Think of tipping both skis onto their new edges at the same time

What This Cue Means

When you’re working on parallel turns, one of the trickiest parts is getting both skis to work together smoothly. That’s where this mental cue comes in: think of tipping both skis onto their new edges at the same time. It’s like asking your skis to move as a single unit rather than two separate pieces. This helps with balance and timing, making your turns feel more connected and controlled.

What does this actually mean? When you initiate a turn, your skis need to shift their edges from one side to the other. If one ski tips before the other, you might feel wobbly or notice one ski skidding while the other grips. By focusing on tipping both skis simultaneously, you encourage your body to coordinate the movement evenly. This reduces the chance of catching an edge or losing your rhythm.

You’ll know you’re doing it right when your turns feel smooth and balanced, with both skis carving clean arcs in the snow. It should feel like your legs and feet are working together, not independently. The sensation is subtle but important: a steady, even pressure shift from one edge to the other.

A common mistake is to let the downhill ski tip first, which can cause the uphill ski to lag behind and slide out. Another is overthinking the movement, which can make your legs stiff and slow your reaction time. Keep the cue simple and relaxed—imagine both skis tipping gently but firmly at the same moment.

When to Use It

Use this cue especially when you’re practicing basic parallel turns on moderate slopes. It helps build a foundation for more advanced skills later on. If you want to explore related ideas, check out cues like “Feel your ankles guiding the edge change” or “Keep your weight centered over both skis.” For more structured guidance, Turn Lab offers helpful insights on timing and edge control that complement this cue nicely.

How to Practice

Remember, skiing is about feeling the connection between your body and your skis. Thinking of your skis as a unit during edge changes is a practical way to improve your parallel turns without overcomplicating things. Take it slow, focus on the feeling, and let your skis do their job together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to tip both skis at the same time?

Tipping both skis simultaneously ensures they engage the snow together, which improves balance and control throughout the turn.

What happens if I tip one ski before the other?

If one ski tips before the other, it can cause unbalanced pressure, leading to skidding or a loss of control during the turn.

How can I practice tipping both skis together?

Start on gentle slopes and focus on feeling your feet and ankles working in sync, gradually increasing speed as you get comfortable.