Stem (skiing) - Definition and Overview

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