Pow Pow!

As I write this, it is dumping snow outside which means one thing - powder! True powder days are elusive and thus stand out in skiers' memories. The key is to make it stand out for being fun rather than tedious.

Many western skiers are effortless in the powder, floating along on top of the snow. Not only do they have the opportunity to ski powder more often but they are also often on a wider ski. Some ski widths have gotten ridiculous. I've seen many skis this season that are wider in the mid-section than my skis are at the tip and tail. However, a mid-fat ski (around 80 mm) underfoot will allow you to float on the snow while still controlling the ski. Unless you are doing the majority of your skiing in powder (if we could be so lucky!) or you keep more than one pair of skis, it will not make sense for an eastern skier to buy mid-fat skis. However, that doesn't mean you can't rent them for the day. Just do it early - maybe even the night before when lots of snow is in the forecast - as they sell out quickly on a powder day.

Whether on mid-fats or "skinny" eastern skis, try running a straighter line than you would when you are carving. You need more speed in the powder as it will slow you down. If you are uncomfortable with speed in this unfamiliar environment, try it first on easier terrain. How to weight your skis? I had always been taught to keep my skis closer together in the powder and to weight them more evenly. However, this year I have been exposed to the new train of thought which is to ski more like you would when you are carving - "pedaling" through the turn by keeping the skis hip width apart and transfering weight from one outside ski to the other as you transition between turns. I have found this incredibly effective in the powder and more akin to the way one usually skis. It is particularly helpful once the powder begins to be chopped up as it helps maintain balance.

Like anything, the best way to get better at skiing powder is to ski it. So fingers crossed that there are many powder days in your future. Not to rub it in, but I'm signing off now to catch this one!