On this page
  1. From snowplough to parallel turns (skiers)
  2. Carving
  3. Snowboarders: carving and dynamic turns
  4. Your first red run
  5. Moguls (bumps)
  6. First steps in the terrain park
  7. Off-piste? Not yet.
  8. Keep improving

Once you’re comfortable on blue runs, a whole new world opens up. Here’s how to keep improving — safely.

From snowplough to parallel turns (skiers)

Parallel skiing means both skis turning together, side by side. It’s more efficient, less tiring and lets you handle steeper terrain. The usual path:

  1. Stem christie: start the turn in a small snowplough, then bring the inside ski parallel halfway through the turn.
  2. Match earlier: gradually bring the inside ski in sooner, until the snowplough almost disappears.
  3. Parallel turns on easy terrain: flex and extend your legs to unweight the skis, tip both knees into the new turn together.
  4. Pole plant: a light touch of the downhill pole gives rhythm and timing.

Drill: on a gentle blue, make “javelin turns” — lift the inside ski slightly off the snow during each turn. It forces your weight onto the outside ski, which is the secret of good parallel skiing.

Carving

In a carved turn the ski runs on its edge and bends into an arc, leaving two thin lines in the snow rather than a skid. It feels effortless and fast.

  • Practise on a wide, quiet, well-groomed blue run.
  • Start with traverses on edge (“railroad tracks”): tip both knees and ankles gently uphill and feel the ski grip and turn.
  • Roll from edge to edge without twisting the skis.
  • Modern carving or all-mountain skis make it much easier.

Snowboarders: carving and dynamic turns

  • Get lower and more centred, use your ankles and knees to tilt the board more on edge.
  • Shorten skidding: aim for clean lines in the snow.
  • Learn to ride switch (with the other foot forward) — it improves balance and prepares for the park.

Your first red run

  • Choose a short, wide red recommended by your instructor, first thing in the morning on fresh corduroy.
  • Look at it from a lift before you ski it.
  • Make more, rounder turns than usual to control speed. It’s fine to side-slip or snowplough a steep pitch.
  • Avoid the end of the day when snow is icy or slushy and bumped up.

Moguls (bumps)

  • Start on small, soft bumps at the edge of a run.
  • Turn on the top or shoulder of the bump, where the ski tips and tails are free.
  • Keep your hands forward and absorb each bump by bending your knees like shock absorbers.
  • Look two or three bumps ahead.

First steps in the terrain park

Parks are fun, but they account for a significant share of serious injuries. Follow the park rules — often summarised as “Smart Style”:

  • Make a plan — know the feature before you hit it.
  • Look before you leap — scout jumps and landings at slow speed first.
  • Easy style it — start small (XS/S features) and progress gradually.
  • Respect gets respect — wait your turn and call “dropping” before you go.

Good first features: small rollers, low flat boxes, and tiny jumps with a gentle landing. Always wear a helmet; many riders add back protection. Consider a park lesson.

Off-piste? Not yet.

Deep powder is tempting, but outside the marked runs there is avalanche risk and no patrol. Try the ungroomed edges of pistes after a snowfall, and read our avalanche safety guide before going further. When you are ready, go with a certified mountain guide.

Keep improving

  • Take a lesson every trip — even one private hour helps.
  • Ask a friend to film you; watch it in slow motion.
  • Build leg and core strength before the season (fitness plan).
  • Upgrade your boots first — well-fitting boots transform control.