Describe the progression to introduce stopping for a beginner child?

• A. Jump stops from straight line.
• B. Snowplow on a gentle incline; wedge stop with controlled speed; parallel stance with edge control when ready.
• C. Stop only by hanging on to instructor.
• D. Stop by bending knees and leaning back.

Answer: (B)

A safe, progressive approach to teaching stopping for a beginner child starts with a snowplow on a gentle incline to establish balance, control speed, and introduce the idea of using the ski edges to slow down. From there, moving to a wedge stop with controlled speed builds on that foundation by teaching how to bring the skis closer together and use a deliberate turn to come to a stop, still maintaining control as terrain may be a bit steeper. Finally, once the child is comfortable with braking and turning, progressing to a parallel stance with edge control when ready gives more precise control and efficiency while stopping, preparing them for independent stopping on varied terrain.

This sequence is best because it starts with a simple, forgiving technique that introduces braking and balance in a controlled way, then gradually increases complexity and control as confidence grows. The other options don’t fit a beginner progression: jumping stops from a straight line require higher speed and more dynamic balance; stopping only by hanging on to the instructor doesn’t develop independent skills; stopping by bending knees and leaning back is unsafe and unreliable for stopping effectively.