Advanced Wedge-To-Parallel

What

The next step towards parallel is an advanced wedge-to-parallel turn. The skier will balance on the outside earlier in the turn and then steer the inside ski to parallel earlier in the turn.

Why

The earlier the skier balances on the outside ski, the earlier the inside ski will be able to become parallel.

How

Skiing faster will allow the skier to feel the outside ski earlier, balancing on it at the beginning of the turn. With increased speed the inside ski will flatten earlier, making it easier to steer to parallel above the fall line.

Skills

Situational Understanding

• Increase the speed of travel, allowing for outside ski balance to be achieved in the beginning third of the turn
• Use easy blue terrain
• The size and duration of the wedge at the start of the turn can be very minimal

Active Stance & Balance

• As the legs incline inside during the start of the turn, angulation is established in a parallel relationship earlier than before

Outside Ski Balance

• Balance to the outside ski will be above the fall line and timed with extension
• Inclination of the legs happens earlier in the turn, underneath a stable upper body, creating angulation in a parallel relationship earlier than previously achieved

Edging

• Grip is established earlier on the outside ski and, due to the increased speed, a greater amount of edge is created
• The inside ski will match edge angle with the outside ski above the fall line

Steering

• The outside ski steers faster than the inside ski as the turn starts to create a wedge. Then, earlier than before, the inside ski steers faster than the outside ski to create the parallel relationship, resulting in the majority of the turn being parallel

Ski Snow Interaction

• Opposing steering angles are created when the wedge is evident, as parallel is created the steering angles match and increase to help influence the size of the turn
• Opposing edge angles are created when the wedge is evident. As parallel is created, the edge angles match and increase to influence the shape of the turn
• The platform angle will reach closer to 90 degrees at the end of the control phase in an advanced wedge-to-parallel turn. This creates more grip and a slight groove for the ski to travel along and helps the skier flatten the skis

Terrain

Ideally will be introduced on comfortable blue terrain as the skill level of the skier has increased.

Class Handling

You and your students will now, more than likely, be on more advanced terrain in an open mountain environment, so there will be other skiers around. You may also be taking students to areas where runs cross over, so extra vigilance has to be shown in regard to safety. Make sure you are educating your students in the safety codes and etiquette of the mountains.