Railroad Track Turns: Building Solid Basic Parallel Turns

Railroad Track Turns are a straightforward drill designed to help you develop solid basic parallel turns by focusing on leaving two clean, parallel tracks in the snow. This drill is best done on groomed blue terrain where the snow is smooth enough to clearly see your ski tracks.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Find fresh groomed snow where you can easily observe the tracks you leave behind. Avoid icy or heavily tracked areas to get clear feedback.
2. Make medium radius parallel turns down the slope. Focus on steering both skis simultaneously while keeping them close together.
3. Look back at your tracks after a few turns. Your goal is to see two parallel lines in the snow, resembling railroad tracks.
4. If your tracks spread apart into a wedge shape, it’s a sign your skis are drifting apart. Concentrate on keeping your skis aligned and close throughout the turn.
5. Repeat the drill until you consistently leave clean, parallel tracks. Aim for 10 to 15 good repetitions per practice session.

What to feel for: As you make each turn, pay attention to how your skis respond when you try to keep them together. You should feel balanced over both skis, with pressure evenly distributed. Avoid letting your inside ski lag behind or push outward, which causes the wedge shape.

Common mistakes:

• Allowing the skis to drift apart, creating a wedge instead of parallel tracks.
• Turning one ski before the other, causing uneven pressure and loss of control.
• Looking down at your skis instead of ahead, which can disrupt your balance.

By practicing Railroad Track Turns regularly, you’ll develop better edge control and smoother transitions between turns. This drill builds a strong foundation for more advanced parallel skiing techniques. For more on refining your parallel turns, check out the related skill page on parallel turn fundamentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should my ski tracks be parallel?

Parallel tracks indicate that your skis are staying evenly aligned during turns, which means you’re maintaining proper edge control and balance.

What if my skis keep forming a wedge instead of parallel tracks?

If your tracks spread apart, it usually means you’re letting your skis drift apart or relying too much on a wedge. Focus on feeling your skis close together and steering them simultaneously.

How often should I repeat this drill to see improvement?

Try to do at least 10 to 15 good repetitions per session. Consistency over multiple sessions helps build muscle memory and smooth out your turns.