Finish Each Turn by Coming Across the Hill for Better Speed Control

What This Cue Means

When you’re learning to ski, managing your speed is one of the biggest challenges. The cue “Finish each turn by coming across the hill” is a practical way to keep your speed in check without overthinking it. What does it mean exactly? Think of the hill as a clock face: the fall line runs straight down from 12 to 6. When you finish your turn, your skis should be pointing somewhere around 3 or 9—across the hill—rather than straight down at 6. This position naturally slows you down because you’re not allowing gravity to pull you directly downhill.

If your turns feel incomplete, it usually means you’re ending with your skis still pointing downhill. That’s when speed sneaks up on you, and it can feel like you’re suddenly rushing without control. This happens because you’re not using the edges of your skis fully to resist the pull of the slope. Instead, you’re just sliding straight down, which makes it harder to slow down or stop.

When to Use It

When you do finish your turns properly, you’ll notice a few things. Your speed stays more consistent, and you feel more balanced and in control. The movement feels smoother, almost like you’re gently carving across the hill rather than sliding straight down. This also helps with rhythm, making your skiing more enjoyable and less tiring.

How to Practice

A common mistake is rushing the turns or trying to go too fast, which leads to incomplete turns and speed buildup. Another is leaning too far downhill, which makes it hard to come across the hill at the end of the turn. Instead, focus on steady, controlled movements and letting your skis guide you across the hill.

If you want to get more comfortable with this, try practicing on gentle slopes where you can focus on the feeling of finishing each turn fully. You can also check out related cues like “Control your edge pressure” and “Use your poles for timing” to build a solid foundation in speed control.

For more guidance on managing speed and refining your turns, Turn Lab offers clear, practical advice that helps skiers build confidence and control on the slopes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'coming across the hill' mean in skiing?

It means completing your turn so your skis point slightly across the slope, not straight downhill. This position helps slow you down and control your speed.

Why do incomplete turns cause speed to build?

If you don’t finish the turn fully, your skis end up pointing more downhill, which lets gravity pull you faster and makes speed harder to manage.

How can I practice finishing turns properly?

Focus on feeling your skis cross the fall line at the end of each turn. Try making slower, deliberate turns on gentle slopes and notice how your speed stays steady.