Go Deep: Four Steps to Sweet Powder Skiing-Stage 3

Black-Diamond Powder Skier

The Situation>

You’re a good technical skier who can handle difficult terrain and a wide range of snow conditions. You can link turns and maintain your composure on steep ungroomed terrain, especially in snow that’s not too deep. But you have a hard time maintaining your control and confidence in very steep and deep conditions, where you resort to bad habits like pivoting your skis, facing across the hill at the end of each turn or focusing too closely on your ski tips rather than on your line.

The Solution>

Use a “pedal” movement to link your turns more efficiently. As you finish each turn (A), keep your upper body centered and focused toward the new turn. To release the turn, take your weight off your downhill foot (left here). As you roll this foot into the new turn, extend your uphill leg (right foot, B). Continue to roll the new inside foot (left) and let this movement lead the edge change for the outside foot. Be patient and let the skis come around (C and D). Remember, it takes a little time and space for your skis to cut through powder on a steep slope. As you enter the fall line (E), pressure your skis and carve through the finish (F and G).

Make slightly longer turns in powder than you would on firmer snow. You need to choose a line that is appropriate for a bigger turn shape. Don’t try to force your skis to do something they don’t want to do: Let them run, and have confidence that the deep powder will help you to slow down.

DECEMBER 2004