As One Turn Ends, Immediately Begin the Next: Smooth Linked Turns

What This Cue Means

When you’re learning linked turns, one of the biggest challenges is keeping your skis moving smoothly without stopping between turns. The cue “As one turn ends, immediately begin the next” is a simple way to help you build that flow. Imagine your skis as a single, continuous line flowing down the mountain rather than two separate pieces that stop and start. This mindset encourages you to think of turns as connected movements rather than isolated actions.

Using this cue means that as soon as you finish carving one turn, you don’t pause or stand still—you start shifting your weight and edging your skis to begin the next turn right away. This keeps your momentum going and makes it easier to maintain balance. It also helps you develop a natural rhythm, which is key for linked turns.

When to Use It

When you get it right, you’ll feel like you’re gliding down the slope with smooth, round arcs. Your body will move fluidly from side to side, and your skis will seem to flow effortlessly from one turn to the next. This feeling is a good sign that you’re controlling your speed and direction effectively.

How to Practice

A common mistake is to finish a turn and then hesitate or stop before starting the next one. This can make your skiing feel choppy and unbalanced. Another issue is thinking of each turn as a separate event instead of part of a continuous flow, which can slow you down and make it harder to control your skis.

Start practicing this cue on gentle slopes where you feel comfortable. Focus on keeping your skis moving and linking your turns smoothly. Over time, you’ll notice your confidence and control improve.

If you want to explore more about linked turns, check out the target skill page for novice linked turns. Related cues like “Look where you want to go” and “Keep your upper body facing downhill” can also help you build better technique as you progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I start the next turn immediately after finishing one?

Starting the next turn right away keeps your skis moving smoothly and prevents you from stopping or hesitating, which can disrupt balance and rhythm.

What does it feel like when I’m doing this cue correctly?

You’ll notice a steady, flowing sensation as your skis carve gentle arcs down the slope, with less effort needed to initiate each turn.

Can this cue help me on steeper or more challenging terrain?

It’s best to focus on this cue on easier slopes first. Once you’re comfortable, you can gradually apply the same idea on steeper terrain, adjusting your speed and turn size.