The basic parallel is an easy introduction to parallel skiing and well suited to most slopes. The turn is initiated by switching the pressure from your downhill ski to what will become the outside ski of the turn. A pole-plant with the downhill pole provides you with stability as you begin to steer your skis into the fall-line. The turn is completed just like a basic swing or uphill stem, by applying your edges and steering the skidding skis with your feet and legs. Your shoulders should face down the fall line throughout.

Start in the standard traverse stance.	Anticipate the pole plant with the downhill arm.
Plant the downhill pole and switch the pressure from your downhill to your uphill ski.	Steer your skis towards the fall line.
Apply your edges and complete the turn in a controlled, parallel skid.	As you finish each turn, look ahead to select a spot for your next turn. [Photos: ifyouski.com]

Tips

• Don't be obsessed with keeping your skis parallel. What is important is not the angle of the skis to each other but the a clean edge change. Concentrate on timing your steering and edging.
• Steer your skis into the fall line using only your legs and feet. Don't use your upper body at all. Throwing your shoulders round will only make you over-rotate your turns.
• Keep your hands in front of you at all times, always within your field of vision.
• Many skiers complain that they find it difficult to eradicate the final vestiges of stem turns from their skiing. This is mainly a matter of practice on shallow slopes; there is no point in trying an unfamiliar technique on a steep slope.
• Try to hit a rhythm when you link your basic parallels. When it clicks, you will get a tremendous feeling of flowing down the slope. If you don't, then you have wasted a lot of time on the wrong sport.

Exercise

• Practise pressuring your outside ski as early as possible, even before you have begun your turn. Once the pressure is on the inside edge of this ski, you will find it steering into the fall line, and beginning the turn. Easy.