How to Ski in Choppy Conditions – 10 Tips

Compared to decades past, the pistes we ski nowadays are better prepared and maintained impeccably to make skiing easier. However, the mountains are the mountains, and inclement weather and snowfalls make up part of an alpine winter season. We know that skiing in choppy conditions is tricky for many skiers. 

Good grooming does very little on the days and nights when the snow gods choose to throw down a metre of fresh snow. And whilst this is a powder skier’s dream, it also means that the piste becomes a bumpy and challenging affair for the rest of us.

So how do you do it? How do you leap from feeling comfortable on the groomed piste to feeling confident about skiing in choppy conditions? Good question! Although you need good piste technique as a base, building skills in unpredictable conditions takes a bit of mileage and perseverance.

10 TIPS ON HOW TO SKI IN CHOPPY CONDITIONS

1. Keep moving and fighting for your rhythm.

You’ll probably make mistakes with less surety underfoot, but movement and rhythm get you out of those mistakes quickly. Freezing and inactivity often leave you to dwell on the mistake just made, making a disjointed and mechanical descent.

2. Unless the slope is very steep, avoid making sharp V-shaped turns.

Think about a C rather than a V shape on the snow so that your tails always follow your tips and your skis run through the snow. Sharp V-shaped turns are often a sign of a defensive skier and result in a clunky, laboured descent.

3. Look ahead and aim for your next turn.

Tactics are everything. If the piste is bumping up, look ahead and aim for a target of where your next turn will be executed. It’s very much a case of forgetting the turn that you’re currently doing – that’s old news! It would be best if you were skiing the next turn in your head before it arrives.

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4. Use wide skis if the snow is choppy and fresh.

The wider your ski. The more you’ll float. Remember to consider the difference ski shape can make. If deeper, choppy snow is your enemy, a ski with a broader waist will be your greatest ally. Please give it a go next time you’re on the slopes. It could be a game-changer for you.

5. If you’re stuck, you can opt for ‘mountaineer turns.’

When the snow is sludgy or complex, a ‘step turn’ can help. You lift a ski in the air and place it into the snow to start the new turn. It is often an adequate but not elegant solution to create a new turn. In comparison, if you value elegance, keeping a disciplined and neat parallel stance should do it.

6. Rehearse the action in your head.

Try to record the sensations you feel when it is going well. Pick a fixed point down the hill where you’ll ski. Pick several turns – for instance, ten – and then try and make those sensations come to life. Repeat!

7. Slow down the action.

In tricky snow, avoid turning too sharply or making abrupt movements. Instead, try and favour slowing the action down so that the skis reach the end of the turn quickly but not in a forced way. It might feel strange initially, but imagine you’re guiding your feet instead of erratically changing direction.

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8. Be positive, and decisive. Avoid hesitancy

Either the snow will bully you, or you’ll force the snow. Go for the latter and show it who’s boss! By thinking positively and going for it, you’re giving yourself a headstart in making remarkable turns.

9. Pole plant

Pole planting can sometimes feel unnatural. We know the feeling. But once you get the rhythm, balance and timing right, you realise why using the pole is a necessity of skiing. Mainly when what you feel underfoot is a little unpredictable. So make sure you’re holding your arms out either side of you, flicking your wrist forward as you begin a new turn. This is an excellent example of How to pole plant well.

10. Spend some time in these conditions.

It won’t happen overnight. Part of the process is familiarisation with the conditions and the sensations. So, logically, avoiding it at all costs won’t help. Get yourself in there, even if it’s only for a run, and try to approach the challenge positively – it can be overcome. Oh, and remember to have fun with it! You’ll be a much more rounded skier if you can cope in all conditions. If you feel you’re getting thrown around, try to stay composed. That’s how you look like a pro!