How to PARALLEL TURN on Skis

How to crack your Parallel Turns on Skis - the four steps to expect and the 4 most important techniques that will help you get there.

(UK residents only - this is an affiliate link and I may earn a small commission)

[Hello_there_obi]

Sideslipping is by far and away the most valuable and important skill to master as a learner! It targets fore/aft and sideways balance and also gives you the ability to safely navigate difficult terrain.

[Andy-glvh]

I watched this video a few times before my return to skiing after a 20 year break and I finally got it. I realised what I'd been doing wrong with my balance and stance and properly cracked parallel turns. I've just got back from a weeks skiing and confidently enjoyed fast blues and steep reds and can't wait to go back. Thank you.

[tonyhargreaves]

This guy is good to listen to if you are struggling when you are skiing

[hughseagraves]

Good video, thanks. I'm a beginner and have gone skiing frequently this season but felt stuck because I kept defaulting to the show plow when I wanted to slow down or stop, especially on steeper terrain. I took a lesson where I learned about side slipping (as shown) and turning both skis at the same time (by turning both ankles, as shown). I met someone on the lift who advised keeping my feet together when turning which made a huge difference. The result was that I was finally able to use parallel skiing to control my speed. After learning all this new stuff, I got the idea of challenging myself to only use parallel turns to control my speed during the whole run. Worked out great and I finally feel like I'm progressing again.

[markhavig]

As many of the previous comments have mentioned, this is one of the most concise explanations of how to ski parallel. I’ll definitely be referring to it every time I ski. Thank you!!

[larabragazza]

Best video I’ve seen. Thank you for the tips 😊

[theophilus]

This is an excellent video about learning the basics of parallel skiing...and I'm a ski instructor. Well done.

[readgildner-blinn]

This is a complete and efficient summary — bravo! I'll remember it when I teach advanced beginners.

[navyabhat]

This is the best lesson I’ve seen for parallel skiing! Covers all the important points to get the basics right :)

[RoughYearsOnly]

Finally a tutorial that touches on all the main points (most carving tutorials never mention balancing on the downhill ski). Thank you!

[Nobodyday]

Just went skiing for the first time a few days ago. It took me several runs but I was able to teach myself the parallel turn. The thing that help me keep my skis parallel was making sure to bend my inside knee. I still need to work on controlling me speed while doing, but after watching this video I don't think I was on the edges of the skis while turning. Great video.

[jimantonino]

Outstanding video accompaniment to the points outlined. Top notch video.

[noddyandbigears]

Really helpful! I’m going out to put into practice today!

[mikefleming]

BEST SKI INSTRUCTOR ON THE PLANET. Ps your 'Open Parallel' turns are the best in the world...I do so want to ski like you. Thank you so much for the inspiration.

[Puzzoozoo]

I'm going to Les 2 Alpes on 6 January, more apprehensive then excited, as I've not tried skiing for 35 years. I'll try to remember your tips when I'm on the green runs there.

[regicidalslayer]

Love the big toe/little toe, my grandfather taught me that too.

[bettinaho]

Thank you- can't wait to practice this week when I hit the slopes. Maybe this year I stop pizza parallel skiing ;)

[ciaraavrilrobotham]

Best video I have seen!! Thank you for this.

[michaelong]

Any tips on bringing my legs closer together? I'm definitely "parallel turning", but my legs are much further apart.

[ardenpowers]

Great Vid !!
Skiers are best advised to keep their shins in contact with the front of their boots . . .
Thanks for sharing . . .