# Linked Wedge Turns

Part of the Snow Sports Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/index.md)

*7. Option A — Alpine Skiing*

> **7a6.** On slightly steeper terrain, show linked wedge turns.

Linked wedge turns move you from braking to actual turning. Instead of just wedging to slow down and stop, you steer the wedge left and right in a continuous, rhythmic S-pattern. This is a major milestone — controlling your speed by *turning*, not just stopping.

## How Linked Wedge Turns Work

**Start in a gliding wedge** — tips closer together, tails apart, weight even, knees slightly bent.

**To turn right:** Shift slightly more weight onto your left ski and look toward your right. The wedge will steer you that way. Small weight shifts do most of the work — you do not need to lean hard.

**To turn left:** Shift weight onto your right ski and look left.

**Link the turns:** As you complete one turn, immediately begin the weight shift to start the next. Do not let the skis run straight between turns — the continuous arc is what makes them "linked."

## What Your Counselor Is Looking For

- A consistent wedge shape maintained through the turn (not just at the start)
- Smooth direction changes — turns connected without a flat, runaway section between them
- Speed managed by turn shape, not by stopping
- Body position: weight centered, hands forward, knees bent

> **Tip**
>
> Look ahead toward where you want to go, not down at your ski tips. Your skis follow your eyes and your body's weight. If you look at your feet, your body stiffens up and the turn stalls.

## Official Resources

Video: [How to Do Linked Wedge Turns (video)](https://youtu.be/1BdMf9rmubQ)

Video: [The Wedge Turn (video)](https://youtu.be/9bEH6JCq83U?si=5ru69RVAgDgQfAif)

---

---

- Previous: [Beginning Maneuvers](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7a5/index.md)
- Next: [Christies](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7a7/index.md)