Pointers on Powder Skiing

Powder is dry, light and fluffy, freshly fallen snow, ensuring the best ever skiing experience for many skiers. Presenting much more of a challenge than skiing on compact and prepared slopes, powder skiing requires refined skills and techniques, such as soft turns and equal distribution of weight on the skis which are both very important factors of the sport.

Listed below are some basic tips for beginners to the sport of powder skiing

Begin skiing with your feet apart and at shoulder width, keeping a balanced posture. Bend your hips slightly downward, with your knees and ankles facing the direction of the snow. Lean a little forward into your ski boots to distribute your weight evenly on your skis. Your hips should be positioned directly above the centre of the boots.

In order to make a turn, steer both of your feet in the direction you are turning, flex your lower body in the direction of your skis, weighing them down into the snow as you turn. Your downhill pole should be set in front of you and moved around. Your upper body should be facing downhill keeping stable while your lower body turns. Pull your hips, knees and ankles up to move the weight off the skis at the end of each turn. When you do this, your skis will be slightly elevated enabling you to easily make the next turn.

A frequent mistake made by skiers when powder skiing, is leaning backwards, which actually makes the legs tire more quickly. However, you should take care not to lean the lower leg too far forward making the skis push deeply into the snow. Your ski boot needs to be a good match with your adjustable ski binding which will stop your skis from diving into the powder or snow. Remember, it is a necessary part of preparation to wax your skis sufficiently and properly.

If inappropriate skiing equipment is used in powder skiing, turning can become a quite a challenge. Choose your skis according to your weight and skill level, ensuring they are not too stiff or too long for you. The sales person will give advice on the most suitable ski length for you as an individual, then try out a few and settle for what feels best to you.

In order to perfect your powder skiing skills, there are numerous drills and exercises you can practise, to help with everthing from keeping your balance to confidently making turns. Powder skiing is no doubt demanding, but with perseverance, it promises the rewards of a thrilling time.