There is snow in the Colorado mountains, however, it is currently more firm than the traditional Champagne powder. Here are some tips you can use to help ski and ride firmer snow.
- Ski and ride on properly tuned equipment. Sharp edges will help you to penetrate the hard surface of the snow. Take your skis to a shop and have a machine make your edges perfect.
- Firm snow = less resistance. In other words, you are going to ski/ride faster on compacted snow versus powder snow. This is why in powder snow you might need to ski/ride on steeper runs and make turns that go down the hill more than across the hill. On firm snow, you will ski at a faster rate than powder.
- Don't be surprised. When you are skiing along and all of sudden you hit a patch of hard snow, your first reaction is to gain speed control. Many people do this is by turning their legs very quickly. This makes your skis skid (move forward and sideways) fast. Don't be surprised if all of sudden you are almost completely turned around! Instead, resist the temptation to gain speed control quickly. It will only make you loose control. Gradually, turn your legs and be patient for the speed control.
- Look ahead and select where to turn. On many trails with high traffic, skiers and riders can push snow into piles and leave sheets of ice in between. Turn where there is snow versus turning on the harder surfaces.
Follow these tips and you are sure to have a great time ripping through firm snow!
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