Skiing powder (deep snow not yet skied on) is the highlight in the
life of a skier and the deeper the better. It can surprise the
novice deep snow skier how differently deep snow behaves from snow
on groomed trails – yet, learning how to float on it is an
exhilarating feeling that once experienced, will continue to draw
you back again and again.
This article provides an overview of what to expect when you first
start skiing deep powder. The article assumes you already know how to
ski proficiently (because only experienced skiers should attempt deep
powder), but provides some basics about deep snow itself and the
techniques used for deep powder skiing.
!! Steps !!
Get the right gear. Dealing with deep snow will be easier if you've
got the right skis, and the type of skis will depend on where you're
headed. For deep snow in back country areas, use wide overland
touring skis, although narrow versions can be good if you tend to
ski both deep snow and set ski tracks.[1] In recent years, as well
as the extra-wide skis for deep powder, all-mountain super-sidecut
or shaped skis make deep snow skiing a lot easier than earlier types
of skis, due to the extra-wide tips and tails.[2] The greater the
surface area, the better the skis on deep snow.
* Be aware that extra-fat skis are not much good for anything other
than deep powder and they're not useful when you're on a crowded
ski field. If you don't want to go to the expense of buying such
skis for the rare deep powder chances on uncrowded mountainsides,
consider hiring them for the day. If you want to buy skis that
work for both the deep powder and the usual slope, go for the the
super-sidecut shaped skis.
* Talk to the retailer in depth about your needs. They may be able
to make specific suggestions that are tailored to your needs.
Find your deep snow. Powder, or deep snow, isn't found at all
resorts, and obviously some resorts get more deep snow than others.
It is advisable to learn which resorts have the best consistently
deep snow in your region (or wherever you're able to get to) and to
do this, you can keep an eye on the websites of each resort as well
as weather reports. Tony Crocker's site "Your Guide to Snowfall" is
another good place to keep an eye on.[3] Do note a tendency of some
resorts to over-report the snowfall levels, although with Twitter,
Facebook, and iPhone apps now reporting snow levels, this
exaggeration tendency is tapering off.[4]
* Learn as much as you can about the route and the resort before
setting out. If there are paper maps, study them and take one with
you.
* Heed back country restrictions. Some places are closed off to
protect nature, others are to protect you. Not heeding this puts
not only your own life in danger, but potentially the lives of
buddies accompanying you and rescuers. Even if you do get through
safely, if you're caught, you risk fines and loss of passes for
the season, etc.
* Be aware that not all snow is created equal. Although deep, snow
can be unpleasant when powder is impacted by rain, wind, spring
thaw, other skiers suddenly having skied over it, etc. Technically
it's no longer powder but it can take the novice a while to spot
the hazards and changes. Learn how to spot snow changes, and how
to adapt your ski method to the different types of snow, in order
to avoid breaking your legs or having other accidents.
Respect the deep snow. Deep snow comes with its own dangers and it's
important to be aware of safety issues before heading out onto it.
Things to keep in mind include:
* Never ski alone. No matter how tempting, don't. Always have a ski
buddy; things happen and if you're alone, there will be nobody to
notice you're missing in time. And if your buddy is inexperienced
and doesn't know the slope, take along a guide who does. Mountain
conditions can change dramatically and rapidly.
* Know how to spot avalanche risks and how to avoid them. Read Stay
Safe in Avalanche Country for more instructions.
* Be aware of the hazards of deep snow. Falling into deep snow can
result in suffocation. One way this can occur is when a skier
falls into a "tree well". Tree wells are hollow spaces created
around trees; they form because the lower branches prevent snow
from packing close to the tree and instead create pockets of loose
air or snow when there is a build-up of snow. They're common in
forested areas where deep snow falls, such as Colorado.[5] On
falling in a tree well (usually head first), the loose snow begins
to quickly pack in around you and you can't always be seen by
other skiers. Long-time ski instructor Craig McNeil advises never
to ski close to evergreens on gladed runs in order to avoid tree
wells. Read How to escape a tree well when skiing for more
instructions.
* Don't assume that following a previous skier's tracks will keep
you safe. They may have been a stronger skier than you, or worse,
they may be lost!
Expect skiing on deep snow to feel very different from other snow
experiences. Deep snow doesn't behave like other snow. It is deep,
it isn't firm under your skis, and you need to get used to the
feeling of "floating" on what feels like a cushion of powder.
Getting used to skiing on deep snow takes time, and you'll get
better at it with experience. For starters, deep powder requires
very good balance to prevent you from having one foot sink deeper
into the snow and the other foot ending up in the air. The aim is to
get both skis behaving as one, to enable you to "float" over the
deep snow rather than to sink into it.
* Take opportunities to practice on deep snow in less intimidating
places at first. For example, cut into the powder alongside a
shallow piste or groomed run and let yourself feel the bouncier
effect as you glide down. Use this opportunity to test your
balance and find the differences between deep snow and groomed
snow balance requirements (such as not leaning too far back).
Learn to form a platform and to use the technique of platform
unweighting. Aim to keep even weight on both skis as much as
possible. This enables both skis to act as one, providing a
"platform" for your body as you glide over the snow.[6]
* Keep your skis parallel and balanced evenly.
* Do not lean back. This is a common mistake made by many skiers;
doing so will cause you to lose your balance and you _will_ fall
over, and you won't be able to turn or slow down.
* Distribute pressure much more evenly than you would normally do on
skis for any other skiing surface. If you place all your weight on
your outside ski, you'll sink.
Keep your skis a little closer together than you'd normally have
them.
* Lift your outside hand and push your feet forwards as you
unweight. Doing this will make it smoother and access more powder.
* On groomed snow, you're used to using the edges; avoid this on
deep snow. Instead, push against the soles of your feet
completely. And, at the end of a turn, push down through your
heels.
Build up speed. With practice, you should start to feel more
comfortable and to feel as if you're bouncing out of the snow at
each turn. Speed is your friend in deep snow; allow yourself to get
a little speed and push down on your skis with slight steering to
control the speed. First left, and then right, or alternatively
right, and then left. Repeat.
* Think about turning as a means of controlling speed. Anticipate
the next turn as you finish the last. Flex down and apply the
pressure needed to create the platform under your skis.
* Plant the pole and extend to up-unweight.
* Steer your skis into the fall line. As you make each turn,
continue to steer your skis.
* Each finished turn will regulate your speed.
Rely on the other ski basics you've learned on the groomed slopes.
The rest of what you know about skiing applies to deep snow skiing
too, such as bending your knees, keeping your upper body stable, and
keeping your hands out in front. Stay balanced front and back, and
at all times, maintain an even pressure on both skis.
* Repeat. Once you've started and experienced the thrill of deep
powder, it'll keep calling you back. While basic instructions can
get you enthused, nothing can compare with getting out there and
actually trying it. Just be sure to keep skiing with others to
ensure safety, and to observe weather, snow, and other relevant
conditions to minimize all hazards.
!! Video !!
!! Tips !!
* If you fall over - enjoy it. Relax. Lift your skis up out of the
snow and roll over until they are below you and across the fall
line. Pack the snow to make a platform to stand on and to push up
from. Alternatively, lay on your back, take your ski poles off and
use them to help you up. Hold them in the middle, form a cross and
use them as support to help you to stand again.[7]
* Yes, you'll sink in now and then, so dress to protect
yourself too Zip up zippers, close backpacks and pockets. Snow
getting next to skin is uncomfortable!
* If skiing with weaker skiers, have them go first. It's easier to
ski down to help them than to clamber back up deep snow to rescue
them.[8]
!! Warnings !!
* Any mountain is unpredictable and hides many unseen dangers. When
going off piste, do so at your own risk.
* Tree wells and crevasses - don't fall in. Know all safety
precautions and hazards before heading out to ski deep snow.
* Wearing powder leashes or straps if you're worried about losing a
ski in the deep snow.
!! Things You'll Need !!
* Deep snow suitable skis
* Ski suit, layers, warm outerwear (hats, ski gloves, goggles, etc.)
* Energy snacks (for example, chocolate, fruit bars, nuts, etc.) and
perhaps some hot tea or similar drink
* Map or knowledge of directions, GPS perhaps
* Emergency blanket in case (these are lightweight and small enough
to tuck into a pocket)
!! Related WikiHows !!
* How to Develop You Own Style of Snow Skiing
* How to Make Turns when Skiing
* How to Pack Food for a Day of Cross Country Skiing
* How to Dress for Skiing
* How to Enjoy a Weekend Skiing at Snowshoe Mountain West Virginia
!! Sources And Citations !!
!! Article Tools !!
* Read on wikiHow
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