Powder Skiing

What

Powder is any freshly fallen snow that has been untouched by groomers or other skiers. The snow can vary in depth and density depending on the weather conditions when the snow fell.

Why

Powder skiing is one of the ultimate skiing experiences. Being able to ski the snow as nature delivered it is both challenging and fun.

How

Use a shallower turn shape with strong muscular control of the core and legs to maintain a strong active stance. Move with the skis and time the steering effort accurately as the skis resurface above the powder snow.

Skills

Situational Understanding

• Develop awareness of how the skis will now travel through the snow, causing more friction to act on the skis
• Use slopes that are flatter than 30 degrees when skiing powder snow
• The snow will compact underneath the skis to create the platform
• Use a more open turn shape to keep momentum through the powder
• Travel at a speed that will maintain the skier’s momentum so they don’t get stuck
• The skis may be tipped at different angles to the slope depending on the way the snow is compressed under them
• Develop awareness of how wider and narrower skis have different surface areas, causing them to float or sink in powder snow

Active Stance & Balance

• The skier still needs to be balanced through the middle of the skis; there is no need for leaning back in powder
• Keep the width of stance narrower, slightly inside of hip width, this helps distribute pressure more evenly and keeps the skis moving through the snow together
• Use vertical movement to help the skis resurface in the transition, making it easier to turn

Outside Ski Balance

• Use more of an even weight distribution between the skis (60 outside / 40 inside)

Edging

• Develop lateral movements of the legs while keeping the COG more on top of the BOS

Steering

• Due to the increased friction between the skis and the snow, develop a smooth and consistent rate of steering throughout the turn
• Due to the increased friction between the skis and the snow, there will be more muscular intensity required to control leg steering
• Use leg steering when the skis are closer to the surface of the snow, they will be easier to turn then

Ski Snow Interaction

• There will be minimal steering angles developed through the create phase, then they will be maintained throughout the rest of the turn in powder, this is due to the ski penetrating the snow entirely
• The entire base of the ski will act as an edge angle in powder, its angle will increase gradually throughout the create and control phases
• The platform angle will reach 90 degrees at the end of the control phase once the snow has sufficiently compacted underneath the skis, pushing them forward and back out of the powder snow

Terrain

Gentle untouched powder is the dream.

Class Handling

Powder snow is always the dream of many, and to be there on the day, in the right place at the right time is always a great joy. Make sure to keep your students’ safety in the front of your mind. There will be lots of trial and error happening for your students the first time they ski powder, which will include falling over. Getting back up and getting skis back on can be a big challenge for students. Make sure you can be close by to help. Know the local mountain rules; it is your responsibility to know where you can ski, and where you can not ski when leading a class.