a ski brake having two braking legs , which in the braking position project next to the two ski edges below the running surface of the ski . the braking legs are the free ends of at least one braking bar which is formed preferably of a spring wire by being bent and curved , which braking bar can be swung against a vertically acting spring force of return spring which is produced when a ski boot or a sole plate urges the ski brake from the braking position into a retracted position , in which position the two braking legs are supported lying approximately parallel with respect to and above the upper surface of the ski , which vertical force is diverted by guide means substantially at a right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ski and thus the braking bars are either spread apart or pulled in .