Pizza to French Fries
You'll graduate from the day-one snowplow grip to standing comfortably parallel, unlocking every technique that comes after.
Transitioning from the pizza wedge position to parallel French fries stance — the most fundamental progression for new skiers learning to stand and glide naturally.
Watch & Learn
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Key Moments
Tips together, tails apart — review the wedge before thinking about leaving it
Both skis parallel and hip-width apart — the stance you want to ski in
Start in pizza, then gradually close the tails together as you gain confidence
On flat terrain, stand in French fries and just glide — feel the difference from wedge
What It Should Feel Like
- ✓The pizza feels safe but restricted — French fries feel free but require more balance commitment
- ✓Closing your tails together is a deliberate act of confidence — lean forward and let it happen
- ✓Standing parallel on flat ground first makes the transition on a gentle slope much less scary
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Jumping straight to French fries on a slope before mastering the wedge
Nail the pizza stop first — parallel only works when you already have braking confidence
Trying to hold French fries while scared and reverting to a wide wedge
That's fine and expected — let the skis open naturally when you need control
Feet too close together in the parallel position
Hip-width is correct — feet touching creates a balance problem that beginners don't need
Practice Drills
Flat glide comparison: on a gentle flat section, glide first in pizza then in French fries — feel the difference in drag and stance
Close on the run-out: ski a gentle slope with a long flat run-out, use pizza on the slope, then close to French fries on the flat — removes risk from the transition
Count to three: start in pizza and count slowly to three before closing to parallel — builds deliberate control over the timing
Prerequisites
Level Up Next
Your Progression
← Previous
Steep Skiing
Level 8
Current
Pizza to French Fries
Level 1
Next Up →
Snowplow to Parallel
Level 3