Variety is the Spice

Making the mountain your playground requires quick decisions about turn shape regardless of the environment. To gain ownership of this skill, try changing up your rhythm on the groomers. Practice changing back and forth at random between short, medium, and long radius turns, while varying your speed. Doing this on comfortable terrain can reduce the consequences if you miss a turn while honing your skill.

Head off trail and try doing the same thing in different environments and conditions. You should find that you look at and ski the steeps, trees, bumps, crud and powder with more creativity. Creativity adds variety, and variety is the spice of skiing!

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
Week 12 – Enough is enough
Week 13 – Powder & Crud
Week 14 – Separation is key
Week 15 – Don’t Oversteer
Week 16 – Eyes Ahead
Week 17 – Mastering Moguls
Week 18 – Ski with a Soft Touch
Week 19 – Mashed Potatoes 

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.