This is the primary decent control technique. It is very good for slowing a decent but it is NOT great for stopping on a dime--no beginner-intermediate technique is! Note that the full wedge will only work on a flat surface so this means stepping out of the track and using a skating lane or packed snow area. If you are "trapped" on a narrow classic track, you need to use the half wedge instead (but many of the same principles apply).

It is also pretty important for you to have a decent grasp on all of the other necessary movements and motions that are involved in doing this technique before you actually start to do it. Mostly, you will need to apply the basic downhill rules while you attempt to use this technique. You will need to gradually push both of your skis into an “A” shape while you remain in motion. You will need to maintain your amount of pressure in as steady a manner as you possibly can (this is the main difficulty associated with the technique) and also keep things even throughout the maneuver. If you want to thoroughly practice the “A” shape, then you could try doing it a few times out on the flat stretches as long as you have good, smooth, packed snow as a surface to work on. This could help you to avoid creating unwanted turns on slopes due to unevenness. You should also try to keep your hands under control as much as possible throughout the maneuver as well. This is important since your hands greatly affect your overall sense of balance. heli skiing bc

To slow yourself, slowly push down harder with both feet while forcing the skis to go onto their inside edge. The edges will then begin to create a controlled skid. If you want the skis to run a bit more, ease up on the amount of pressure and edge (i.e. allow the skis to flatten a bit). heli skiing bc canada

When you practice the wedge, it is essential that you become comfortable with both initiating and backing off so that you can control speed at will. As you get the hang of it, begin trying to come to a complete stop on a small hill with a sizable run-out. At lower speeds you can stop pretty quickly with a good wedge and this is a huge confidence builder for beginners.