Powder skiing

In the Rocky Mountain Range area of the Western United States, powder skiing is a common term used among expert skiers. Alf Engen, an early contributor to constructing 27 ski resorts in the Rocky Mountain Range, is known as the pioneer of powder skiing.[2][3] The skiing public at Alta Ski Resort first discovered the secret bliss of deep powder in the 1940s.[4] Located in Salt Lake County Utah, Alta Ski Resort is also known for its deep powder skiing and its reputation for having "the greatest snow on earth", Utah's slogan.[5][6]A fall line when skiing is the diagonal line down the slope at which a skier would obtain the most momentum, due to the force of gravity. Powder skiing and general skiing techniques such as the Alberg technique can be categorized by the fall line.

Calum Mathews charges in the Blackcomb alpine.

The powder skiing technique is a broad term, with a wide range of sub-techniques. Alpine skiing techniques, used on groomed trails, can be modified for skiing in powder snow by lifting skis to create "float."[7] Powder skiing requires having equal balance side to side in order to move efficiently through deep snow. Good form includes having knees bent and leaning backward into the ski boots. While turning, the thigh and hip area of a powder skier's legs act as shock absorbers, pushing off of the snow therefore allowing more control over the skis and decreasing speed. Each shock absorbing turn in powder creates a rebound of pushing on the snow to slow down, and releasing that force to speed up. This type of momentum control is the opposite of the wide turns and cutting into the snow that skiers on groomed trails are used to. Turning the skis in powder decreases speed and is also an opportunity to change the direction that the skis are pointing down the mountain.[8]

Tip and Turn

The Tip and Turn technique is great for beginners and all levels of skiers attempting to powder ski. Expert skiers using this technique or less likely to get injured.[9] Begin by bouncing rhythmically in the snow while maintaining a straight trajectory. This bouncing motion engages your leg muscles, causing them to flex and extend. During the extension phase, the skis are firmly pushed into the snow while they rise to the surface during flexion. Then gently turn by raising one foot and tilting it towards the outer edge of the ski and keep your legs pressed together. As you alter your direction, flex your knees to distribute even pressure across both skis, bringing you back to a straight path. Then, repeat the process by lifting and tilting the other foot to slightly turn in the opposite direction.

Linda Peer telemark skiing in powder.

Leaning back in powder to maintain momentum and bring ski tips to the surface in deep snow can lead to discomfort and hinder your turns. Shaped skis with wide front ends make the skis rise to the surface so that the skier does not have to lean back.[10]

Modern powder ski construction is evolving with changes in optimal weight and durability.[12][13]Ski shape is an important feature for increased buoyancy in powder snow. Powder skis use a unique ski design with wide tips and shorter tail lengths. The increasing qualities of powder skis are not substantially different. [14]

Powder skis typically feature wide tips, ranging from 140 to 155 millimeters. The tails are slightly more tapered, often within a 125 to 140-millimeter range. This expansive design, similar to objects with substantial surface area, aids powder skis in remaining buoyant in deep, fluffy snow. The precise contours and proportions of a ski's tip, waist, and tail can vary among different models. Multiple other elements, such as flexibility, materials employed, and additional factors, also contribute to the ski's flotation capabilities.[15][16]

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