Edge Angles & Angulation
The foundation of carving — how your board grips the snow
Edge angle is the single most important variable in carving. It determines whether your board cuts a clean arc into the snow or skids sideways. Understanding how to control edge angle through angulation — the independent movement of your lower body — is the key that unlocks true carving.
Interactive Diagram
Turn Phases
Initiation
20° edgeThe turn begins as you roll your ankles and tilt the board onto its edge. Upper body stays quiet. Your goal is to engage the edge cleanly before adding pressure.
Pressure
Key points
- Roll ankles to tilt the board — not the whole body
- Keep your upper body quiet and facing down the fall line
- Look into the new turn to initiate weight transfer
- Light pressure — the edge should engage, not dig
Apex
55° edgeThis is the highest-edge-angle point of the turn, where centrifugal force is greatest. Angulation is at its maximum — hips push into the hill while upper body counters outward. This is where the carve actually happens.
Pressure
Key points
- Maximum angulation: push hips into the hill
- Upper body counter-rotates slightly to maintain balance
- Equal pressure front-to-back for a symmetric arc
- Knees bent and absorbing — this is the hardest part of the turn
- Feel the board carving, not sliding
Completion
30° edgeAs the turn finishes, the board crosses the fall line and you begin de-edging. Gradually reduce edge angle by extending your joints. This extension generates the rebound energy that powers the next turn.
Pressure
Key points
- Progressively reduce edge angle — don't suddenly flatten the board
- Extend legs to generate rebound for the next turn
- Keep looking ahead to the next turn's entry point
- Smooth de-edge = smooth transition to the next turn