Ski Tip for Powder #2
The powder has arrived, so here's a thought about how to ski it!
Q: Do you use your edges in powder?
A: Absolutely! Using the edges to slice a turn out of the side of the hill is not dependent on the snow conditions. In fact you could argue that it is even more important to edge properly in powder than it is on groomed snow. Why? Because, on groomed snow, if your platform angle from the edge is not steep enough, you just skid out. No fall, no foul. In powder, if your angle is not steep enough, you create a buildup of snow from the side of the ski. This resistance from the side is quite hard to overcome, and often stops the ski cold, while the skier flips over to the downhill side.
Now granted that the new fat skis enable the skis to slide and pivot somewhat like skis on a groomed slope. All that means is that you won't fall down as easily, and that you can pivot the ski if you need to for some reason. But, the effortless beauty of skiing in powder is mostly available to those who tip the skis to their edges, while tipping the legs toward the center of the turn. In this way, the edges immediately become immersed in the snow, allowing the construction of the ski and the alignment of the body to work its magic.
I believe I carve in powder more than I do on groomed. It's not that you don't carve in powder. It's that you don't have to work so hard to achieve it.
Posted On: January 26th, 2010 By: Weems Westfeldt
