A question about skiing? experienced skiers plz answer?

Question

Am I doing something wrong or do I need better skis? Whenever I go on really steep runs (double blacks) I gain a lot of speed and it's hard for me to stop...I turn and everything, but my skis end up perpendicular to the mountain and I just slide. I try to slow down by turning and doing the skate stops, but I go really really fast and can't stop, and usually end up going 1/3 of the way down on the same side of my skis just sliding down. It's like my edges are really dull but I just had them tuned. The conditions are loosly packed powder too.

Answer 1

Have you considered taking a lesson?  That's probably the best way to figure it out.  

Without seeing you I would think the problem may be that you aren't getting your skis on edge enough.  Roll your skis into the turn by getting your knees into the turn.

Answer 2

Let's start with the obvious possibilities,

1. Dull edges, you had them tuned but check for sharpness, rub your finger nail across the edge, should leave a fine sliver of nail.

2. Your balance is too far back for the speed and slope, may be caused by too long a ski pole.

3.  You are skidding your turns side ways rather than carving the turn from start to finish, take a lesson and practice on a gentler slope.

4. You may be trying to engage the edges of your skiis by pushing (straightening) the downhill leg at the finish of the turn.

5. Your turn  completion is being "cutoff"  and you have too much speed from one turn to another.

The solution to most of this is to take a lesson from a qualified ski instructor.