| What it is | Wedge-start, parallel-finish turn |
| Starts | By stemming the uphill ski (partial wedge) |
| Finishes | Skis brought parallel |
| Role | Bridge from snowplow to parallel |
From 'stem' (the wedge) and 'Christiania' (old name for Oslo), where parallel turning developed.
A stem christie is a transitional ski turn that begins like a snowplow — by stemming (angling out) the uphill ski into a partial wedge to start the turn — and finishes with the skis brought parallel to complete it. Historically a key step in learning to ski, it bridges the beginner snowplow and the parallel turn.
The bridge turn
The classic link between the snowplow and the parallel turn in alpine skiing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a stem christie?
A stem christie is a turn that starts by 'stemming' the uphill ski out into a partial wedge to initiate the turn, then bringing both skis parallel to finish it (the 'christie' part, meaning a parallel-skis phase). It's a hybrid between the snowplow and the full parallel turn.
Why learn the stem christie?
Historically it was a key stepping stone in ski progression, helping skiers move from the secure wedge of the snowplow toward true parallel turns by introducing the parallel finish. Many modern teaching systems streamline the progression, but the stem christie remains a useful concept and fallback for steeper or trickier terrain.
Stem christie vs parallel turn?
A stem christie still starts with a wedge (stemming one ski) before matching the skis parallel, whereas a parallel turn keeps both skis parallel the whole time. The stem christie is a transitional technique; the parallel turn is the more advanced, efficient goal it leads toward.
Sources
- Turn progression — PSIA-AASI
- Learning to ski — The Mountaineers