Powder skill building: Patience turns

Goal: Powder pleasures
Level: Intermediate   Expert + Powder
Suggested terrain: Groomed intermediate terrain
Author: Kobus Reyneke
Summary: Patient, or relaxed turn initiation sets you up for an easy glide through powder. A relaxed turn initiation will work wonders for your powder skiing. Learn the trick by doing this exercise on a groomed slope.

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 groomed terrain, do medium radius turns.
  • Keep pressure on both skis throughout this exercise.

Once you've built up some rhythm, start adding short straight runs (straight down the hill) between turns. Keep your upper body facing straight down the flow line!

Continue linking turns with short straight runs in between.

  • Remember the feeling of adding a very short straight run in-between turns--you'll want to use this exact skill in powder.
  • Keep your upper body facing straight down the hill at all times.
  • Keep equal pressure on both skis.
  • Keep slight pressure between your shins and your boot tongues--stay in the Sweet spot!

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