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EXTREMES

>
E. POWDER
1. Review this goal
2. Powder basics
3. Critical balance
4. Patience turns
6. Bungee legs
7. In the swing
8. Retraction turns
5. First turns
9. Through the trees



 

> A. Steeps - B. Ice - C. Moguls - D. Crud - E. Powder

Powder skill building: Through the trees

Goal
: Powder pleasures
Level: Intermediate   Expert + Powder
Suggested terra
in: Anything well within your ability
Author: Kobus Reyneke
Summ
ary:
Here are some tactics for skiing trees.

Photos and Videos coming soon!

IMPORTANT! Understanding our approach and philosophy is important if you'd like to successfully use the drills in Ski Smarts
 ... read more.


Beware - tree skiing can be dangerous! We're offering this page only to try to make your tree skiing safer - if you insist on skiing the trees.

Powder, protected by the trees, often remains fluffier and makes for great skiing. During snow storms the best lighting is in the trees because of the higher contrast.

  • Always ski with a friend, but give each other plenty of room.
  • Remove your pole straps.
  • Try to keep a rhythm going.
  • Ski some bumps and run gates to help you to be able to turn when the situation dictates it.
  • Focus on the spaces, not the trees.
  • Don't get too close to the trees, as there are often tree wells and covered branches. Falling into a tree well can be dangerous, even deadly.
  • In an area where there are a lot of "tree skiers," there is likely to be well defined tracks. Try, without looking down, to direct the tips of the skis into the track. It feels almost like a bobsled run. Be careful not to pick up too much speed in these situations.
  • Get a good look at the trail map and stay near the main runs, or you may find yourself lost out of bounds.
  • Keep slight pressure between your shins and your boot tongues--stay in the Sweet spot!

Print this out for future reference and remember to have fun!

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Page updated:
May 25, 2006


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