Hockey Stop

Once you've been skiing a while and take in other skiers around you, you'll notice the majority of skiers will stop without using a snowplough. A hockey stop is the most efficient way to come to a complete stop or even a stylish way to shave off some speed as you're descending a mountain.

What is it

A hockey stop is when you quickly turn your skis across the mountain, using your uphill edges to dig in the snow in order to stop

Source: SKNG Ski School · Foot Rotation / Hockey Stop - Intermediate Skiing Lessons

How to do it

• Start by standing still, let your skis point down the hill and gain a little momentum, start by only letting your skis run for a few seconds so you don't end up going too fast

_ Keep your body and skis in the athletic alpine basic position, so that you're ready for anything

• As you're getting ready to stop, you're going to come up and forward whilst simultaneously turning your skis across the hill

• To come to a full stop, tip your knees and ankles into the hill, engaging your uphill edges

• Your upper body and your jacket zip should stay facing down the mountain in order to maintain your balance

Source: Inspirational Skiing · How to do The Hockey Stop on Skis (WITH BONUS TIP!)

Hot tip

• As you come to a stop, imagine you're spraying the people downhill from you with snow by aggressively engaging your edges