The invention of the Parallel turn in skiing is credited to Austrian Toni Seelos in the 1930s. Many variations of the parallel turn have evolved since, at least in part due to improvement of ski equipment over the years.

Recent parallel technique involves tilting the uphill ski so that it runs along its big-toe edge, and applying pressure to it. Because of the way skis are shaped (narrower under the foot) the ski will turn (to the left if the pressure is applied to the right ski, or to the right if the pressure is applied to the left). As the turn progresses the two skis remain parallel, and the second ski also starts to run along the inner (little-toe) edge.

The parallel turn is easier and more practical when skiing at moderate or faster speeds and also when skiing in difficult conditions. Speed helps the skier generate pressure when initiating the turn.

Turning the ski using a parallel turn with skidding is the opposite of carving, where the edge of the ski does not lose its grip during the whole turn. In the 1990s ski design developed to make this easier to accomplish.

See also

• Stem Christie - a simpler, lower speed turn

• Skiing and Skiing Topics

Carving | Carving