Snowplough turn
The snowplough turn, snowplow turn, or wedge turn<ref name="PSIA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> is a downhill skiing braking and turning technique. It is the first turn taught to beginners,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> but still is useful to advanced skiers on steep slopes.
TechniqueEdit
The front ski tips of the skis are together and the tails wide apart, with the knees rolled inwards slightly. By applying pressure against the snow with the inside edges of the skis speed is reduced, making turning in such a configuration and stopping completely possible. To turn, weight is shifted from the downhill, outside-of-the-turn ski to the uphill, inside-of-the-turn ski. As the turn is completed, the old uphill, inside ski then becomes the new downhill, outside ski.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Successful completion of the technique in both directions leads to linked turns.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
ApplicationsEdit
In ski instruction, the snowplough is a primary building block of skiing proficiency. Under the Arlberg technique for teaching skiing, beginners start with the snowplough then proceed to Stem Christie and then the parallel turn as their skills improve.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> It may be thought of as the foundation for controlling individual skis.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> A ski coach can analyze the underlying abilities of expert skiers by watching them do a snowplow.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Proficient skiers may apply the technique with a narrower angle between the skis as a "wedge turn".<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
In ski mountaineering, the snowplough is recognized as an important way to come to a complete stop on steep slopes.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> On steep slopes, a wedge turn can also provide a safe way to transition through the fall-line.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>