Herringbone on a Gentle Slope

Recommended practice time: 10–15 min

Introduction

The herringbone is the simplest way to climb a gentle slope without sliding back. The keys are an open V-angle, active edges, and weight slightly forward with a sustainable rhythm. As it gets steeper, transition into a side-step and use an in-place step-turn when you need to change direction.

Steps

  1. Set up: face uphill and choose your line
    Check that the space is clear. Hips over skis, chest slightly forward, eyes uphill. Place skis under the body ready to open the tips.
  2. Herringbone: ski angle and weight distribution
    Open the tips into a V (≈20–30°). Press the inside edges to “bite” the snow. Keep weight over the balls of the feet; soft knees, torso slightly forward.
  3. Rhythm and pole use
    Alternate stepping with edge engagement. Poles provide light support (don’t pull). Breathe steadily and keep a short, repeatable rhythm.
  4. Transition: side-stepping and in-place step-turn
    When it steepens, turn to face across the hill and side-step with strong edges. To change direction, lift the downhill ski, then the uphill ski, rotating each into the new heading (step-turn).
Skier climbing a gentle slope using the herringbone: skis angled out, weight forward, poles assist.
Herringbone: open tips, edges engaged, weight slightly forward; switch to side-stepping when it gets steeper.

Typical Mistakes

  • V-angle too small (slipping) or too wide (instability and fatigue).
  • Weight on the heels instead of forward — edges don’t hold.
  • Crossing ski tips and tripping.
  • Leaning on poles instead of driving with the legs.

Beginner Questions

I keep sliding backward — what should I change?

Increase the V-angle, load the inside edges, and move your weight slightly forward. Plant poles ahead as a light support if needed.

What’s the “right” ski angle?

On gentle slopes, start around 20–30°. If you slip, open a bit more; if you feel wobbly, narrow it and slow the rhythm.

When should I switch to side-stepping?

When the herringbone starts to feel too taxing or you slip despite edging — turn across the hill and side-step with short, secure moves.

Instructor’s Tip

“Eyes up, weight forward, edges working — poles only assist. Keep the rhythm short and repeatable, like a metronome.”

Conclusion

With the correct ski angle, active edges, and a calm rhythm, the herringbone becomes a reliable way to move uphill. When needed, switch to side-stepping and use a step-turn to change direction.