How to Stop When Skiing

Learning how to stop when you are skiing is very important so that you do not injure yourself when the slope ends or when you are approaching a dangerous situation.  There are a number of techniques that can be used to stop yourself while skiing so make sure that you choose the best way to stop for your skill level.

• Use the wedge technique to stop yourself while you are skiing.  This is done by forming a V with the front of your skis so that they are almost touching one another. This is the easiest way to stop and is often taught to beginners when they are first learning.


• Go back and forth across the ski slope where you are skiing to slow yourself down. You should ski from one side to the next skiing in almost a straight line.  This technique will stop you slowly and is best used when you are preparing to stop at the bottom of the ski slope.


• Stop yourself when skiing by jumping up a little and turning to the right or left.  As your skis hit the ground from your jump push down against the snow to stop yourself. Your skis should push into the snow moving the snow outward.  This technique is best used if you want to stop quickly.


• If you are going too fast or are approaching a dangerous situation you can stop yourself by falling to the ground.  Be sure to fall properly though so you do not injure yourself when you hit the ground.  If possible try to fall on your backside and in an area that has fluffy snow.