How to skiing on Fresh Power powder and its top tips
The experience of powder skiing is one of the most exhilarating you can have on the mountain with the right guidance. In fresh powder, your turns can be difficult to control and your balance can be compromised.
It is our goal to provide you with some of our top tips from instructors that will help you ski like a pro in fresh powder!
What is Fresh Powder Snow?
Powder snow accumulates after a fresh snowfall and is light and fluffy. It hasn’t been compressed or packed down by skiers or snowcats.
Powder usually feels lighter and softer than snow, giving the sensation of floating. It is important to note, however, that powder can vary between being light and airy to heavier and wetter based on the weather and temperature conditions.
What you Need for Powder Skiing
Powder skiing requires the right equipment. You will need the following:
The perfect powder skis
A powder ski has more surface area than a regular ski, allowing you to float on the snow better. Skis with a wider profile provide more stability and reduce the depth to which you sink into powder.
Shoes and bindings
If you plan to ski in powder, ensure your ski boots fit well. Adjust your bindings to allow for easier maneuvering and release in the event of a fall in deep snow.
How Do Powder Skis Work?
In deep snow conditions, powder skis, or powder boards, can excel. Powder skis have a wider profile, making them better suited to soft, fluffy powder than traditional skis. Skiers can stay on top of the snow due to their increased surface area, reducing the risk of sinking in deep powder.
How to Ski on powder when it’s Challenging
Powder skiing is vastly different from groomed skiing. Snow is looser, and skis sink deeper, which makes it harder to control speed. Powder skiing may be challenging for skiers who are used to hard-packed snow, as it requires different techniques.
Many people make the mistake of leaning back too much during cycling, which can cause them to lose control or tire very quickly.
Tips for Skiing in Fresh Powder
Focus on Your Weight
You need to keep your weight centered over both skis. You can lose control of your skis by leaning too far back, or dive under the snow if you lean too far forward. The key to success is balance.
Wider turns
When skiing powder, you need to take wider, sweeping turns compared to the short, sharp turns you might make on groomed runs. It allows you to maintain better control and glide through the snow more smoothly.
Stay in Control
Due to the powder’s natural slowing action, you won’t need as much edge control as on packed snow. You should instead use the snow as a natural brake while maintaining your balance.
Mistakes to Avoid When leaning Back
It is common for skiers to lean back too far when navigating powder. You may believe you’re staying on top of the snow, but you’re losing control. Keep your body weight centered to glide smoothly and turn effortlessly.
The Best Way to Control Your Speed
You may fall if you ski too fast in powder, especially if you are not used to the soft snow. You can control your speed by making wider turns and using the snow’s natural resistance. Make several quick turns if you feel you are gaining too much speed.
Steep Terrain and Tree Navigation
Tree skiing
It’s important to be cautious when skiing through trees on powder days. Maintain a controlled speed when navigating through a forest and make deliberate, careful turns. Make sure you plan your route and avoid obstacles by looking ahead.
Slope Control
Maintain control on steep slopes by leaning forward. Keep your speed under control on steep powder-covered slopes and use short, deliberate turns.
How to Handle a Powder Fall
Powder falls differ from groomed runs. It may be difficult for you to get back up if you fall into deep snow. Attempt to regain your balance by standing sideways to the slope and using your poles for stability.
A Powder Day’s Joy
It is impossible to compare skiing on fresh powder to anything else. It’s unparalleled to glide through soft, untouched snow. Every time there is snow, powder skiing offers the sense of freedom and adventure skiers crave.
Conclusion
It can be rewarding to ski on fresh powder, but it can also be challenging. Practice proper technique, master the basics, and use the right gear to enhance your powder skiing skills. Enjoy the ride, stay centered, and control your speed.