Bouncing works in powder, but I don't advocate the use of that technique.
Sorry...Bouncing works in powder, but I don't advocate the use of that technique.
Thanks.No problem Tricia... It definitely works. I don't think it's the best way and I'm not sure I have the energy to compose a decent post about how exactly one should ski powder. I generally would say that the powder turn is a lot like the mogul turn with the knees coming towards the chest in transition/edge change and the legs getting long towards the apex of the turn. The other huge thing is skiing closer to the fall line with less turn finish than you would use on hard pack. The friction from skiing in the snow slows you down and you won't go as fast as you think you will if you are used to skiing on hard pack. You will do better if you change edges before you try to turn rather than trying to turn before edge change like many people do on packed snow. This applies also in crud, slush, and all 3d type conditions. The bigger and rounder the turn shape is the easier it is to ski in all conditions, but it applies more to 3d snow than flat snow. It's the shape of the turn relative to the fall line and the amount of drift, shmear, starve, skid that you apply that controls speed in all conditions. Accurately managing the speed at which you ski makes it much easier to remain balanced over your feet particularly the outside foot. Maintaining balance builds confidence which leads to flow and ultimately speed if speed is what you are looking for. Ski the mountain, never let the mountain ski you!
No problem Tricia... It definitely works. I don't think it's the best way and I'm not sure I have the energy to compose a decent post about how exactly one should ski powder.
You will do better if you change edges before you try to turn rather than trying to turn before edge change like many people do on packed snow. This applies also in crud, slush, and all 3d type conditions.
So true, there is no need we whatsoever to bounce up and down when skiing powder.I find when skiing powder that if I'm getting tired quickly its because I am bouncing or standing up straighter or sitting back or doing some other antiquated old-school technique. Forget all the 'tricks' to skiing powder. Learn to make committed turns then get some good powder skis and don't change your technique. Skiing powder now days is more about faith than anything. You have to believe in your skis and technique. Everything else will fall in place.
I agree.I guess I am not like you guys. I tend to change my technique for different conditions and different terrain as well.
This thread reminds me of the mogul lesson thread that was Energizer Bunny like in that it kept on going...and going... way beyond what would pertain to the beginning mogul skier.
Welcome to Pugski.I think skiing pow all comes back to solid fundamentals. In my opinion, alignment or skiing stacked is an underrated topic. I agree with an earlier post where someone mentioned that if you struggle in powder, bumps and crud, there is probably something going on in your groomer skiing.
Important point. The retraction turn is both quicker and less tiring than a bouncy extension turn. Extension turns are only needed when an obstacle needs to be jumped, you just want to jump for joy, when the only movement you know is to slide your skis sideways, to clear breakable crust, or your boots don't fit well. Doug made a point about dorsiflexing the ankles (closing the angle) to raise the tips. Maybe, but just relaxing both legs will let the skis flatten and rise. There is no need for them to come to the surface. On a steep pitch we want to pull our heels up to our butt during the transition so the ski tails don't get caught in the snow.I find that when it comes to quick turns where there is significant pitch, whether in the trees or in an open bowl, it is handy to lift the feet out of the snow rather than push them into the snow as a means to 'hop turn.' When you push your feet into the snow you are getting your skis deeper rather than out of the snow; the opposite of what you desire. If you retract your legs when you need to perform a quick turn in deep snow, the skis come up out of the snow without 'applying the brake' of pushing prior to hopping.