Side Stepping
You'll be able to reposition on a slope, retrieve a dropped pole, or climb short pitches without ever taking your skis off.
Walking sideways uphill on skis by stepping alternating skis and using their uphill edges to grip — the simplest way to climb any slope with skis on.
Watch & Learn
Not clicking? Try a different teaching style below:
Key Moments
Skis parallel and perpendicular to the fall line — both edges biting into the slope
Step the uphill ski up first, plant it, edge it, then bring the lower ski up to meet it
Plant poles uphill for balance — they prevent sliding back between steps
More aggressive edge angle required — really roll the ankle into the hill before weighting each step
What It Should Feel Like
- ✓Like climbing stairs sideways — a bit awkward at first but immediately intuitive
- ✓The uphill edge of each ski must bite before you shift weight — rushing causes a slide-back
- ✓Poles give stability that lets you focus on the stepping pattern without worrying about falling
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Stepping with flat skis that slide downhill on contact
Edge the ski firmly against the slope before committing weight — edge first, then step
Taking steps that are too large
Small, controlled steps are easier to balance — no more than shoulder-width per step
Leaning away from the slope
Stay over your skis — leaning out reduces edge pressure and causes slipping
Practice Drills
Flat ground practice: side-step on completely flat terrain first — build the alternating step pattern without a slope to fight
Count ten steps: side-step exactly ten steps up, stop, then side-step back down — builds rhythm and confidence in both directions
No-pole attempt: try five steps without poles — forces your edges and legs to do more work and builds awareness of what the poles compensate for