Traverse Technique
A strong traverse gives you a critical tool for crossing any slope safely and sets up better turn initiation from a stable starting position.
Skiing diagonally across the slope in a controlled line — using your uphill edges to hold your position and regulate speed without turning.
Watch & Learn
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Key Moments
Hip-width stance, uphill hip slightly forward, weight on uphill edges
Tip both skis onto their uphill edges — more angle equals more grip across the slope
Eyes across the slope in the direction of travel — not down at your skis
Increase edge angle to slow the traverse, decrease it to allow more sliding
What It Should Feel Like
- ✓Like walking a tightrope across the slope — the uphill edge is your balancing wire
- ✓Your uphill hip and shoulder leading slightly gives the body a comfortable natural position
- ✓Confident and calm — traversing should feel like a resting state between dynamic turns
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Both skis flat on the slope causing a slide downhill
Tip uphill edges in firmly — flat skis on any pitch will start sliding toward the valley
Uphill shoulder dropped back
Keep the uphill shoulder and hip slightly forward — it aligns the whole body for edge hold
Looking down at ski tips while traversing
Eyes across the slope in the direction you are heading — forward gaze improves balance
Practice Drills
Full-width traverse: ski from one edge of the run all the way to the other without any turning — builds the endurance to hold a clean traverse line
Edge-bite check: stop mid-traverse and see if you are holding your position without sliding — if you slide, add more edge angle
Traverse to turn: ski a full traverse, then initiate a turn from that stable position — connects traverse skill directly to turn setup