Outside-only turns

Goal: Versatility in parallel turning
Level: Intermediate
Suggested terrain
: Groomed, intermediate slope
Author: Suzy Chase-Motzkin
Summary: Builds skills and confidence for active turn entries.

Photos and Videos coming soon!

IMPORTANT! Understanding our approach and philosophy is important if you'd like to successfully use the drills in Ski Smarts
 ... read more.


  • Your shin should remain in very light contact with the tongue of your supporting leg's boot. This contact will shift slightly from one side of the tongue of the boot to the other side, as you go through your turns--stay in the Sweet spot.
  • Keep your upper body facing slightly down the hill.

Begin by skiing on very easy terrain.

While making long, gentle turns, pick the inside ski up every time it crosses the flow line. Do it only momentarily at first, but as you get comfortable, extend the time you spend on the downhill ski.

Now extend the time you spend on one ski even further, by stepping onto the outside ski earlier and earlier in the turn--until you step onto the outside ski when it is still the uphill ski.

In the end you should step onto the uphill ski just as it crosses the flow line and keep the other ski lifted slightly all the way around until you cross the flow line again.

• As you shape the turn, flex the outside ski's leg to absorb the pressure buildup at the end of the turn.

Tips:

  • Change which ski you're standing on before you enter the flow line.
  • Keep your upper body facing slightly down the hill.
  • Turn the ski using only your foot and leg.
  • Stay in the Sweet spot.

Work one single-ski turn into the next. Be patient and try to get a continuous flow without using any extra body movement to turn the ski.

After doing well on the shallow terrain, try this on moderate terrain. You might actually find it easier to turn the ski.

Print this out for future reference and remember to have fun!