Match Your Skis Earlier in the Turn for Smoother Wedge Christies

What This Cue Means

When you first learn to ski, the wedge or snowplow position is your safety net. It helps you control speed and direction by creating resistance with your skis in a V shape. The Wedge Christie turn builds on this by starting in a wedge and then bringing your skis together to finish the turn. The cue “match your skis earlier in the turn” means you’re aiming to bring those skis parallel sooner rather than later.

Why does this matter? When you keep your skis in a wedge for too long, it limits your ability to carve smooth, flowing turns. Matching your skis earlier helps you develop better edge control and balance. It also sets you up for parallel turns, which are more efficient and less tiring once you’re ready.

When to Use It

How do you know if you’re doing it right? You’ll feel more fluidity in your turns. Instead of feeling like you’re dragging your skis through the snow, you’ll notice a smoother transition from one turn to the next. Your speed will be easier to manage because you’re not relying solely on the wedge to slow down.

How to Practice

A common mistake is trying to match the skis too early before you have the balance or edge control. This can cause you to lose control or feel unstable. The key is gradual progress—bring your skis closer together a little earlier each time, but only as you feel comfortable.

If you want to explore this further, check out the Wedge Christie skill page for drills that help with timing and balance. Also, the cue “Pressure on the outside ski” complements this well, as it teaches you how to manage your weight during turns.

Turn Lab emphasizes this cue as a practical step toward skiing with more confidence and less reliance on the wedge. Keep practicing, and soon enough, you won’t need that wedge at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'match your skis earlier in the turn' mean?

It means bringing your skis parallel sooner during the turn instead of keeping them in a wedge shape throughout.

Why is it important to stop relying on the wedge?

Reducing wedge use helps you gain better edge control and balance, making turns more efficient and less tiring.

How do I know when I’m ready to match my skis earlier?

When you feel stable and comfortable controlling your speed and direction with wedge turns, start bringing your skis together a little sooner each turn.