Why outside ski pressure matters
In parallel skiing, pressure on the outside ski is what steers the turn and keeps you balanced. If most of your weight stays on the inside ski or both skis equally, your turns will feel vague and you’ll have less control.
What “outside ski” means
In any turn, the ski on the outside of the arc — the one farther from the centre of the turn — is the outside ski. That’s the one that should take most of your weight through the turn.
- Inside ski = the ski on the inside of the turn (closer to the fall line)
- Outside ski = the ski on the outside of the turn — this one does the work
What to practise
1. Awareness
Notice where your weight is. Does it move to the outside foot as the turn develops? Many skiers stay too centred or even favour the inside ski; the goal is to feel the outside ski driving the turn.
2. Progression
Start on easy terrain. Make a turn and focus only on pressing the outside ski into the snow. Don’t worry about speed or style at first — just get the sensation of weighting that ski.
3. Drills
- Railroad tracks — lifting the inside ski briefly so you’re forced to balance on the outside ski
- Outside-ski-only garlands — traversing and making small turns while focusing on the outside ski
These help build the habit of weighting the outside ski.
Why it matters
Getting this right improves edge grip, turn shape, and consistency. Start with one run where you only think about outside ski pressure and build from there.