Commit Your Weight to the Outside Ski for Smooth Wedge Christies

What This Cue Means

When you’re learning the wedge Christie, one of the trickiest parts is getting your skis to work together smoothly. This cue—committing your weight fully to the outside ski once you start the turn—helps make that happen naturally.

What does it mean to commit your weight? Think of your outside ski as the one doing most of the work during a turn. When you lean into that ski, it grips the snow better and guides you around the curve. If your weight is split between both skis or hangs back on the inside ski, your turn can feel wobbly or you might skid instead of carving a clean arc.

When to Use It

You’ll want to feel a solid, steady pressure on the outside ski’s edge as you begin the turn. It’s not about leaning way over or falling to the side—just a confident shift so your body’s weight is centered over that ski. This balance helps your skis “match” each other, meaning they follow the same path without fighting or sliding out.

How to Practice

A common mistake is hesitating to fully commit weight because it feels unfamiliar or unstable at first. That’s normal. Try starting with gentle turns on a gentle slope, focusing on shifting your weight smoothly as you initiate the turn. Over time, this will feel more natural and your wedge Christie will become more controlled.

If you want to explore this more, check out the novice wedge Christie skill page for drills and tips. Also, cues like “pressure the outside edge” and “look where you want to go” pair well with this one to build solid turning habits.

Remember, the goal is steady, balanced turns where your skis work together. Committing your weight to the outside ski is a simple adjustment that helps you feel more in control and confident on the slopes. Turn Lab highlights this cue as a foundational step for beginners getting comfortable with turning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I put all my weight on the outside ski during a turn?

The outside ski carries most of your body’s force during a turn, so committing your weight there helps you stay balanced and control the direction more easily.

What happens if I don’t commit my weight fully to the outside ski?

If your weight is too centered or on the inside ski, you’ll feel unstable and your skis may skid or not follow the turn smoothly.

How do I know if I’m committing my weight correctly?

You’ll feel pressure on the outside edge of the downhill ski, and your turn will feel steady instead of wobbly or hesitant.