Val Heli Ski

Ski tip of the month:

How to ski powder like a pro?

1. Don't lean back

There is a common misconception that one should lean back whilst powder skiing but in fact while it is important to keep the tips from sinking, leaning back makes It much harder to turn effectively. Always maintain a centered position on the skis and try lifting the tips up at the same time by feeling your toes pushing on the tops of your boots.



2. Maintain speed and make less frequent turns

Instead of trying to carve through powder like you might do on a piste bashed run try pointing your skis down the hill more to maintain speed and turn less. Use the deep fresh snow to slow you down rather than trying to do lots of large turns to control speed.




3. Keep a strong core

Maintaining balance can be tough because of the weight and depth of the snow. Moguls, other peoples’ tracks and the fresh snow can surprise you and knock you off balance. Use your core strength to powerfully smash through the powder without letting it shock you. With a friend try standing on your skis in a relaxed position and get them to push and shake you. Then try tensing all your abdominal muscles and get them to do the same. You will feel much more stable when your core is tensed.




4. Gentle edging

As powder is so much softer than other terrain it is not necessary to dig your edges into the snow as much for grip, or to slow yourself down. Imagine you are mono skiing and put both skis close together whilst keeping equal pressure on each ski throughout the turn using up and down movements to keep your skis above the snow. Stand tall at the beginning of the turn and flex down at the end. As your turns will be quick and short you should feel like you are bouncing from one turn to the other.




5. Pole Plant
Pole planting should be used to maintain a rhythm. At the start of each turn as you bounce out of the last one punch your hand forward and plant your pole in the snow down the hill in front of you. Always keep both hands in front of you to prevent you from leaning back after each plant.