Uphill & Downhill Ski

 

A terminology concept that identifies one ski from the other.  It’s best used when discussing the role of the feet and skis during a traverse, or within the confines of a standard transition between turns.  In those situations, one ski is at all times an uphill ski, and one is a downhill ski.

Drawing showing ski tracks in a ski turn with the uphill and downhill ski marked. Uphill switches from left to right and downhill from right to left, halfway through the turn.

When discussing the roles of the feet and skis during a turn, it’s better to refer to an Inside and Outside ski.  During a turn, which is the uphill ski, and which is the downhill ski, changes.  That creates confusion.  Which is the inside and outside remains the same.  Much clearer.

Single right turn showing inside and outside ski through the turn. Inside ski is always the right ski and outside always the left ski.