Exploit Your Edge Angles

control | balance | tactics

Use The Full Range Of Your Edge Angles To Ski Moguls And Powder With Greater Control

Keep in mind that good skiers don't always carve. They exploit the full range of possible edge angles - from no angle (soft edge/flat ski) to a steep angle (hard edge/full carve).

When we ski on either groomed runs or off-piste terrain we use a wide range of edge control techniques depending upon the situation. We may start a turn in a carve and end the turn using a "drift". We may start a turn in a "drift" and end the turn using a carve. Or, we may both start and end a turn in a carve ... or we may both start and end a turn in a "drift". Or we may use a partial carve or "drift" in the middle of a turn. I think you get the idea.

The edge angle of the ski against the snow is an important variable that you, as the skier, have control over. It is something that you consciously need to manage. You vary the edge angle to achieve whatever desired effect you want to achieve. There are an infinite number of edge angles between a hard and a soft edge. You become a better skier when you discover this. And, your skiing ability will grow exponentially when you discover how to use variable edge angles as a tool.

In moguls and powder it is advantageous to use a soft edge more than a hard edge because it allows you to better control your speed. That is, assuming you want to ski off-piste terrain using a style that provides you more control and with less dependency on strength and ultra-fast reflexes to remain in control. Remember, we are talking about a style that is appropriate for aging Boomers, not raging 20 and 30 year olds.