What are the Skiing Snow Conditions Like?

When you are planning a skiing trip usually the question that sits on the top of the priority list is what type of snow you will be dealing with. If you were going on a canoe trip you would want to know what the river was like and if you are headed golfing you would want to know what the green was like. Being curious about the type of snow that is offered at a ski resort is a very good question because there are many types of snow and each have their advantages and disadvantages depending on the skier.

Skiers that are just starting out can often be taken by surprise when they discover how different the snow can be and how it can change daily. A novice skier might ski one day and get a good feel for the snow and believing that he has this skiing thing down pat only to discover the next day that all that has changed. What could have been lovely powder yesterday can be crud today? Advanced skiers usually find this pretty fun because it offers a sense of adventure, never knowing what the terrain will be like and after all it is part of the fun, but it can be frustrating for the novice. The thing with this is that you have to practice and once you get all types of snow down pat, it won’t matter at all. The factor that dictates what type of snow conditions that you will be faced with depends on what type of weather has come through and how many people have been skiing on the terrain.

When the weather is very cold the snow generally stays dry and dry snow provides the powder that many skiers love. The problem is that the more people that ski on that snow the more dense it will become and as the snow becomes older and more worn it then begins to develop icy patches while the snow melts and then refreezes. Because it can vary so much it is really important to know what lies ahead.

Powder snow is now snow; itâ€™s fluffy and hasn’t been skied on yet. Most skiers are in search of this type of snow but there is a problem, it doesn’t stick around long. Avid skiers have been known to do crazy things and drive insane distances to be the first to ski the powdery slopes. The technique for skiing on powder snow is very unique and the beginner might fall often but even the falls are fun. The secret to skiing on powder is to distribute your weight evenly and because powdery snow is very delicate each step will likely cause the snow to sink in. Most avid skiers know to place more weight towards the rear of the skis while skiing on powder.

Then there is crud which is basically used snow or snow that has been skied on. The more skiing that is conducted in an area the more the snow will become packed leading to a temporary melt and a refreeze. This can be especially challenging for even the best skier. Although skiers do like crud they usually know that it calls for a more aggressive skiing style compared to skiing on powder. Crud can also develop from the sun melting the snow. Itâ€™s actually skiing on ice which is why it is so challenging.

Photo Credit: wmacphail

Originally posted 2008-11-03 04:55:38.

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