How do you ski in deep snow?

Deep snow skiing - for many skiers, it's the greatest. The feeling of weightlessness and freedom when the skis glide through fluffy deep snow is indescribable. It's no wonder that numerous deep snow fans make a pilgrimage to the mountains year after year to indulge their passion. Always in search of the perfect powder.

How do you ski in deep snow?

So that you can Deep snow skiing really enjoy is the right Ski technique Basic requirement. Even many good piste skiers find it difficult to ski in deep snow for the first time. Why is that? Firstly, the turning resistance is greater due to the deep snow. This means that skiers initially find it more difficult to turn in deep snow. In response, many skiers tend to try to force a turn by turning their upper body. Unfortunately, this does not work. The second phenomenon that can be observed in deep snow is a strong tendency to fall back. In contrast to the hard piste, shorter and narrower piste skis in particular tend to sink into the soft snow with the tip. In order to avoid this, many skiers lean back and assume a reclined position. This position not only makes it more difficult to make beautiful turns in deep snow, it is also extremely tiring for the thigh muscles.

So how do you avoid these mistakes and ski the right deep snow technique?

Deep snow skiing technique

Rhythmic, enjoyable skiing in deep snow - that's the aim of the Deep snow skiing off. The skier swings around a Central position on the ski (centre position). In the release phase before changing turns, the skis are briefly brought to the snow surface to reduce the turning resistance in deep snow.

One thing is important to know: There is no completely different skiing technique in deep snow. The basics - turn initiation, turning, steering, basic alpine position - remain the same. However, a few adjustments need to be made to adapt to the changing snow conditions in deep snow.

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As in deep snow skiing - movement description

  • Both skis are loaded sensitively.
  • The pressure build-up in the steering phase creates a so-called cushion under the skis. You push off from this cushion and make an upward movement.
  • This high relief helps to initiate the turn.
  • Stretching your legs in the steering phase then helps to compact the snow under your skis again and to free your skis at the end of the steering phase.
  • The high-relief and flexion-extension twist forms merge into a mixed form.
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Exercises for deep snow skiing

Deep snow skiing is all about the all-important buoyancy. On the one hand, wider deep snow skis help. On the other hand, the so-called cushion that you have to build up under the skis. A narrower ski guide helps here. And the feeling of compressing the snow under your skis so that you can then push off from it. The following exercises will help you learn the skiing technique:

  1. Look for freshly fallen, not too deep practice deep snow (10-20 cm). Ski slowly through the snow at an angle or in a kick and oscillate between the forward, centre and back positions
  2. Shooting or diagonal skiing with pedalling - i.e. alternately pressing on the left and right ski
  3. Shooting or inclined driving with knee rockers
  4. Slight changes in direction due to pronounced upward movement in relatively flat terrain
  5. String rhythmic curves together

"There is no completely unique technique for deep snow skiing. The basics remain the same, but you have to adapt to the different terrain in deep snow."

Which skis for deep snow?

With modern, wider skis, deep snow skiing is easier to learn and more fun. Thanks to the rocker construction, i.e. a slightly curved tip, the skis float even more easily and are also easier to turn. Suitable for deep snow skiing Preferably an all-round model with a width of 100 - 105 mm. With a ski like this, you have the widest range of use and are also equipped for changeable snow conditions. Ideally, you should mount a freeride binding with a walking function on these skis. This also gives you the option of tackling shorter ascents from the ski area in order to reach casual descents. A mega-fat big mountain ski is a nice-to-have, but will rarely be used properly in winter. This simply requires a lot of snow and space, which the topography of most areas in the Alps simply only offers to a limited extent.

How dangerous is deep snow?

Deep snow skiing usually takes place in the open ski area away from the secured pistes. Special attention must therefore be paid to Alpine dangers - in particular Avalanches - to lay down. Anyone travelling off the secured pistes must know what they are doing. Every deep snow skier must carry full emergency equipment, i.e. avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe and first aid pack. An airbag rucksack is also a good idea. Having the right equipment is one thing, how to use it correctly is another. This needs to be practised regularly and you have to be able to use it correctly in an emergency. Of course, it's best not to get into dicey situations in the first place. In order to be able to correctly assess alpine dangers and avalanches, an in-depth Education in snow and avalanche awareness and risk management. It is not a mistake to join a state-certified ski guide for deep snow skiing.

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