You are now ready to introduce rebound unweighting into your parallel skiing. The mechanism for achieving this is called a preturn check. This is a quick, aggressive swing to the hill, which sets your downhill ski's edge and provides the power for rebound unweighting. A preturn also serves to introduce anticipation into your skiing.

The pre-turn parallel is a direct development of the skills you have learnt in the downhill stem turn: the only difference is that the skis remain parallel throughout, with the uphill ski shadowing the edge set of the downhill ski.

Start in the standard traverse stance.	Flex down to release your downhill edge and perform a quick, aggressive swing to the hill. Keep your shoulders facing downhill, anticipating the turn. As your edges check, plant your pole.
Rebound and begin your turn, rolling your skis onto their inside edges and into the fall line.	Continue to turn in a controlled, parallel skid. Keep your weight firmly over your outside ski.
As you complete the turn look ahead and anticipate your next pre-turn. [Photo: ifyouski.com]

Tip

• The sharper and more aggressive the preturn check, the more effective the rebound unweighting.