The runner can only make a true stemming turn when going at a moderate pace. By finishing it as a Christiania, however, he can turn either uphill or downhill when going much faster. In fact the sooner the skis are brought parallel, the greater the pace at which the turn can be started; at very high speeds only a trifling preliminary stem being either necessary or safe.
Short Directions for a Downhill Stemming Turn to the Left
From normal running position, right foot leading, left weighted.
Bending and turning inwards right knee, ankle, and foot, push heel of right ski outwards and forwards to the widest possible stemming position—its tip close to but ahead of the other’s—at the same time slightly flattening the left ski and pressing on its toe. As the skis turn downwards push their heels wide apart, quickly shift your weight forwards and outwards, and, with a push from the inner ski, throw it full on the right heel as you face straight downhill—at the same time lifting the left ski quickly round to the side of the other and finishing the turn with the skis parallel.
When moving slowly this is to be done in two motions; when moving fast, in one continuous one.
Fix the eyes on the tips of the skis and try to lean in that direction only, not inwards.
N.B.—The latter half of this turn is, of course, really an uphill one, separate directions for which are therefore unnecessary.