THE WEDGE OR SNOWPLOW TURN
The wedge turn is a basic turn from a wide stable stance using foot steering.
In the left photo above, the skier is in a relaxed wedge position with feet comfortably apart and the ski tips inward.
For a slower turn, widen the stance (braking wedge). In the middle and right photos above, the skier steers or twists the feet in the direction of the turn. The skis must be in the wedge or skidding position to make this turn happen.
Rotary or twisting forces predominate this turn.
After the turn is completed ( left photo above), start steering or twisting the feet in the direction of the new turn as shown
in the middle and left photos above. The turn is performed with lower body musculature. Upper body movements
are discouraged. This turn is used by expert skiers such as Ski Patrollers when taking people down the hill on toboggans.
This turn can also be used in tight quarters or moving into lift lines.
The photo sequence above shows the wedge turn with the newer short skis. Current teaching suggests that the student direct the fronts of the skis in the direction of the turn either sequentially (elementary) or simultaneously (more advanced) culminating in a near direct parallel method of teaching. The turns typically appear more parallel
than wedge shaped.
Video snow ski beginning wedge turn lesson with normal speed and slow motion
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