How To Stop When Skiing Downhill

Learning how to stop while skiing downhill is an important skill for a beginning skiier. Stopping on a downhill slope is easy if you follow a few simple steps. The key is to follow basic steps and ensure you are fully aware of your surroundings. Assuming you do not want to stop your downhill adventure on your rear, taking out another skier or impacting a stationary object, take these simple steps to heart.

Things you'll need:

• Complete ski gear and safety equipment
  

1. While skiing downhill, point the toes of your skis inward.
2. Allow the heels of your skis to drift apart.
3. Keep your knees slightly bent and apart. Do not let your knees move together or this will make the maneuver very difficult.
4. The further the heels of the skis part, the slower you will go. This practice is known as the "wedge."
   
5. As you push out your skis, the edge of the skis will dig into the snow, causing you to slow and ultimately stop.

Tips & Warnings:

• This is the simplest method to stop while skiing downhill. Other methods, such as the "power slide," are for more advanced skiers. As you are learning to ski, it is a good ideal to make the "wedge" a good practice point to increase your control and ability to stop. The "wedge" is an easy and controlled means of slowing an stopping. Learn it, practice it and perfect it.
• Safety should always be a primary concern. Your safety and the safety of other skiers should be paramount.