Key takeaways
- A parallel turn keeps both skis parallel through the turn, edging together.
- It's smoother, faster, and more efficient than the beginner snowplow/wedge.
- Learning to link parallel turns is the classic beginner-to-intermediate milestone.
- It's built on balance, edging, and weight transfer rather than pushing the skis into a wedge.
What a parallel turn is
A parallel turn is a skiing technique in which both skis stay parallel to each other throughout the turn, tipping onto their edges together rather than being pushed into a wedge. It produces smooth, efficient, controlled turns and is the technique used by intermediate and advanced skiers.
Why it’s the goal
Moving from the beginner snowplow (wedge) to linked parallel turns marks the transition from beginner to intermediate skiing. Parallel turns are faster, smoother, more controlled, and far less tiring than the wedge, and they unlock steeper, more varied terrain — which is why new skiers work toward them in their first seasons.
A new skier who’s been wedging down green runs finally keeps their skis parallel through each turn, tipping them on edge together and shifting weight to the outside ski — linking smooth parallel turns that feel faster and easier than the tiring snowplow, a breakthrough moment.
How to do it
Keep the skis parallel and tip them onto their edges together while transferring weight to the new outside ski and steering through with balance and edge control. It builds on balance, edging, and weight transfer, usually learned by progressing from the wedge through wedge-to-parallel transitions, ideally with instruction. See snowplow vs parallel turn; refining it leads to carving.
The bottom line
The parallel turn — both skis parallel, edging together through the turn — is the smooth, efficient turn that defines competent skiing, and learning to link them is the classic beginner-to-intermediate milestone. Faster, more controlled, and less tiring than the snowplow, it's built on balance, edging, and weight transfer, and it opens the door to steeper terrain and eventually carving.
Frequently asked questions
What is a parallel turn?
A parallel turn is a skiing turn in which both skis stay parallel to each other throughout, tipping onto their edges together to carve or steer the turn. It's the smooth, efficient turn used by intermediate and advanced skiers, as opposed to the wedge (snowplow) shape beginners use, where the ski tips come together in a 'V'.
Why is the parallel turn an important milestone?
Because moving from the snowplow to linked parallel turns marks the transition from beginner to intermediate skiing. Parallel turns are faster, smoother, more controlled, and far less tiring than the wedge, and they unlock steeper and more varied terrain. Achieving consistent parallel turns is a goal most new skiers work toward in their first seasons.
How do you do a parallel turn?
Rather than pushing the skis into a wedge, you keep them parallel and tip them onto their edges together while transferring your weight to the new outside ski and steering through the turn with balance and edge control. It builds on the fundamentals of balance, edging, and weight transfer, typically learned by progressing from the wedge to wedge-to-parallel transitions to full parallel turns, ideally with instruction.
Sources
- Ski instruction — PSIA-AASI
- Skiing skills — The Mountaineers