Powder skiing tips from a local heli-ski guide
Our friends at
rk heliski
are true pros when it comes to deep powder skiing. While many of us are comfortable on groomers and hard-pack, powder skiing is an entirely different story. If you've never skied in powder, you're likely to spend your first day frustrated and tired. Of course practice makes perfect when it comes to this skill, but knowing a few tips and tricks ahead of time will save you time and energy on your first few turns.
Learning this skill will allow you to master the entire mountain in any condition. Often described as 'floating on snow' - once you've mastered it, you'll be seeking it out wherever you go.
Lead Guide, Graham Holt from rk heliski, has provided some essential tips to help you develop your powder skills.
Read on and put these tips into action on your next mountain adventure.
1.
Think balance and weight.
When your skis are 'floating' on soft snow, balance is more difficult. Try to stay relaxed and find your balance point. Your actual movements should stay very similar to those on hard pack snow, however, skis should be weighted more equally in powder. Equal weighting of both skis requires intensive vertical movements and proper speed.
2.
Speed is your friend.
Speed causes the skis to float up towards the snow surface, reducing the snow-resistance and allowing the skis to turn easily, even in deep snow. The slower you ski in deep snow, the higher the snow resistance will be against your skis. This makes it very difficult and tiring to turn.
3.
The 'lean back' myth.
Contrary to what you may have been told, leaning back is not necessary (except when the snow is extremely deep and dense). Leaning back blocks your body from moving fluently and results in the dreaded burning thigh syndrome.
4.
Be prepared.
The more physically fit you are, the better you will become. A pre - season or mid - season training regime to build ski muscles is a must.
Smile!
If you're not having fun, you're doing something wrong. Powder skiing takes practice, as with any other skill, but it's all about getting out there and making the most out of your experience.