If you are a beginner skier, one of the first things you’ll need to learn is how to stop! It goes without saying that being able to stop is a crucial element of skiing that will help you stay in control and ensure your safety on the slopes. Generating speed when skiing downhill can be easy, but controlling your speed and stopping is a little more challenging and is key to advancing your skiing. 

Aaron Tipping, BASI Level 4 Qualified Ski Instructor and Co-Founder of Maison Sport, shares his top tips on how to stop and control your speed on skis using a snowplough. 

What is a Snowplough?

A snowplough is a beginner skiing position that involves angling the skis in a wedge or ‘pizza’ shape. A snowplough is a very stable position that also acts as a break. By increasing the angle of your skis you can easily slow down and stop. The straighter you point your skis downhill, the faster you will go!

How to Use a Snowplough to Control Your Speed in 3 Steps 

1. Stationary Snowplough 

Start by practising on flat ground and getting used to the feeling of being in a snowplough position. Point your toes towards each other and push your feet apart to rotate your skis into a wedge-shaped position. Make sure that your body is in a balanced position with your shoulders forward. 

2. Snowplough on a Gentle Slope 

Once you feel comfortable moving your skis into the snowplough position, it’s time to practise on the move! Begin on a very gentle slope and get into your snowplough position at the top of the hill. Look forward and travel in a straight line down the hill, maintaining a wedged position with your skis and a balanced body position. 

3. Manage Your Speed with the Size of Your Snowplough

You can control your speed with the size of your snowplough. The bigger your snowplough the slower you will go. If you want to come to a complete stop, increase the size of your snowplough until you are stationary. Try to go from a smaller snowplough to a bigger snowplough and keep alternating to practise speeding up, slowing down and stopping. 

Watch the Full Video Tutorial Over on Our YouTube Channel:

Click below to watch the full video tutorial and see Aaron demonstrating these top tips.

Try it Out on the Slopes!

It will take some practise, but if you follow these expert tips you’ll be able to confidently stop and control your speed on skis using a snowplough in no time! Once you’ve mastered this skill, you’ll be ready to advance onto turning in your snowplough position!