The easiest way to learn the basic swing stop is to try it first from a shallow traverse. Once you have mastered this, set off in steeper and steeper traverses, until you can stop from the fall line.

Begin a basic swing turn uphill (away from the fall line).	Flex down and match your skis, using a strong rotation of the feet, legs and pelvis to turn them across your direction of travel.	Remain flexed as you skid to a stop, balancing against the braking resistance of your uphill edges.

TIPS

• Before attempting the basic swing stop, you should be comfortable with sideslipping and the basic swing turn.
• Your skis must be brought across the direction of travel rapidly, or you will end up turning, not stopping.
• Make sure that you stay on your uphill edges throughout. Catching a downhill edge almost always results in a fall.
• As you come to rest, stand up and allow your body to catch up with your skis to avoid falling over towards the hill.
• Practise stopping to both right and left. Most skiers have one stronger side they naturally favour; the problem is, you may not always have the luxury of choice.
• Never stop above a group of people: you may misjudge your speed or hit a patch of ice, and the resulting accident will be totally your fault. In any case, the humour of showering everyone with snow is unoriginal.