Stem (skiing)

The stem technique in skiing is usually credited to Mathias Zdarsky , from Austria, who invented it in the 1890s. Its variations gradually replaced the telemark technique in Alpine skiing.

The technique involves "stemming" out the uphill ski - pushing it out from being parallel with the downhill ski to form a V shape.

Stem variants

The three variations of the stem turn are:

• The Snowplough - (also known as the wedge) - see snowplough turn
• The Snowplough turn - (also known as the wedge turn or stem turn)
• The Stem Christie

The three variants together formed the basis of the Austrian Arlberg Technique and instruction system developed by Johannes Schneider.

See also

• Parallel turn - more advanced
• Skiing