Slaying Slush: 3 Essential Techniques
How to Thrive in Slushy Snow!
When winter turns to spring in Europe, skiers face the challenge of increasingly slushy snow. Global warming exacerbates this issue, as rising temperatures result in more slush on the slopes.
To excel in these less-than-ideal conditions, you must adjust your technique. Here are three overarching strategies to master slushy slopes:
1. Adjust Your Turn Shape and Keep Moving
Slushy snow slows you down due to its increased resistance. To maintain your speed, avoid oversteering. Instead of pointing the tips of your skis upward and over-edging, do the opposite. From the fall line, focus on releasing the skis again, preferably using a flex-to-release method.
This technique ensures smoother transitions between turns, maintaining momentum and flow during your descent. By finishing your turns earlier, you avoid getting stuck and can soften your legs to absorb irregularities underfoot, ensuring a smooth ride.
Avoid oversteering in slushy snow for smoother transitions and better momentum.
2. Use Forward Momentum and Speed
Forward movement is crucial for conquering slushy snow. Focus on building extra speed through forward momentum. A practical method for skiing through slush is to start with significant speed and finish each turn by allowing the skis to run in a balanced position without actively steering further.
Increase your speed just enough to counter the resistance of the slushy snow, using your body weight to cut through the softer snow. By maintaining a constant tempo and actively using your speed, you can navigate slushy terrain with confidence and control.
3. Stay in Control with Gentle Movements and Balance
Control is crucial in slushy snow. You need gentle, smooth movements to handle the uneven terrain. Avoid sudden motions that can throw you off balance. Stay centered by managing your weight from front to back and distributing it evenly over your skis.
Keep your movements smooth and use the full length of your skis to glide through the slush. Balance and gentle movements are key.
Conclusion
By following these three tips—adjusting your turn shape, using forward momentum, and staying in control with gentle movements—you can handle slushy conditions with confidence. These techniques transform challenging slopes into enjoyable experiences, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Skiing on slushy snow is a challenge, but with the right approach, it can be a lot of fun!
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