Powder Skiing - On Shaped Skis

Shaped Skis have amazing features that make Skiing easier for skiers especially novices. For instance, the way Shaped Skis are constructed allows skiers to turn on edge with ease and decrease chances of skidding. They also vary in width to meet your needs and to suit to the nature of the kind of Skiing you want. Generally, there are two types of Shaped Skis in terms of width which give skiers more room for errors when skiing in Powder: fat Skis and all-mountain Skis. As the name suggests, fat Skis are the widest Skis, thus, they offer the largest Ski surface. On the other hand, all-mountain Skis, also known as mid-fats, have a smaller Ski surface compared to fat Skis.

The greater surface area offered by Shaped Skis make them ideal for use in Powder Skiing since they float very well and their shape makes it easier to turn easily. To help you get the most out of your Shaped Skis when Skiing in Powder Snow Condition, take a look at the Drills and guidelines in this section:

Exercise 1

Start with the correct Powder Position and your weight distributed evenly over your Skis, and then ski. If you are already prepared to start a turn, simply roll your ankles and feet to direct your turn path and then push down. At this point, you must be able to see an arc formed by your Skis across the fall- line. You have already carved a turn with foot and ankle roll. To make another turn, release the pressure applied on your Skis and go back to your original position (Powder Position). Simply roll your feet and ankles towards the other direction and press down on your heels again.

Exercise 2

Before doing this Drill, make sure that the slope is not dry, deep, and extremely light Powder. The resistance in this kind of Snow condition is not enough for the Skis to rebound. As you ski with your body facing down the fall- line, make your Skis to flex under the Powder by applying pressure on them. Release the pressure abruptly in order for your Skis to rebound. To have a better rebound of your Skis, consider proper timing and learn how much pressure you need to apply. Roll your ankles and feet towards the direction of the turn.

Exercise 3

While skiing, bend your knees as you push down on your Skis and then start a downhill turn. Merely roll your feet and ankles in the direction of your turn. To make another turn, bend your knees again as you reach the fall- line.


Shaped Skis are designed with features that traditional ones do not possess. Take advantage of what Shaped Skis are designed for. These guidelines and Drills can aid you in improving your skills as you hit Powder slopes with your Shaped Skis.

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