• Practice these techniques first on small drop-offs and then progressively work yourself up to real cornices.

Let's talk tactics. The first thing you need is nerve. The second, is a spot to enter the slope. Chances are that someone has already beaten a path. If not, try poking at the edge with your ski pole to break an opening so that you can at least see where you're going. Try to smooth off the edge a bit.

If the landing isn't all that steep, position yourself so that your boots are on the edge and your tips out in space. Swallow hard, flex at the knees and hop forward. While you're in the air, rotate your skis across the hill so that you land with the skis pointed partially across the flow line. Immediately finish the turn with an aggressive carve.

Keep your ankles flexed, your abdomen strong, and your hands and upper body way forward -- facing straight down the flow line--so that upon landing, your skis don't jet out from under you. Then, enjoy the rest of the run.

Another way to drop off a cornice is to hop and step sideways. Step off and bring your legs together quickly, so that when you land your legs are together and your skis are across the flow line. This approach is particularly good for steep landings.