We all asked for it for Christmas but it seems Santa was too preoccupied to grant our holiday powder wishes. Aside from a couple inches here and there, most of the Mountain West has been experiencing high pressure the last few weeks. Drastically different conditions than where we were at this time last year.
We could call it a wash and put our sticks away until the next significant storm, or we can learn how to play the cards we’re dealt and make the most of the season we have. To help inspire some energy and creativity, FREESKIER curated a list of ways to make the most of extended highpressure. Because at the end of the day there’s no bad skiing, just bad skiers—right?
Practice Your Racer Turns
As an ex-racer myself, I can honestly say there are few things as satisfying as laying down a pair of sharp edges on freshly groomed corduroy. Powder is obviously one of those things but if there’s none to be pillaged, groomers a great place to work on technique of the turn: pressure the front of your boots, put all of your weight on the downhill ski, counter-balance those shoulders. initiate the next turn by pushing your hips up and forward.
Teach Yourself New Tricks/Skills
Whether it’s skiing switch, perfecting your 360s off the cat track or simply learning how to pop, there’s no better time to teach yourself new tricks or work on weaker skills than when it hasn’t snowed in weeks. Take the extra time now to hone in these skills and they will certainly pay off when the snowpack softens up.
Grab a Ski Buddy or Three
They say, “no friends on a powder day,” but I also think it’s a sin to go solo when the sun’s out. When there’s not much else to do but link a few turns and enjoy the time in Mother Nature, it’s a great change of pace to go out with friends (or family) who you don’t normally ride with. Make your mom’s day by taking a few laps together before the powder panic returns.
Spice Up Your Ski ‘Fit
If it’s not going to snow, you might as well take advantage of the mellow weather by bringing out those loud and proud kits normally reserved for the late spring. Not sure what to wear? Onsies, wigs and wild sunnies are a great place to start.
Pack Extra Snacks
High pressure tends to make the parking lot scene a bit more rowdy throughout the day. Pack extra snacks for you and the homies and don’t forget your favorite camp chair.
Brush up on Your Backcountry Search and Rescue Skills
Now is the time to practice at the beacon park and curate rescue scenarios for you and your backcountry partners. This extended high pressure has helped with healing the current snowpacks across the West but as soon as the faucet turns on again, this layer is going to cause problems. Don’t get caught unprepared in the backcountry this year.
Don’t Go if You’re Not Feeling it
Ski season is more a marathon than a sprint. If you genuinely don’t feel like skiing any particular day, don’t force it. The last thing you want to do is burn out before it storms again. Take advantage of these rest days and prepare for the next big powder day.
