RIDING THE POWDER: BEGINNERS TOP TIPS

Before you head out in search of fresh powder, it’s essential to master the fundamentals. Confidence in your basic skiing skills will set you up for success when you venture off-piste.

• Make sure you’re comfortable with parallel skiing and can perform parallel stops smoothly.
• You should feel at ease skiing at higher speeds.
• Practice controlling your speed and stopping efficiently on groomed runs before tackling powder.

Speed is a key ally when skiing off-piste. It helps you glide over deep, fresh snow, making your ride smoother and less tiring.

• Start by building up your speed on-piste, where conditions are more predictable.
• Practice turning your skis down the fall line to get used to the sensation of moving faster and controlling your direction.
• Once you’re confident at speed on groomed runs, you’ll be better prepared to handle the challenges of backcountry terrain.

When you’re new to skiing powder, it’s best to ease into it rather than diving straight into deep snow.

• Begin with powder that’s only 10–15 cm deep.
• This shallower snow will help you get a feel for how your skis respond in softer conditions.
• Starting small allows you to gradually build your confidence and technique.

Once you’re comfortable handling shallow powder, you’ll be better prepared to take on deeper snow and more challenging backcountry routes.

Skiing in the backcountry demands more from your body than sticking to groomed runs. Being physically prepared will make your powder experience safer and more enjoyable.

• Focus on building your overall fitness before venturing off-piste.
• Strong legs, core stability, and good endurance are especially important for handling deep snow and uneven terrain.

When you’re just starting out in powder:

• Stick to shorter, smaller sections rather than attempting long, exhausting runs.
• Gradually increase the length and difficulty of your routes as your fitness and confidence improve.

Taking these steps will help you enjoy the challenge of backcountry skiing while reducing your risk of fatigue and injury.

When skiing in powder, adjusting your stance can make a big difference in control and stability.

• Bring your skis closer together than you would on groomed runs.
• This helps prevent one ski from veering off into the snow independently.
• However, avoid bringing them so close that they touch—maintain about a hand’s width between your skis.

With this slightly narrower stance, you’ll be better positioned to handle challenging terrain and keep your movements smooth and controlled. 

A common misconception is that you should lean back when skiing in powder. In reality, this makes it harder to turn both skis and maintain control.

• Maintain an upright, central posture.
• Distribute your weight evenly over both skis for better balance and manoeuverability.

Unlike skiing on-piste, where you put more weight on your outside ski, powder skiing requires a different approach:

• Focus on bending your knees and flexing your ankles as you enter a turn.
• Straighten your legs as you exit the turn, turning both skis simultaneously.

When starting out:

• Keep your turns smooth and slow.
• Use your poles to help guide your direction.
• Avoid turning too sharply, as this can create too much edge angle and cause your skis to dig into the snow.

This balanced technique will help you stay in control and enjoy the unique feel of powder skiing. 

Like anything, powder skiing takes practice. Don’t let a couple of falls knock your confidence, everyone has to start somewhere!

If you are planning to find some powder fields on your next trip, read our avalanche awareness and mountain safety guide and always take an avalanche kit (and know how to use it). Never explore the backcountry without an experienced local mountain guide.

The most important advice? Have fun and be safe on the mountain!