How to Ski a Chute

The trick to skiing a chute or couloir successfully begins and ends with maintaining control of your skis and body within a tight space.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sports Sunglasses
• Straps For Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Ski Bindings
• Ski Boots
• Ski Clothing
• Ski Poles
• Skis

1. Take a moment at the top of a chute to visually inspect it.

2. Make a tentative plan for where you'll make turns. Plans can go awry and you may miss turns, so your route should not be set in stone.

3. Focus.

4. Drop in over the edge after determining that it's safe. If other skiers are directly beneath you, give them some space.

5. Keep your shoulders facing down the chute. This position twists your upper body in relation to your lower body, which helps make jump turns easier.

6. Take a break, if needed, as much to the side as possible. You don't want to clog up the chute or become a target for an out-of-control skier or ski.

7. Continue skiing until you exit the chute.

Tips & Warnings

• Ski with a buddy. If you drop something or have a particularly spectacular wreck, your skiing partner can help you pick up the pieces.
• If the chute is significantly wider than your skis, you don't necessarily have to make jump turns. Just be sure to maintain control of your speed.
• Skiing is a physically demanding sport that can result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek the proper equipment and training before undertaking this activity.

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