parallel turn: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Not exactly. All carved turns are parallel turns, but not all parallel turns are carved. A carved turn requires the ski's metal edge to cut cleanly into the snow with minimal skidding. A basic parallel turn can involve some skidding. Carving is a more advanced subset of parallel turning.

Typically, skiers first learn the 'snowplough' (or 'wedge') turn and the 'stem christie', where one ski is pushed out to initiate the turn. The parallel turn eliminates this stemming action, requiring both skis to move in unison from the start of the turn.

In principle, yes, but modern shaped (parabolic) skis are specifically designed to make learning and executing parallel turns much easier. Their sidecut helps the ski bend into an arc when edged, facilitating the turn.

The most common error is 'stemming'—pushing the tail of the new outside ski out at the start of the turn, reverting to the older stem christie technique. Another is leaning inward instead of angulating the body to create edge angle.

A skiing maneuver where both skis turn simultaneously while remaining parallel to each other, forming a smooth, rounded change of direction.

Parallel turn is usually technical / sporting in register.

Parallel turn: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpærəlel tɜːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpærəˌlel tɝːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.