9 Different Types Of Ski Turns Explained!

It does not matter what sports we are talking about; there always are different levels. The beginners are usually amateurs without much knowledge of the sport. But the scenario changes as soon as you get experience. In the case of skiing, you have to learn about different things that are involved in it. But the thing that actually matters a lot in skiing is the turns. Ski turns can offer you massive excitement if done correctly. But have you ever wondered what different types of ski turns are there? 

Not only that, but how do different types of Ski turn work, and how can you perform them? Well, to answer most of these questions, I am here with a complete guide. You will be able to understand all the things involved within the ski turns thoroughly! But before getting to the types, let’s take a look at why learning different types of ski turns can be crucial!

See Also: 10 Skiing Essentials For Beginners

Why are different ski turns important and good to learn?

You might be wondering why there are different types of ski turns and why not just a standard one? Well, this is because skiing involves quite a lot of things and uncertain scenarios. You do not know what type of terrain is ahead or what type of difficulty is coming up next. Not only that, there might be moguls or other hurdles to pass through, and that is what ski turns are for.

To be specific, different types of ski turns can help you maintain your speed, slow down quickly or moderately, or just entirely. And lastly, different types of ski turns are used for specific kinds of turnings during your rides.

Types Of Ski Turns

Would you need extra equipment for making different ski turns?

No one really wants to spend money unnecessarily. But when it comes to ski turns, you might need some extra equipment to help you out. That equipment usually only includes poles and skis that you are going to use. Many skiers prefer to stick to their comfortable skis and just get the poles, but you can take a look at your preferences and see what you like.

What are the different types of ski turns, and how do they work?

Let’s get right into the details and check out different types of ski turns you should know about. I will also precisely explain how they work and how you can perform them, so make sure to stick tight!

1. Snow Plough Turns

Snow plough turns are actually the easiest turns you are going to learn in skiing. And the best thing is, these types of turns are really reliable and comfortable for beginners too. In fact, beginners only get started with these turns to minimize the risk of falling down when turning.

If we talk about what these types of turns can do, then they are used for very simple purposes. The first one is to slow down the speed just as you like or to actually turn on your path. Besides that, you also do not have to learn unique techniques or movements to perform it.

2. Parallel Turns

Parallel turns might seem easy, but they actually are not. But the good thing is anyone who has learned snow plough turns can easily get used to parallel turns. If you think about what parallel turns actually are, then these are the turns where your skis remain parallel even when you are turning. None of the Ski will move forward or remain backward from the opposite one.

To perform the parallel turns, you have to make the first movement just like the snow plough turns, but that is where things get tricky. Now you have to balance your weight and keep your skis aligned to get the best results. You might not be able to perform it excellently on the first try, but practice can help you out!

3. Stem Christie Turns

Stem Christie turns are quite similar to the parallel turns; you just have to keep some crucial things in kind. In stem Christie turns, you have to make the same turn, just like the snow plough turn. But as soon as you get in the position of turning, you have to align your skis again to make it smoother. But do note that Stem Christie turns can only be made if you are stable and sturdy on your skies. Even if you are a little unbalanced, you can fall down at high speed, and that is not what you would want.

4. Carved Turns

Carved turns can be really fun to do, and the satisfaction you get while doing them is definitely immense. But wait, do you know what actually carved turns are? But remember that even experienced skiers cannot always perform perfect carved turns due to the complexity involved. The first problem you would face while performing carved turns is your balance. You will have to balance yourself, or you will fall right there, injuring yourself. 

To perform them, you will have to roll your hips, ankles, and knees. But never ever think of slowing down your speed while making carved turns as they will not offer you the best experience. To do them perfectly, you might have to get your hands on the skis that come with a sidecut radius. Sidecut radius allows the users to steer freely when put under pressure. 

If you are willing to learn it, you will have to be determined without stopping. It might even take years to be a perfectionist in carved turns, but it will be worth it in the end.

5. Skidded Turns

You might have remembered that we discussed parallel turns before. Keeping them in mind, you will have to proceed with the skidded turns. Skidded turns are the turns where you can steer around the complete arc with optimal speed. In skidded turns, you are not actually just making the turns but steering around the arc as per your likings. 

Again, you have to keep your skis parallel in skidded turns. But to make them successful, you have to keep your skis flat, too, along with parallel. As for the balance, you can keep your head within the line of your head to avoid consequences.

6. Jump Turns

Jump turns are not really common for casual skiers, but they definitely are worth a try. Just like the name suggests, jump turns are performed while jumping, and you have to rotate within the air in order to change your direction. The biggest benefit of jump turns is that you won’t have to face the resistance of snow, and that is what makes the turning easy. But do note that jump turns can be dangerous if the terrain is too deep and the snow is soft. But you don’t precisely have to worry as long as your jumps are not too high. 

7. Drift Turns

If you have ever watched cars drifting around the tracks, this type will really amaze you. As for the standard turns, your body usually falls in the direction where you are planning to move. But within the drift turns, the case becomes the opposite. Instead of leaning towards the turn you are making; you have to lean towards the opposite direction.

But for that, you have to divide your weight precisely to make sure you would not fall down. And in the end, you have to carve the turns just like discussed before to make a drift turn with ease. Again, drift turns are not really easy, and they require practice in order to succeed.

8. Braquage Turns

Pivot Turns, or commonly known as braquage turns, might seem a little confusing, but they are really fun to do. All you precisely have to do is turn 180 degrees while going straight down, but your direction should not be changed. It seems easy, right? Probably not!

In the braquage turns, you have to turn the skis around 180 degrees. But you might lose the skis behind or forward if you do not land back in the right manner. That is also why these turns are quite great for practicing and enhancing your control over your body and the skis. 

9. Zig Zag/Short Turns

Zig Zag turns or short turns are really easy to perform, and they just help you to control your speed over your rides. You simply have to move and turn left and right in order to make a zig-zag pattern, and it is quite effective to slow down your speed and control it just like you want. 

Final Words

So these are the nine different types of ski turns you can start learning right away. You might actually be familiar with some of them, but some of them are quite unique. So start practicing them now, and you will have a new thing to do while skiing.

Mitchelle Lynn