| What it is | Quick stop, skis pivoted sideways |
| How | Edge in across the fall line, scrape snow |
| Vs | The slower beginner snowplow |
| Level | Confident intermediate |
A hockey stop is a quick stopping technique in which you rapidly pivot both skis (or the snowboard) sideways across the fall line and dig in the edges, scraping snow to halt fast — like a hockey player stopping on ice. It’s a more advanced, efficient stop than the snowplow and a hallmark of confident intermediate skiing.
The quick stop
The faster successor to the snowplow, pivoting across the fall line with the edge control of the parallel turn.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hockey stop?
A hockey stop is a fast way to stop on skis or a snowboard by quickly turning both skis sideways across the direction of travel and pressing the edges into the snow, scraping off speed — much like an ice hockey player stopping. It stops you more quickly and in less space than a snowplow.
How do you do a hockey stop?
While moving, quickly pivot both skis sideways (perpendicular to your direction) by turning your legs and feet, shift your weight slightly back and to the uphill edges, and dig the edges in to scrape snow and decelerate, keeping your upper body facing downhill for balance. Practice both directions at moderate speed first.
Is a hockey stop hard to learn?
It's an intermediate skill that takes some practice and confidence, since it involves quickly pivoting the skis and committing to the edges at speed. Most skiers learn it after they're comfortable with parallel turns; once mastered, it's the standard quick, efficient way to stop.
Sources
- Stopping techniques — PSIA-AASI
- Ski skills — The Mountaineers