Both Skis Pivot and Edge at the Same Time: Commit to the Edge Angle

What This Cue Means

When you hear the cue “Both skis pivot and edge at the same time. Commit to the edge angle,” it’s all about timing and commitment in your hockey stop. This isn’t just about twisting your skis; it’s about making sure both skis work together as a unit to grip the snow and bring you to a controlled halt.

Picture this: as you initiate your hockey stop, you want your skis to rotate (pivot) on their tips and tails while also pressing into the snow with their edges. If one ski lags behind or if you don’t lean enough into the edge, you’ll end up skidding or losing balance. The key is to think of your skis as two blades that need to turn and bite into the snow simultaneously.

When to Use It

When done right, you’ll feel a solid, stable grip under both feet. Your body will lean slightly uphill, and your legs will absorb the forces without flailing or stiffening up. The stop will feel smooth but firm, like you’re pressing a brake pedal with confidence rather than slamming it.

How to Practice

A common mistake is to pivot the skis too early or too late relative to edging, which causes one ski to slide out or chatter. Another is hesitating on the edge angle—if you don’t commit, your skis won’t hold, and you’ll lose control. It’s better to fully lean into the edge and trust that your skis will respond.

This cue is especially helpful for intermediate skiers working on their hockey stop because it focuses on the coordination of movement rather than just speed or power. If you want to build on this, check out related cues like “Pressure on the downhill ski” and “Upper body faces downhill” to refine your stop further.

For more detailed guidance on this and other stops, the Turn Lab platform offers drills and feedback that can help you feel this movement pattern more naturally and confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do both skis need to pivot and edge simultaneously during a hockey stop?

Pivoting and edging both skis at the same time ensures balanced pressure and control, allowing you to stop smoothly without skidding out of control.

What happens if I don’t commit fully to the edge angle?

If you hesitate or don’t lean into the edge, your skis may slide instead of grip, causing a less effective stop and making it harder to control your speed.

Can this cue help with other skiing techniques besides the hockey stop?

Yes, coordinating pivot and edge on both skis is useful for carving turns and other quick directional changes, improving overall ski control.