How do I ski deep powder?

Question

On steep runs... I can do a few turns, then freak out that I can't stop... And do I crank up the DIN and/or use powder leashes?

Answer 1

Balance is key to floatation. On groomers we're taught to lean forward down the fall line. You can't do this in powder, with so much weight on the tips they sink. Don't lean back but instead "sit" back a little. you're weight should be pretty evenly distributed over the forward end of your arches.

   To stay up you need to keep your speed up but still be in control. This is easy, just adjust your turns. And having your skis closer together gives a larger platform to allow easier flotation, whereas if you spread your feet apart the large platform is now two smaller ones and your speed will decrease (pretty significantly).

   Powder cords are a good idea, if you lose a ski under the snow you can spend hours looking for it, with a chance of not even finding it. Just be sure to use them correctly, I've seen some people tie the cords to their legs, this is a no-no.

   After 2 or 3 good runs you'll get the hang of it. Remember everyone starts somewhere.

Answer 2

With speed and power!

Answer 3

don't freak out..feel the flow...keep jumping all the way

Answer 4

dude lean back in deep powderand just enjoy the

ride

Answer 5

I've skied expert for over 35 yrs. & I've skied plenty of powder. It's completely different & the deeper the powder gets, the more you have to change the way you ski. When skiing powder you must keep your weght back further, i.e. is keep your butt & knees further back, i.e., sit back on your skis & this will keep your tips up & out of the powder so you don't fall on your face. You lower body, from your waist down must be bent more so you remain flexible & this will allow you to adjust to the powder conditions. It will he will help you turn better since your balance will be better. You must be prepared to turn at anytime while skiing powder & leaaning back will also help you control your speed. You don't need any other special equip. like leashes!!!

Obviously, your problem on steep runs is that you don't turn enough & that's why you can't stop or slow down. You must learn to turn all the time or you will ski out of control & too fast. At first, learn to make wider turns so you don't gain speed fast until you can learn to make shorter turns. Traverse from one side of the hill to the other & this will decrease the steepness of the hill & help ski slower & in control. You are also probably leaning too far forward & this causes you to gain speed very quickly & that's why you can't stop. Remember to always keep most of your weight on your outside or downhill ski. This should be the ski that carves the turn by pressing most of your body weight on it. If you have your weight even distributed on both skis then you're going to go straight & pick up speed quickly & make it hard to turn. Just lean back more & bend at the knees & waist at the same time & you'll be able to control your body better & you feet & legs will turn better. I hope this helps & Good Luck!!!

Don

Answer 6

keep your weight more balanced than on hard pack like you are on one ski and keep your weight right over the balls of your feet and let your speed pick up a little

Answer 7

Not sure from your question, but it sounds to me like you are new to powder skiing.

One of the other folks mentioned balance.  That's right.  You will need to move your weight back more than on hard pack.

If you are getting scared, you may just be attempting a steep run that you are not ready for yet.  Get the feel of powder on a less radical slope and then work your way up.

I would not crank up your bindings.  Powder leashes are a very good idea if you are going to ski very deep powder or if you will ski powder a lot.  In which case, I'm jealous.

Answer 8

Leave the din alone, but do use powder cords, if the ski comes off, you need to find it.  As to skiing the steeps in deep powder, put your feet closer together than on a groomed run,  and ski it with a rhythm of flex and extend the legs.  If you are carrying too much speed, carry a load of snow between your legs to act as a brake.  This will definitely slow you down.  Best solution though is to ski the powder with proper turn shape to control your speed.

  Over turning will slow you too much and then you will need to fight back to the fall line.