How to Ski in Deep Powder

Too many people are intimidated by skiing in deep powder. With modern equipment and techniques, powder skiing has never been more accessible or more fun for the moderately experienced skiier.

Things You'll Need

• First Aid Kits
• Avalanche Beacon
• Avalanche Probe
• Powder Skis
• Ski Boots
• Ski Clothing
• Ski Goggles
• Ski Poles

Instructions

1. Buy or rent a pair of powder skis. These are skis that are wider throughout the length of the ski to provide more float.

2. Push with your poles until you begin gliding downhill.

3. Position your weight over the center of your skis and move smoothly up and down, shifting your weight from the skis' center to the direction you're turning.

4. Start turning only when you have a decent amount of speed.

5. Establish your up-and-down rhythm, and as you rise up, steer your skis in the direction you want to turn.

6. Compress your turn as you sink back down and rise up again to steer in the other direction.

7. Keep your shoulders square to the hill (fall line).

8. Hold your arms slightly in front of you (even with your sides and your hands) for balance.

9. Maintain an athletic stance with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Tips & Warnings

• Leaning back will tire your quads quickly, make your tips rise and cause you to gain unwanted speed. It's not a good thing.

• Steer your skis. This is not hard-packed snow or ice, so you don't need to carve.

• Control your speed by turning more frequently rather than zigzagging across the hill.

• Steep slopes plus deep snow equal avalanche danger. Ski with a guide if you're in the backcountry and check snow conditions regularly.

• Skiing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.