When you do the Hockey stop. Which side do you turn your skis to?

Question

Right or Left?

I always turn to the right. Tried to turn to left but it doesn't work as well.

When I make a parallel turn to the left. I have hard time to move my left ski to parallel the right ski. Any suggestion?

Answer 1

really, it is a matter of preference.  I am right handed and I stop with my left foot up the hill.  It is just easier for me that way.  but I do agree that you should be able to do it in either direction, especially when the snowboarders decide to cut you off!!

Answer 2

I don't think there is a right way or wrong way.

I turn mine to the right, but maybe that's cause I'm right handed. I don't know, but it works for me.

I find it easier to shift my weight that way

Answer 3

Practice makes perfect, just mess with it preferably on a green or blue

I think everyone has a preferred direction to turn though

Answer 4

Most people tend to stop with their dominant hand uphill..in my case, I stop using more pressure on my right foot than my left.

Of course being able to stop in either direction is something you should be able to do...especially on bigger, steeper slopes.

It might take some time to build up the muscle memory with your left leg...but try it out on a few runs and see how it goes. If you can do it with your right leg you can do it with your left...just keep practicing.

OK...lunch time is over. I have to go back out into the snow now.

Answer 5

When skiing bumps or crud I repeat in my head....

"Hot Potato"

"Hot Potato"

"Hot Potato"

"Hot Potato"

Anytime I feel the pressure build up on my ski I "hop" off if you will... This gives me the option to turn any direction at will... But like favoring the right hand to write with we all have a dominate side to turn... But practice hot potato and you'll be able to stop both ways...

Another tip is to exaggerate your turn by lifting your downhill ski in the turns and linking the turns together one ski to another... This is easier to demonstrate than type but on the steep stuff doing that [Ever skied powder? Think about how you have to shift from one ski to the other] helps a lot!

What this does basically is builds comfort putting weight on either ski thus allowing you to perform turns/stops either way.

Answer 6

right

Answer 7

From what you describe the solution is easy. When you are turning to the right your weight is already on your left ski. When turning to the left, you still have your weight on the left ski too long in to the task. Start the turn by making an earlier weight transfer to the right ski.

   If this still gives you problems, take a lesson from a qualified professional instructor.

Answer 8

I always turn to the left don't know why, it just feels more comfortable.