Enough is Enough

It’s been said that everything is good in moderation. This is definitely true when it comes to how much edge angle you produce on a given turn. A common ski error is producing too high of an edge angle for the terrain, speed, snow conditions and desired turn shape.

There is such a thing as too much edging

This couldn’t be more true than when conditions get slick. Most skiers’ intuition tells them to edge their skis more when they feel them start to slip. This can cause you to lose edge grip and hip out into a slid on your side. So at a certain point enough is enough.

Sometimes, using a flatter ski can be to your benefit

The next time you encounter this type of situation, try to maintain, or even soften, your edge angle. Don’t panic, embrace the slip and slowly turn your skis beneath you. This will allow you to maintain control and steer out of a slippery situation.

Read the rest of the series:
Week 1 – Come prepared
Week 2 – Tune ups
Week 3 –  Early season conditions
Week 4 –  Skills not hills
Week 5 – Use the whole ski
Week 6 – Always be moving
Week 7 – Find your rhythm
Week 8 – Trust your outside ski
Week 9 – Like riding a bike
Week 10 – Carving and Steeps
Week 11 – Edge from your feet up

Derek Althof has 16 years experience in the ski industry and is Deer Valley’s ski school training manager and an alpine examiner and clinic leader for the Professional Ski Instructors of America’s Central and Intermountain Divisions. Derek learned to ski at age 4 and has had a passion for good skiing ever since.

We hope you enjoy our weekly skiing tips. Please remember that they can help but will not eliminate risks, as skiing is a dynamic sport. These tips are meant to help you build skills  for a more enjoyable skiing experience.