Control Edge Angle from Your Ankles for Better Traverse & Sideslip

What This Cue Means

When you’re learning to traverse or sideslip, one of the key challenges is managing how much your skis grip the snow versus how much they slide. This is where controlling your edge angle from the ankles comes in handy. The cue “Control edge angle from your ankles. Roll them uphill to grip, flatten to slip” means you’re using subtle ankle movements to adjust how much the ski edges dig into the snow.

Think of your ankles as the steering mechanism for your skis’ edges. By rolling your ankles slightly uphill—imagine gently tilting your feet so the inside edges of your skis press into the snow—you increase edge angle and get more grip. This helps you hold your line steadily across the slope without sliding downhill. On the other hand, flattening your ankles so the skis lie more flat on the snow reduces edge angle, allowing the skis to slip sideways more easily. This is useful when you want to control speed or adjust your position gently.

When to Use It

When done right, this cue feels like a controlled, subtle movement in your feet and lower legs. You don’t want to overdo it—too much roll can make you tense and throw off your balance, while too little means your skis won’t grip and you’ll slide out. The key is finding that comfortable middle ground where your skis respond predictably.

How to Practice

A common mistake is trying to control edge angle by twisting at the knees or hips instead of the ankles. This can lead to stiff or awkward body positions and less precise edge control. Keeping the movement focused on the ankles helps maintain relaxed, balanced posture and makes it easier to adjust on the fly.

You’ll use this ankle control primarily during traverses and sideslips on gentle slopes, where you want to practice balancing grip and slip. For more information on traverses, check out the [novice traverse skill page]. Related cues to explore include “Keep weight centered over skis” and “Maintain a quiet upper body” to complement this ankle-focused technique.

Turn Lab highlights this cue as a straightforward way for beginners to develop better edge feel and confidence on their skis. It’s a small adjustment that can make a big difference when you’re starting out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I focus on ankle movement instead of knee or hip?

Ankles provide precise control over the ski edges without overcomplicating your body position. Using ankles to adjust edge angle keeps your upper body stable and helps maintain balance during traverses and sideslips.

How do I know if I’m rolling my ankles uphill enough?

You’ll feel the skis bite into the snow and hold your line without skidding. If you don’t feel grip, try gently increasing the inward roll of your ankles until the skis catch.

Can I use this cue on steeper terrain?

This cue is best suited for gentle slopes and novice-level traverses or sideslips. On steeper terrain, you’ll need more advanced edge control involving knees and hips along with ankle adjustments.