Tips on Skiblading | How Do You Stop with Skiblades?

Skiblades are shorter than regular skis, making them lighter, more maneuverable, and easier to control. But even with a super easy tool, only practise makes perfect. Let's break down some tips on stopping—and how to ski with skiblades. 

Stopping on Skiblades

When it comes to stopping on skiblades, you'll use a mix of techniques similar to those used in skiing, but with a few key differences due to the shorter length of the blades. Here's a breakdown of the go-to moves to bring yourself to a smooth halt:

1. Edge Control is the Key

The edges of your skiblades are your best tool for slowing down and stopping. To stop, shift your weight onto the edges of your blades and press down. This will dig the edges into the snow, creating enough friction to bring you to a stop. Just like with skis, it’s all about balance and feel.

2. Turn to Stop

Another great method is the classic "turn-to-stop." Make a sharp turn across the slope, which will automatically slow you down. By turning perpendicular to the slope, your speed will naturally decrease, bringing you to a controlled stop. Use your edges and body positioning to carve the turn—skiblades’ shorter length makes this maneuver even more responsive and fun!

3. Hockey Stop

Want to look like a pro while stopping? Try the hockey stop! This involves turning both skiblades perpendicular to the slope in one swift motion, applying pressure to the edges while twisting your body. This move creates that satisfying spray of snow while bringing you to a full stop. It’s fast, efficient, and a crowd-pleaser—definitely worth mastering.

4. Pizza / Snowplow for Beginners

If you’re new to skiblades, the good ol' “pizza” or snowplow technique is your go-to for controlling speed and making gradual stops. Point the tips of your skiblades toward each other and apply pressure on the inside edges. It’s an easy way to control speed, especially on gentle slopes, and gives you more confidence as you learn.

Pro Tips for Mastering Skiblades

Now that you’ve got the basics of stopping down, here are a few extra tips to make sure you get the most out of your skiblading experience:

Start on Gentle Slopes

When you're first learning, practice stopping techniques on easier terrain. Flat or gentle slopes give you time to get a feel for your skiblades without too much speed. As you get more comfortable, you can try steeper slopes and different stopping styles.

Keep Your Weight Centered

Skiblades are super responsive, so it’s essential to keep your weight centered over them. Leaning too far forward or backward can throw off your balance and make it harder to control your stops. Stay relaxed, bend your knees, and keep your weight evenly distributed.

Watch Your Surroundings

Especially on busy slopes, be aware of other skiers and snowboarders. Avoid stopping suddenly in the middle of a slope where others may not expect it. Always give yourself plenty of space when practicing stops or making turns.

A Few Tips on How to Skiblade

1. How to Start the Ride on Skiblades

Getting started on skiblades is a lot like pushing off on rollerblades or skates. To begin, push your legs sideways to get that momentum. The beauty of skiblades is their short length, allowing you to easily combine the motions of skating and skiing without needing poles.

Think of it this way: if you've ever used Snowfeet or Skiskates, the motion will feel familiar. It’s all about that fluid, sideways push that gets you moving on the snow with ease. Once you've got that first push, you're ready to glide.

2. How Do You Use Skiblades?

Once you're comfortable starting your ride, let’s talk about the actual skiing.

If you’re a beginner or simply want a slower, more controlled ride, try the “pizza” technique: point the tips of your skiboards toward each other and push on the inside edges. This helps keep your speed in check while you get used to the feel of skiblades.

When you’re ready to turn, it’s all about shifting your weight. Want to turn right? Shift your weight to your left leg. Want to turn left? Shift your weight to your right leg. This motion is super intuitive on skiblades since their short length makes it easy to pivot quickly.

Once you feel more comfortable, start straightening out your skiboards a bit to pick up speed and enjoy the ride!

3. How to Carve on Skiboards

If you’ve opted for longer skiblades, like the 99 cm model, carving becomes part of the fun! Here’s a quick guide to get you carving smoothly:

• To turn right, place your right leg slightly in front of your left.
• To turn left, do the opposite: place your left leg in front of your right.
• Focus on putting weight on the outside edge of the leg that’s in front while keeping pressure on the inside edge of the other leg.

Once you’ve mastered these simple motions, you can start to carve with more confidence—and speed up your ride while keeping control.

Final Thoughts

Only practise will help you master your skiblades perfectly. Take a few of our tips to the slopes and give them a try! Let us know how did it go in the comments below.