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From: ken@turtlevax.UUCP (Ken Turkowski)
Newsgroups: net.rec.ski
Subject: Re: Powder Skiing Methods
Message-ID: <696@turtlevax.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 18-Mar-85 15:18:53 EST
Article-I.D.: turtleva.696
Posted: Mon Mar 18 15:18:53 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 22-Mar-85 23:44:56 EST
References: <42600006@hp-pcd.UUCP>
Reply-To: ken@turtlevax.UUCP (Ken Turkowski)
Organization: CADLINC, Inc. @ Menlo Park, CA
Lines: 28

In article <42600006@hp-pcd.UUCP> harold@hp-pcd.UUCP (harold) writes:
>
>When skiing any type of surface, there are two styles; a) forward
>pressure on the ski tips that allows you to carve your turns, and
>b) leaning back, which allows you to "skid" or slide your turns.
>It is generally accepted that method (a) is the best method- it 
>gives you more control as you ski and I have found that it is 
>easier on the body.
>
>The mistake many people make when they are faced with three feet (or
>more) of powder is to "lean back" to get their ski tips up.  This is
>*NOT* the best way to ski powder!  True, you cannot apply as much 
>forward pressure on your tips as you do when skiing packed; just as you
>don't apply as much when skiing soft-pack versus ice.  However, the 
>principle of carving your turns still applies.

I agree that one should lean slightly forward when skiing powder, as
long as it is dry.  However, some people call any unpacked snow
"powder", even though it is wet and heavy, which, in California, is
more often called "Sierra Cement".  For this wet, unpacked snow, it is
suicide to lean forward; it is difficult to turn and knee injuries are
likely.  The only safe way to ski the wetter stuff is to lean back and
feel your thighs burn!
-- 

Ken Turkowski @ CADLINC, Menlo Park, CA
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