Practice tipping your skis on edge while traversing to build a solid foundation for carving on groomed blue terrain. Improve your skiing with focused practice .
The Traverse Tipping Drill is a straightforward way to get comfortable with tipping your skis onto their edges while moving across the slope. This drill introduces you to the sensation of carving by focusing on edge angle control without the complexity of turning.
Start by positioning yourself in a traverse across a groomed blue run. Keep your skis parallel and your weight balanced evenly over both feet. As you move steadily across the hill, begin to progressively tip both skis uphill by rolling your ankles and knees slightly in that direction. The goal is to increase the edge angle gradually, not abruptly.
As you tip the skis, pay close attention to how they start to arc uphill. This is a sign that the edges are engaging the snow and the skis are beginning to carve rather than just sliding. Hold that edge angle for a moment, then release by flattening the skis back to a neutral position and continue traversing. Repeat this process, each time trying to increase the maximum edge angle a little more.
You’ll want to do about 10 to 15 repetitions per session, focusing on smooth, controlled movements rather than forcing the edges too quickly. The feeling you’re aiming for is a gentle but clear bite from the skis as they start to curve uphill, followed by a relaxed release.
Common mistakes include tipping only one ski, leaning too far back, or forcing the edges too aggressively, which can cause skidding or loss of balance. Keep your upper body stable and centered, and remember that small, deliberate movements will give you better feedback.
Once you’re comfortable with this drill, you can move on to linked turns that incorporate tipping and edging dynamically. For more on progressing your carving skills, check out the linked skill pages on basic carving turns and edge control.
This drill is a solid step toward better edge feel and control, and practicing it regularly with Turn Lab’s approach will help you build confidence on your edges.
Tipping skis on edge allows them to grip the snow and carve clean arcs rather than skidding. It’s a key skill for controlling turns smoothly and efficiently.
A groomed blue run with moderate slope is ideal. It provides enough speed to feel the edges engage without being too challenging.
Aim for 10 to 15 traverses, gradually increasing the edge angle each time. Focus on quality and feel rather than rushing through reps.
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