How to Slow Down on Skis Beginner: 5 Steps to Control Your Speed

Updated November 2026

Learning how to slow down on skis is the first real skill that makes beginner skiing feel safe. The short answer: you control speed by forming a wedge, by turning across the slope, and by keeping your weight centered over your feet with your knees soft. Master these three and you can stop on any groomed run you are comfortable on.

Start With the Snowplow (Wedge) Position

The wedge, often called the snowplow, is the foundation of speed control for new skiers. Point the tips of your skis toward each other while keeping the tails apart, forming a V. The more the tails spread, the more the inside edges bite into the snow and the more you slow down.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Beginner Twin Tip Skis for New Freestylers (2026).

1. Stand on flat ground first and push your heels outward until the tips touch.
2. Keep your knees bent and pressing gently toward each other.
3. On a gentle slope, hold the wedge for a few seconds, then let it go.
4. Look ahead, not at your tips, so your upper body stays balanced.

Use Turns to Scrub Speed

The wedge works on gentle terrain, but on steeper pitches you slow down mainly by turning. A turn across the fall line lets the skis carve, and the sideways travel increases friction. Finish each turn by pointing the skis across the hill, then start the next turn once your speed drops to a comfortable level.

Many instructors suggest picking a target, such as a tree or a flag, and turning toward it. This keeps your eyes and shoulders pointed downhill-ready and stops you from locking up.

Control Speed With Stance and Weight

Your body position decides how well the edges grip. Lean too far back and the tails skid out of control. Lean too far forward and you lose balance on the front of your boots. Aim for a neutral stance:

• Keep your weight centered over the middle of your feet.
• Bend your ankles, knees and hips together so you feel pressure on the balls of your feet.
• Keep your hands in front of you, about hip height, with poles held loosely.

Boot fit matters here too. A boot that is too loose lets your shins drift, which makes it hard to hold an edge. Ask a boot fitter to check your stance if you feel unstable.

Practice Sideslipping for Precise Control

Sideslipping lets you move sideways down the hill without gaining speed. Turn your skis slightly uphill so the edges grip, then gently release the pressure and slide. Pull back up the slope with a small turn when you want to stop. This skill is especially useful on narrow trails where the wedge feels cramped.

A Simple Practice Sequence

1. Find a shallow, groomed slope with little traffic.
2. Make five wedge stops, starting from a standstill.
3. Make five linked turns, finishing each one with a short wedge.
4. Try a sideslip for three to five seconds, then stop with a small uphill turn.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Looking at your skis. Your body follows your eyes, so look where you want to go.
• Standing straight up. Stiff legs bounce over bumps and reduce grip.
• Spreading the tails too far. A very wide wedge can cause you to split apart and fall.
• Skiing terrain above your level. Stay on gentle runs until the wedge and turns feel automatic.

Recommended Gear

Ski length and bindings influence how easily you can form a wedge and turn, so check that your setup suits beginners. Ski boots that hold your ankles firmly help you keep an edge, and a pair of goggles that offer clear vision on flat light lets you spot slope changes before you pick up speed.

• Beginner ski boots with a snug heel and firm ankle support help you maintain a stable stance. View on Amazon
• Ski goggles with a double lens improve contrast in flat light, which makes slope changes easier to read. View on Amazon

For help choosing the right ski length to support your wedge, see Should Beginner Skiers Use Shorter Skis? A Step-by-Step Guide and What Size Skis Should I Get Beginner? A Height, Weight and Ability Guide.

FAQ

Is the wedge the only way to slow down on skis?

No. The wedge is the first method most beginners learn, but turning across the slope and sideslipping also control speed. Combining them gives you more options on steeper ground.

How wide should my wedge be?

Spread the tails only as far as you can keep the skis in control, usually a comfortable V shape. A wider wedge slows you faster but can strain your legs and throw you off balance.

When should I see a ski instructor?

A lesson from a certified instructor is worthwhile if you struggle to stop, feel unsafe on green runs, or keep falling. Instructors can spot stance problems that are hard to notice yourself.

Conclusion

Slowing down on skis comes down to three habits: forming a steady wedge, turning across the hill, and keeping your weight balanced over your feet. Practice each one on gentle terrain until it feels automatic. As your control improves, you will be ready for longer runs and more varied snow.

Related reading

• Longer or Shorter Skis for Beginner: How to Choose the Right Length
• Cross Country Skis Beginner Guide: How to Choose and Start Skiing

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