To Stop, Make a Bigger Wedge and Press Harder on Inside Edges

What This Cue Means

Stopping on skis can feel tricky when you’re just starting out, but this cue breaks it down into something you can feel and control. When you hear, “To stop, make a bigger wedge and press harder on the inside edges of both skis,” think of it like opening your skis into a wider “pizza slice” shape. The wider the wedge, the more your skis push into the snow sideways, which naturally slows you down.

But it’s not just about the shape. Pressing harder on the inside edges means you’re tipping your skis slightly onto their edges that face each other, digging into the snow. This edge pressure is what actually grabs the snow and creates friction, helping you slow down or come to a complete stop. Without enough edge pressure, your skis will just slide forward, even if your wedge is wide.

When to Use It

You’ll want to use this cue whenever you need to control your speed on gentle slopes or come to a stop safely. It’s especially useful when you’re still getting comfortable with turning and balance. When done right, you’ll feel a steady resistance under your feet, like the skis are holding firm instead of sliding out from under you.

How to Practice

A common mistake is making the wedge too narrow or not pressing enough on the edges. This leads to skidding or not slowing down enough, which can be frustrating and unsafe. Another thing to watch out for is leaning too far back, which reduces edge contact and control. Try to keep your weight centered over your skis as you press the edges into the snow.

If you want to build on this, check out the [Wedge Turn] cue next, which helps you link stopping with turning. Also, practicing balance and weight distribution cues will support your control as you get more comfortable on skis.

For more practical tips like this one, Turn Lab offers clear, straightforward guidance that helps beginners get the feel of skiing without overcomplicating things.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to press harder on the inside edges to stop?

Pressing harder on the inside edges increases the skis’ grip on the snow, creating more friction that slows you down safely.

What happens if I don’t make a big enough wedge?

If your wedge is too narrow, you won’t generate enough resistance to slow down, making it harder to control your speed.

Can I use this stopping method on all beginner slopes?

Yes, the wedge stop is a fundamental technique suitable for most beginner slopes where you need to control speed and stop confidently.