Keep Your Feet Hip-Width Apart Throughout the Turn

What This Cue Means

When working on basic parallel turns, one of the key body position cues to keep in mind is maintaining your feet about hip-width apart throughout the turn. This might sound simple, but it’s a detail that can make a big difference in how stable and controlled you feel on your skis.

What does this mean in practice? Your feet should be spaced roughly as wide as your hips, not squeezed together and not stretched way out. This stance gives your body a solid base of support, helping you balance better as you shift your weight from one ski to the other. If your feet get too close, you lose lateral stability, making it harder to edge and control your skis smoothly. On the other hand, if your feet are too wide, it becomes difficult to pressure your skis evenly, and you might feel like you’re fighting against your own stance.

When to Use It

You’ll know you’re doing it right when your turns feel more balanced and your movements flow naturally without wobbling or overcompensating. It should feel comfortable, like your body is aligned and ready to respond to the terrain. If you notice you’re tipping or struggling to keep your skis engaged, check your foot placement.

How to Practice

A common mistake is to let your feet drift too wide during turns, especially when you’re trying to control speed or handle steeper slopes. Another is to bring them too close when you’re nervous, which can make you feel unstable. Keeping your feet hip-width apart acts like a stable platform that supports the rest of your body’s movements.

This cue fits right into the broader skill of intermediate parallel turns, where body position and balance are critical. For more on how foot placement interacts with your overall posture, you might want to look at cues like “Keep your knees bent and facing downhill” or “Lean slightly forward over your boots.” These all work together to help you ski with confidence and control.

For those interested in refining this aspect, Turn Lab offers useful drills and feedback to help you feel and maintain the right stance throughout your turns. It’s a straightforward adjustment that pays off in smoother, more stable skiing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is foot width important during parallel turns?

Foot width affects your balance and how well you can pressure your skis. Too narrow limits stability, and too wide makes it harder to edge properly.

How can I tell if my feet are too close or too far apart?

If you feel wobbly or off-balance, your feet might be too narrow or wide. Aim for a natural stance roughly equal to the width of your hips.

Does foot width change during the turn?

Try to keep your feet consistently hip-width apart throughout the turn to maintain stability and control.