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Skiing powder is the ultimate feel-good booster. We see the pros « shredding the pow, » making it look so easy, but how do they do it? Their skiing seems so light and effortless, gliding down a steep pitch. It’s like a dream. Here are the secrets to unlocking your powder skiing performance.
How To Ski Powder
Secrets to skiing powder
- Understand how skiing powder is different
- The right kit
- The right terrain
- Learn the fundamental movements – in the correct order
- Putting it all together
The best off-piste skiing in St Anton
Understand how skiing powder is different to piste skiing.
When we first learn to ski on piste, some key fundamentals exist to help us. You may have heard them described in different ways, but I’m sure you’ll recognise things like:
- Standing on the outside ski
- Using the inside edge of the outside ski to create a grip
- Skiing is a « one foot at a time » activity
- Twist and skid your skis to slow down
And many more.
These are helpful and encourage the right movements when skiing on a relatively firm surface. In powder, this all changes.
We ski in the snow, not on top of it. The texture is soft, and it’s easy for one ski to sink in, making balancing challenging. Skidding to control speed doesn’t work.
Before diving into how skiing powder demands a different approach, let’s ensure we have the suitable kit.
The right kit
We know a worker never blames their tools. But broader and softer skis will make all the difference in this instance. However, nothing stops you from skiing powder on your narrow slalom skis. It’s a lot more challenging and requires much better balance and precision.
Most rental shops will allow you to swap your skis for a morning or a day to enable you to try a different pair. So, if you’ve seen the forecast and know there’s lots of fresh snow coming the next day, head to the rental shop the night before and try out some wider powder skis.
The wider the ski, the easier it is to balance in soft snow. We recommend a ski with a wide shovel (front) that is relatively soft and is at least 90mm underfoot.
Powder skis can also be longer than your on-piste skis. Having longer skis provides more surface area and enables you to « float » in more bottomless, fresh powder.
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Want to ski off-piste but need ski hire?
We have an exclusive discount code to share with our New Generation Ski School friends. If you’re visiting the Alps and want to make the most of the fresh snow, head to our Ski Hire page to take advantage of our promotional ski equipment codes with SkiSet in France, Hervis in Austria and Ski Service in Switzerland.
The most suitable terrain for off-piste skiing
To learn the new movements for powder skiing, we suggest starting on flat terrain where you can just let the skis run straight. Sometimes, you can achieve this by heading straight down the slope, but most times, this will mean choosing a slightly perpendicular line across the hill.
Starting on more gentle terrain will give you time to practice the critical powder skiing movements without worrying about speed control. You can gradually move onto steeper, un-groomed slopes as your powder skiing improves.
How to ski powder in Val d’Isere; off-piste skiing adventures
Learn the fundamental movements – in the proper order.
Ski technique: The bounce
When it comes to backcountry skiing, it’s all about the bounce. Do this in a straight line in soft snow and choose a gradient where you won’t pick up too much speed.
You know the first fundamental powder skiing movement if you’ve bounced on a trampoline or trampette. The powder snow will act as your trampoline if you make the right moves to create a bounce or rebound effect from the snowpack.
Like on a trampoline, you must feel and discover the correct movements. Bounce on two feet, bend and stretch your ankles, knees and hips.
Stay balanced
Maintain balance over your feet. Search for the feeling where the snow responds, and you feel a mild rebound pushing you back towards the surface.
You should feel a light « floaty » phase and a « pushing into the snow » heavy phase. It should feel rhythmical and like the snowpack is like a trampoline beneath your feet. Sinking into the snow slows you down a bit.
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Changing direction
Continuing with the trampoline analogy, imagine you’ve got a small trampoline or trampette under your feet. Set off and get the rhythm going to create the gentle bouncing effect.
As your skis near the surface, gently tip your feet, ankles and knees to one side in the light phase. As you sink into the bounce, your tipped skis will begin to bend and deflect into a gentle turn.
You can aid this turning by steering your legs around a C-shaped arc. Turn only a little, and continue practising this gentle deflecting movement until you can coordinate the gentle tipping and steering movements with the rhythm of the bounce.
When you stop and look back at your tracks, you should see a rhythmically linked set of gentle turns.
Where to find deep powder in Courchevel
Putting it all together: Pole planting
You can start using a well-timed pole plant to help your balance and rhythm. Think of your ski poles as a timing device that marks the end or beginning of each turn.
As your confidence and skills develop, you can push into the trampoline harder and steer further across the fall line. Pushing harder with your feet will aid speed control and enable you to increase the gradient gradually.
If it gets too fast or you lose the rhythm and bounce, take it back a few steps and start again. Think about skiing terrain where you can be successful and practice the correct movements. Enjoy it and have fun!
Isn’t it time you felt confident to ski powder?
If you want to improve your confidence skiing off-piste in powder, we’re here to help. We have a whole variety of off-piste ski courses.
Sharing a ski lesson or experience with someone makes it much more enjoyable and gives you something to look back and laugh about. It also helps you make the most of snow conditions, so you’re always learning about new skiing styles.
This is why we love group ski lessons. Our adult off-piste ski groups bring together people of a similar level in a sociable setting. Whether it’s your first time skiing off-piste, or you’re looking to develop your technique and explore the backcountry, you’ll be able to progress and build confidence in a fun but supportive environment.
Please remember, when venturing off-piste to play in the powder, you must ensure you’ve the correct avalanche safety equipment (which you can rent from us or buy from Ellis Brigham.) And ensure you’re with an instructor or someone who knows the terrain and conditions well. Stay safe and learn how to use your equipment.
