Actively steer your inside ski to match the outside ski

What This Cue Means

When you’re learning the wedge Christie turn, one of the trickiest parts is getting both skis to work together smoothly. The cue “Actively steer your inside (uphill) ski to match the outside ski” is about taking control of that inside ski instead of letting it lag behind or just follow passively.

What does this mean in practice? Imagine you’re initiating a turn. Your outside ski—the one on the downhill side—naturally takes the lead because it carries more weight and pressure. But the inside ski can sometimes just sit there, waiting for the outside ski to pull it around. That’s where problems start: if the inside ski isn’t engaged properly, it can skid, lose grip, or throw off your balance.

When to Use It

By actively steering your inside ski, you’re guiding it to match the direction and movement of your outside ski. This doesn’t mean forcing it or twisting awkwardly, but gently turning it so both skis are aligned and working together. It helps maintain edge contact and keeps your weight balanced between the skis, which is crucial for smooth, controlled turns in the wedge Christie.

How to Practice

When you do this right, you’ll notice your turns feel more connected and stable. Instead of your skis fighting each other or sliding out, they’ll glide together, making it easier to control your speed and direction. This cue also helps prevent common mistakes like leaning too far forward or backward because steering the inside ski encourages a balanced stance.

A common misapplication is trying to steer the inside ski too aggressively, which can cause tension or awkward body positions. The goal is a gentle, intentional movement—not a forced one. Another mistake is ignoring the inside ski altogether, which leads to passive skiing and less control.

If you want to build on this, check out related cues like “Pressure the outside ski” and “Keep your knees softly bent,” which complement steering your inside ski by improving edge grip and stance. For more guidance on the wedge Christie turn and how this cue fits in, visit the novice wedge Christie skill page.

Turn Lab highlights this cue because it encourages active participation from both skis, helping novice skiers develop better control and confidence early on. It’s a simple adjustment that makes a noticeable difference in how your turns feel and flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I steer my inside ski instead of just following the outside ski?

Steering your inside ski helps maintain balance and control by keeping both skis engaged and aligned. Waiting for it to happen can lead to skidding or loss of edge grip.

How do I know if I’m steering my inside ski correctly?

You’ll feel both skis working together, with your inside ski matching the direction and pressure of the outside ski, resulting in smoother, more controlled turns.

Can this cue help me avoid falling forward or backward during turns?

Yes. Actively steering the inside ski encourages proper weight distribution and stance, which reduces the chance of leaning too far forward or backward.