Side slipping lets you move straight down a steep slope without turning your skis downhill. It's a crucial skill for getting out of tricky spots or navigating terrain that feels too steep to turn on.
How to do it
Start with your skis across the slope, perpendicular to the fall line. Get into a flexed position: ankles, knees, and hips bent.
To start slipping, gently push your knees downhill, just below your hips. This flattens your skis slightly on the snow, allowing them to slide sideways. Keep your weight on your downhill ski. A good cue is to bring your downhill shoulder down and face your shoulders slightly downhill.
To slow down or stop, push your knees uphill. This increases the edge angle, digging your edges into the snow and bringing you to a halt. Maintain a centered stance to control your direction.
Common mistakes
- Locked knees: If you're too upright, your knees can lock, making it hard to adjust your edge angle. Stay flexed in your ankles, knees, and hips.
- Leaning uphill: It's natural to lean away from the steepness, but this puts your weight on your uphill ski, making it hard to control. Dare to lean on your downhill leg; think about bringing your downhill shoulder down.
- Slipping forwards or backwards: This happens if your center of gravity is too far forward or back. Keep your weight centered over the middle of your skis to slip straight down.
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Source: Ski with Emily · How to sideslip