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When most people learn to ski, they start with a movement called the wedge. Eventually, they discover that this placement of the knees can become quite painful. Additionally, the wedge is dysfunctional in steeps, powder and moguls.

In contrast, the parallel, carved turn is one of the most coveted skills in a skier's movement vocabulary. It represents a graceful fluidity that is essence of the art of skiing. In a parallel turn, you create a shift of weight that places your skis on their edges. When this happens, they seem to "turn themselves."

When shaped or parabolic skis were first invented, the parallel carved turn suddenly became a realistic goal for skiers who were not necessarily experts. As such, the first step to mastering a parallel turn is to make sure that you have updated equipment. However, your equipment choices go beyond purchasing shaped skis. Your skis must be of the appropriate length, as well as the appropriate "flex." A ski that is too long for your height and weight will cause you to initiate your turns by pushing tails. Likewise, a ski that is too stiff for your abilities will cause you to "muscle," as opposed to carve your turn.

While skis are important, your ski boots are even more crucial for making parallel turns. Serious skiers will often enlist the services of a professional boot fitter. When your boots are properly fitted, they will provide the support needed for mastering parallel ski turns.

Now, let's discuss the biomechanics of a parallel ski turn. Here is a simple trick. Take off your shoes, and stand up straight. Your feet should be about hip width apart, and your knees should be flexed. Now, lift your right big toe. Notice how this shifts your weight on to your right pinky toe and your left big toe. Next, simply put down your right big toe. Notice how your weight is transferred back to center? A parallel turn is essentially a shift of weight from ski to ski. Now, try this with your left big toe. Once you feel comfortable with this skill, try to perform it as a rhythmic and fluid action.

The next step is one that should never be ignored: Please take a ski lesson! A certified ski instructor can help you master the subtle skills involved in making parallel turns. Some ski instructors will actually video your lesson. This can be very helpful If possible, ask if you can have a copy of the video. Then, purchase a professional ski video. Watch the movement of the pros, and then compare them to your own.

Once you try this skill on the ski slope, you will notice that an additional action must be added. At the initiation pf the turn, you need to press your shins against the tongue of your ski boot. If you do not do this, you will notice that you are pushing through that tails of your skis, as opposed to pulling from your ski tips.

It is important to note that one of the worst enemies of the parallel turn is skiing on slopes that are too advanced for your ability. Returning to a wedge and skidding your skis are two of the most common defensive movements in skiing. Skiers who are always skiing on terrain that is "over their heads" tend to develop these negative defensive habits. As such, it is advisable to choose terrain that is well within your range. Once you have mastered the parallel ski turn, you are well on your way to mastering the sport!

Learn more about this author, Lisa Marie Mercer.
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