch out for?

Avoid leaning back during stops, rushing the pivot, or failing to fully release your edges before switching sides.