| What it is | Beginner wedge (tips together, tails apart) |
| Used for | Speed control, turning, stopping |
| Nicknames | Wedge, 'pizza' |
| Leads to | Parallel turns |
The snowplow (also called the wedge or ‘pizza’) is the fundamental beginner ski technique in which the ski tips are brought together and the tails pushed apart into a wedge, with the inside edges engaged, to control speed, turn, and stop at slow speeds. It’s the first thing most skiers learn, before progressing to parallel turns.
First steps
The beginner precursor to the parallel turn in alpine skiing; a faster stop is the hockey stop.
Frequently asked questions
What is a snowplow in skiing?
The snowplow, or wedge, is a beginner technique where you point your ski tips together and push the tails apart into a triangle (often taught as making a 'pizza' shape), engaging the inside edges. This lets new skiers control speed, make gentle turns, and stop safely at low speeds while learning balance.
How do you stop with a snowplow?
Push both ski tails outward into a wider wedge and apply pressure to the inside edges of both skis, which increases friction against the snow and slows you down. A bigger, more aggressive wedge produces more braking, eventually bringing you to a stop — the first stopping method most skiers learn.
When do you move past the snowplow?
Once you're comfortable controlling speed and turning in a wedge, you progress toward parallel turns, where the skis stay parallel for smoother, faster skiing. The snowplow remains a useful fallback for slow, controlled situations, but advancing skiers rely on it less and less.
Sources
- The wedge — PSIA-AASI
- Beginner skiing — The Mountaineers