Instead of performing the initial snowplough with both skis, you push only the uphill ski into a narrow half-snowplough, called a stem. This points your uphill ski into the turn. Shifting pressure onto your outside ski allows you to match your inside ski, and the turn can be completed very quickly with a parallel skid.

Since the uphill stem incorporates a distinct initiation (when the pressure is removed from the downhill ski), introducing a pole plant at this point can help with timing and balance.

The uphill stem turn can be performed at almost any speed. It will help you to develop many of the technical ingredients of advanced skiing: most importantly, quick edge changes and more subtle steering of the feet and legs. It can take your skiing a very long way; indeed, the step turn used by Alpine racers is a natural development of the uphill stem.

Begin in the standard traverse stance. Prepare to plant your downhill pole and push your unweighted uphill ski into a stem.		Plant your pole and transfer pressure to the stemmed outside ski while steering it towards the fall line.
Match your unweighted inside ski.		Complete the turn in a controlled, parallel skid. Keep the pressure firmly on your outside ski.
As you come round into the new traverse direction, rise back to the standard traverse stance ready to begin the next turn.		[Photos: ifyouski.com]