How to Fix Speed Control by Managing Turn Shape and Edge Engagement

How to Fix Speed Control on Your Skis

Controlling your speed on skis isn’t about braking hard or skidding wildly. It’s about managing your turn shape and how you engage your edges. When you understand these two factors, you’ll find it easier to keep your speed in check and enjoy more confident runs.

Step 1: Focus on Your Turn Shape

Your turn shape directly influences your speed. Think of your turns like the radius of a circle:

• Wider turns (larger radius) let you keep more speed because you’re not forcing the skis to change direction sharply.
• Tighter turns (smaller radius) naturally slow you down because you’re pushing against the snow more.

Try this: Practice making progressively tighter turns on a gentle slope. Notice how your speed drops as you make those turns smaller and rounder. The mental cue here is “round and steady.” Keep your turns smooth and consistent rather than abrupt.

Step 2: Engage Your Edges More Effectively

Edge engagement means how much your skis grip the snow. The more you roll your ankles and knees to tip your skis on edge, the more friction you create, which slows you down.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Stand balanced over your skis.
2. Slightly roll your ankles and knees inward to tip the skis onto their edges.
3. Maintain steady pressure through your feet as you carve your turn.

The key is to avoid leaning back or stiffening up. Stay relaxed and let your edges do the work.

Step 3: Combine Turn Shape and Edge Control

Once you feel comfortable with turn shape and edging separately, start combining them. Use tighter, rounder turns with solid edge engagement to control your speed smoothly.

Remember, controlling speed isn’t about stopping abruptly but managing your flow down the hill.

Bonus Tip: Use Terrain to Your Advantage

If you’re on a steeper slope, use the natural contours to help slow down. Plan your turns so you’re skiing across the fall line rather than straight down.

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If you want to explore these concepts further, check out Turn Lab’s Speed Control basics and Edge Engagement drills. They break down these skills with clear visuals and step-by-step coaching.

Fixing your speed control takes practice, but by focusing on turn shape and edge engagement, you’ll ski with more confidence and control. Keep the mental cue “round and steady” in mind as you practice, and you’ll see steady improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does changing my turn shape affect my speed?

Wider, more open turns let you maintain or increase speed, while tighter, rounder turns naturally slow you down by increasing edge grip and friction.

How can I engage my edges better to control speed?

Press your skis into the snow by rolling your ankles and knees slightly inward, increasing edge contact. This creates more resistance and helps slow you down.

Is it better to control speed by turning or by skidding?

Controlling speed through smooth, carved turns is more efficient and stable than skidding, which can be less predictable and harder on your equipment.