Steeps basics

Goal: Mastering the steeps
Level: Expert
Suggested terrain: On the steeps.
Author: Suzy Chase-Motzkin
Summary: On steep terrain the biggest stumbling block is fear. If you're afraid because the slope is dangerous, don't ski it. If you are afraid because you lack the skills necessary to ski it, work through the following.

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
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Three main aspects that set skiing the steeps apart from advanced skiing are worth noting. They are: A strong anticipated position at the start of every turn, body movement away from & down the mountain and a delayed "sting."

Strong anticipated position

Always start a new turn on the steeps from a strong anticipated position. By "anticipated" we mean that your upper body is "ready" and anticipating the upcoming turn. Key elements of the "Strong anticipated position" are:

  • Skis face across the hill; your weight is almost entirely on the downhill ski.
  • Upper body, including shoulders and hips, faces down the hill. Your butt points into the hill.
  • Both arms reach down the hill.
  • One pole points into the hill, the other reaches down the hill.
  • Although it may feel natural, never lean uphill, especially when it is steep.

Make sure you are in this position at the very start of every turn on steep terrain. If you've lost it for some reason, go into a traverse or stop to get yourself into the position of strength.

Move away from the mountain

To avoid getting your skis' tails stuck in the steep snow, you must aggressively move your upper body away (perpendicular to the snow) from the slope. This does not mean you extend vertically upwards--rather extend down the mountain. This will free your tails up and allow a clean carve.

Delay the sting

Haste makes waste on the steeps. As on moderate terrain, your skis take time to complete a turn.

Learn to actively "float" through the section where your skis face downhill for better control. It's still important to put pressure on your outside ski and actively steer both skis, but do it somewhat patiently. Of course you'll want to (and should) steer both skis quickly and aggressively through the flow line, but some patience--just a bit of a "float"--is most appropriate.

You'll quickly learn that the acceleration during this flow line phase of the turn ends quite quickly when you have effectively steered the skis across the hill.

Tips for the steeps:

  • Practice on the small, steep pitches that can be found on many intermediate slopes; snowmaking walls and short headwalls will do the trick.
  • Stop and collect yourself a couple of turns before the steep pitch. Then, begin a turning rhythm and try to carry it into the steep section.
  • Begin by skiing a steep slope in abbreviated sections. Gradually increase the length of the sections until you are skiing the whole run in control.
  • Think offensively rather than defensively.

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