to the respective ski i e 21 the foot pedal 66 is integral with a depending inverted u shaped frame 70 which straddles the ski 21 such frame comprises a cross member 71 and triangular vane elements 72 and 73 which may penetrate the snow at different depths below the ski and thus provide variable braking a u shaped limit stop 74 is suitably secured to the ski 21 to limit vertical movement of the cross member 71 and thus limit the upper and lower positions to which the pedal 66 may be moved a toe strap 75 is secured to the pedal 66 to receive the skier 39 s foot in operation the skier inserts his foot under the toe strap 75 and can thus rest the heel of his foot on the portion of the pedal 66 adjacent hinge 67 while either holding the brake out of braking position or allowing the same to drop into such braking position when unattended the weight of the pedal 66 causes the vane elements 72 and 73 to penetrate the snow and thus maintain the machine in braked position accordingly if the skier should fall off the seat the brakes would be automatically applied the control levers 46 and 47 are located in relatively low positions so that the skier tends to bend forwardly while traveling in free running condition thus placing a greater amount of his weight on the front portions of the skis to obtain maximum speed however when executing a turn or in slowing the machine he would naturally shift his weight.