At CS1 stage, when should instructors introduce parallel stance and turning concepts?

• A. After consistent wedge turns and stopping; gradually introduce parallel edging on gentle slopes when ready.
• B. Immediately on steep terrain.
• C. Only after advanced jumps.
• D. Do not introduce parallel turning at all.

Answer: (A)

The idea is to progress safety and control before advancing technique. In CS1, students first build solid balance and control with wedge turns and stopping. Once that consistency is achieved, you introduce parallel stance concepts on gentle slopes when the student is ready. This gradual approach keeps speeds manageable and gives the learner a stable base to feel how weight is distributed and how the edges engage with the snow as the skis stay more parallel. Jumping to parallel on steep terrain would be too challenging and risky at this stage, and introducing it only on advanced jumps isn’t appropriate for CS1. On easy terrain, with calm conditions and clear feedback, the instructor guides the student to keep the skis closer to parallel through the turn, refine edging, and gradually widen and smooth the turns as balance improves.