Linked Wedge Turns

Introduction

Linked wedge turns are one of the first ways beginners learn to change direction while skiing. They allow you to make a series of connected turns while controlling your speed.

A wedge turn uses the snowplow (or pizza) position to help you turn left and right. Once you can make individual wedge turns, the next step is to link them together smoothly.

The goal is to control your speed, change direction, and feel comfortable skiing down a gentle slope.

How to Perform Linked Wedge Turns

1. Start in a wedge: Point your ski tips toward each other and keep your ski tails apart.
2. Begin gliding: Look ahead and let your skis slide down a gentle slope.
3. Choose a direction: Look toward the direction you want to turn.
4. Shift your weight: Gently move your weight toward your outside ski while pointing your knee slightly inward (the ski opposite the direction of your turn).
5. Guide your skis: Allow both skis to turn in the direction you are looking.
6. Finish the turn: Continue turning until your skis point across the slope. This helps control your speed.
7. Start the next turn: Look in the opposite direction and repeat the movement.

Source: Dropinsnow · SKIING FOR BEGINNERS, LESSON 3.0 - Snowplow, wedge or snowplough turns

Continue alternating between left and right turns to create a smooth series of linked turns.

Important Tips

• Keep your skis in a wedge throughout the turns.
• Look in the direction you want to go.
• Keep your knees slightly bent.
• Maintain a balanced position and avoid leaning backward.
• Apply more pressure to your outside ski during the turn.
• Bend your knee slightly inward to get the ski on edge.
• Finish each turn across the slope to control your speed.
• Keep your upper body relaxed and facing generally downhill.

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Making the wedge too narrow: Keep enough space between your ski tails to maintain speed control.
• Leaning backward: Stay centred over your skis.
• Looking down: Keep your eyes looking ahead and toward your next turn.
• Turning too quickly: Make smooth, gradual movements.
• Not finishing the turn: Complete each turn across the slope before starting the next one.
• Keeping the ski flat on the snow. Not generating enough edge to be able to cut instead of slide on the snow.

Source: Dropinsnow · SKIING FOR BEGINNERS, LESSON 3.0 - Snowplow, wedge or snowplough turns

Practice Exercises

Start on flat terrain or a very gentle slope, then gradually progress as your confidence improves.

1. Wedge gliding: Practise sliding downhill while maintaining a steady wedge.
2. Single wedge turns: Practise making individual turns to the left and right.
3. Linking turns: Once comfortable, connect your left and right turns together.
4. Smooth turns: Focus on making round, controlled turns without stopping between them.
5. Progress gradually: Move to slightly steeper beginner terrain when you can link turns comfortably and control your speed.

Source: Dropinsnow · SKIING FOR BEGINNERS, LESSON 3.0 - Snowplow, wedge or snowplough turns

Final Tips

Linked wedge turns are an important step toward becoming an independent skier. They help you develop balance, coordination, speed control, and the ability to change direction.

Remember:

• Maintain your wedge.
• Look where you want to go.
• Shift your weight toward your outside ski.
• Finish each turn across the slope.
• Keep your movements smooth and controlled.

Take your time and practise on easy terrain. Once you can link your wedge turns comfortably in both directions, you'll be ready to start developing your parallel skiing!