'intermediate skier'. how to stop when i want?

I wasn't suggesting a ban - more from a if you want to address tiredness from using snow plough go back to basics. Gentle slope and get controlling that speed through finishing and linking some turns.

I am somewhere between R79 and Dobby. We always practice and develop our technique on slopes that do not intimidate us. But when it comes time to put it to the test, we go to a steep slope just on the edge (or beyond) our comfort zone. That's how we improve, also it's where fun (and great pub stories) come from.

One thing a 100% agree with, Take lessons. It's the only true way you are going to learn to stop.

Just wanted to add my tuppence.

I started Skiing pretty late (40) fortunately I was pretty fit and had the benefit of 1 to 1 lessons. Tuition is the best place to start and if you do 1 to 1 so much the better.

I'm not sure what indoor slopes you have near you but putting into practice what you learn on your own is also a great way to improve your technique and keep it "locked in" before going on your ski hols.

'Locked in' muscle memory is definitely a big factor in skiing well.

Just on the 'steeper' is the only way we learn. How about skiing faster, trying to get more angulation etc. All of these would have a far more positive effect on someone's skiing ability than just going steeper and steeper. That is ultimately why low intermediate can get down a black. Only an advanced skier can truly style a blue.

T1berios : yes on two points: one on one lessons, albeit somewhat expensive , is the best way to improve. However don't undervalue the value of skiing in a group that pushes you (in a safe way, not throwing you into the deep end). Just in a fun competitive way. The second point is interesting, indoor slopes or dry slopes really can be a great way to hone some skills. The equilivant where I live is small community hills with only 300ish vert. Ft. , sometimes just a lift in a river valley. But enough to run to after work or a few hours on a weekend just to try some stuff.

Ranchero, I didn't mean to say steeper is the only way and certainly as confidence grows ,speed increases. I really could have worded that better. I completely agree speed , and other things play a role. Angulation, separation, etc is a conversation we typically have with intermediate skiers on the cusp of being an advanced skier. An intermediate skier being someone that can easily ski greens and blues,can link turns with confidace and is ready to try blacks, however still has balance issues, probably counter rotates, initiates turns with the upper body, etc. ..In the case of someone asking how to stop, we are clearly talking to a beginner. We cover gliding and stopping, before we work on turning and speed control on our first day. And then work on it through our entire skiiing lifetime. I'm over simplifying, each person is different. I would however go back to steeper as being the litmus test, it's the benchmark most people strive for. What Do we need to ski "steeper", well. Mostly better speed control. Speed control does not mean going slow, it's means building your skills so you feel confidant going the speed you want to go. And what are those skills?, finishing turns, proper edging though separation ....The fastest guy on the hill is simply the guy with best for grasp of speed control. I'm obviously not talking about out of control idiots unsafely skiing above their ability. Or even worse the idiots that scream down a green or blue massively out of control or just showing off putting other people at risk. My pet peeve, that should be another topic.

All his talk is getting me all excited to get out. Alas, I have to wait until Dec 14...

Cheers all !

Have booked a morning lesson - just need snow.

I hear ya !! While I was writing that last entry, I was also texting with my friend who lives in Quebec, we sorted out our week long Ski Vacaiton and the End of Jan. All this talk has got me ready!