Backcountry Skiing Techniques

Backcountry skiing is an extremely challenging sport. Only expert skiers should attempt it, as the skier needs to be able to handle any type of terrain from trees to steep slopes to cliffs. Ski techniques include short-radius parallel turns, hop turns, dealing with deep powder, crud and ice and either changing a "line" in an instant or skiing a line determined by the mountain.

  1. Turning

    • Backcountry skiers need to know techniques such as short-radius parallel turns and hop turns to maneuver through rapidly changing terrain. Short-radius parallel turns are used to negotiate moguls and other bumpy areas. Hop turns help control speed on extremely steep slopes; skiers hop through the turn by bracing themselves on their poles.

    Steep Skiing and Cliff Jumps

    • Ultra-steep slopes and cliff jumps are the essence of backcountry skiing. For ultra-steep terrain, ski techniques vary according to the type of snow and terrain. The skiier uses edging, foot pressure, widening or narrowing the base and riding one ski to maintain control and consistent speed. Cliffs are essentially the steepest of all terrain. To perform cliff jumps, skiers need to maintain control, schuss to gain speed and propel their weight over the front of the skis while keeping the knees bent as they jump. To land, the skiers pick a landing point and land with the skis firmly underneath their center of gravity. Skiers should practice jumping techniques on regular hills before trying it in rough country.

    Tree Skiing

    • In tree skiing, the mountain determines the "fall line"---the path the skier follows. Techniques used in this type of skiing include short-radius turns, hop turns, side-to-side motion, edging and leg pressure. The skier must constantly look up to 20 feet ahead to "see" the line extending through the trees. At the same time, the skier must pay attention to what's directly ahead to avoid any rocks or stumps buried under snow.

    Changing with Terrain

    • Backcountry terrain changes rapidly from deep powder to crud, ice and other types of mixed ground cover. Skier will rarely find themselves in the hard packed powder typically found on groomed slopes. A deep powder technique involves using the flat of the skis to glide through the snow with less edging. Ice techniques involve loosening foot pressure or sometimes riding edges over the ice, often by widening the distance between skis to maintain a solid center of gravity. Skiing on crud--icy, lumpy, slushy or crunchy snow--means mixing sharp edging techniques to carve and maintain control with gliding and powder techniques to negotiate the occasional icy patch.

      Backcountry skiers must be able to change their line in an instant, often swerving abruptly and picking a new line in a split second. As they change their line, they also need to change techniques from minute to minute as the terrain changes, particularly when going from strong sun to deep shadow or trees.

    Anticipating the Unexpected

    • Avalanches, tree stumps, rocks, crevasses and sudden inclement weather, including whiteouts, are inherent to backcountry skiing. Anyone skiing this terrain must know how to anticipate changes and respond immediately.