Powder skill building: In the swing

Goal: Powder pleasures
Level: Intermediate   Expert + Powder
Suggested terrain: Powder anywhere
Author: Suzy Chase-Motzkin
Summary: Good rhythm and flow requires good pole action. The poles should swing and direct you down the hill.

Photos and Videos coming soon!

IMPORTANT! Understanding our approach and philosophy is important if you'd like to successfully use the drills in Ski Smarts
 ... read more.

On moderate terrain with deep snow, start in a straight run and swing first one pole, then the other down the hill.

As you bring one pole basket back, the other pole should be swinging forward.

Gradually add the turning of the feet and legs to the swinging of the poles.

The poles should swing way down the flow line; the steeper the slope, the farther down the flow line you should reach.

  • As your speed increases, less motion is required.

Instead of "planting" the pole, try touching the snow gently with the tip. It can be a real surprise when you sink up to the grip of the pole.

Try punching the hand forward immediately after touching the snow with the tip.

In deeper snow, more exuberance and arm motion may be required when swinging the pole. This will help to power your skis through the snow.

Print this out for future reference and remember to have fun!