How to Ski Crust on Telemark Skis

Crust is wind-packed snow that has a hard top layer with soft snow underneath. Often found in backcountry skiing, some crust will support the weight of a skier, but breakable crust will collapse when skied upon.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Ski Clothing
• Telemark Ski Equipment

1. Determine what type of crust you're skiing on by making a few turns. If the snow supports your weight, ski it as you would a groomed trail. You'll know you're skiing breakable crust when your skis sink down into the snow, causing chunks of snow that resemble broken glass to fly up. If you find that you're breaking through the crust, follow the next steps.
2. Be aggressive and exaggerate your moves. This type of snow is challenging to ski on - commit both physically and mentally to skiing on it.
3. Keep your body low and toward the ground while skiing crust. Flex your ankles, knees and hips while breaking the crust and sinking into the soft snow.
4. Spring up above the crust layer and unweight your skis at the end of each turn.
5. Turn your skis after you've sprung up and are fully extended to your maximum height.
6. Prepare for a new turn by getting low and pulling your body down.

Tips & Warnings

• Breakable crust can grab your skis and toss them around. If this happens, be aggressive, gain speed and start turning.
• Telemark skiing is a physically demanding sport that could result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.