Steep Skiing

Instructor's Message

    Most advanced runs that are in-bounds at ski resorts rarely exceed a 35- to 40-degree pitch. However, in our steep skiing lessons we will be dealing with slopes that approach and exceed a
45-degree pitch.

    The beauty of most steep runs is that you don't have to deal with a lot of obstacles like trees and moguls. Skiing down steeps has some similarities with mogul and tree skiing in the sense that you need to have already mastered short-radius turns, as well as the need for adequate strength in the abs, lower back, and upper legs.

   However, for steep skiing in varied snow conditions and on slopes that approach a 45-degree pitch you need to develop a different set of skills.

Skiing Steeps the Expert's Way

    First, you need to contend with different snow conditions. Picture a steep run with crud versus the same run with powder versus the same run with hard pack. Crud is difficult to ski because it isn't powder, and its not hard pack either. You will need to use a mix of skills because crud is not just one type of snow.

    Second, increase the pitch from 40 degrees to 50 degrees, which are the brief drop-offs that you tend to find in some ski areas. That's only 10 degrees you say! Well, it can make all the difference in the world. At or near this pitch, you need to take it to another level and ski offensively with a focused mind set.

    Third, on the steeps you will sometimes need to use a technique some call hop turning. You literally hop through each turn to tame the pitch and maintain a near constant speed.

Steep Skiing Lessons

     The steep skiing lessons #10 and #11, in our online training course, will help you to reach these goals. Lesson #10, Steeps 101, will revisit short radius turns and then show you how to ski the steeps when the pitch is less than 40 degrees. Lesson #11, Steeps and the Expert Skier will delve into steeper terrain where the pitch is between 40 and 50 degrees.

Time to Shine on the Steeps

    Your overall goal in steep terrain is to stick each turn to control your speed and set yourself up aggressively for your next turn. If you want to learn how to take your steep skiing to an expert level, sign-up for the ski club on yourright. After you become a member of the club you will have access to the online ski lessons in the Skills of the Expert Skier.

For those on tour....

    If you prefer, you can continue the tour and learn about skiing in varied snow condition including powder, crud, and ice. If so, click the Next button. If you wish to return to the previous page, click the Previous button.