What is parallel skiing?

Answer 1

Parallel skiing is an advanced technique in downhill skiing where the skis are held in two straight lines under the body. This technique is generally learned gradually as a modification of the beginner technique. The beginner's stance is called "the snow plow" or "the wedge", and the skis are held in a V shape with the tips of the skis almost but not quite touching. The wider apart the skis are at the back, the slower a person will go down the hill. In parallel skiing, speed is controlled by how much the skier goes across the hill versus down the hill - the trajectory of the skier relative to the slope controls speed.