How To Ski Steep Slopes

Steep is defined as the change in elevation divided by measured distance: a 1° to 5° is a gentle slope; 5° to 8.5° is a moderate slope; 8.5° to 16.5° is a strong; 16.5° to 24° is a very strong slope; 24° to 35° is an extreme slope; 35° to 45° is Steep and 45° + is very steep. This page is instruction on skiing a slope of 30° or steeper. If you are considering skiing the steep and deep there are some prerequisites. First you need a good stance with your weight forward like a boxer as discussed in other pages on this site. You need to be able to ski in control with short radius turns and good rebound to initiate the next turn. You’ll also need good pole swing down the hill. A 30° slope may not sound steep but looking down that steep of a slope may be fear inducing to some and exciting to others. The degree of a slope’s steepness usually isn’t posted, so read our tips below on skiing the steep slopes or what you may consider steep.

There are three key principles you need to use when skiing the steep slopes. First you need a strong confident stance at the beginning of each turn. Second as you turn keep your body weighted forward down the mountain. Lastly make your turns quick.

To have a confidant stance position your skis across the hill with your weight on the downhill ski. Your upper body (head, shoulders and hips) should be facing downhill. Your hands will reach downhill with the downhill pole planted in the snow.

Don’t let the steep angle intimidate you. Some people lean back to feel closer to the hill behind them. This will put your weight back which can lead to falling. While skiing the steep slopes, keep your body perpendicular to the slope angle and extend down the mountain.

The time it takes to make you turn is critical, you don’t want your skis pointing straight down the hill for too long because that is when your speed accelerates the most. Acceleration ends when your skis are across the side of the hill. While on a long section you may need to stop after several turns to take a break and catch your breath.

The side slip is a great maneuver to use when you have gotten yourself in over your head on a slope that is too steep for you to confidently make turns. The side slip is a valuable maneuver that will allow you to get down safely in one piece. Find a safe area to tryout the side slip, a short yet steep pitch on a roomy hill. Stand in the traverse position across the hill so that your skis are perpendicular to the fall-line, with your hands in front of you.

Stand on the hill across the fall-line with your weight on the inside edge of your downhill ski, roll your feet, ankles and knees downhill so your skis are off their edges and onto their bases. Your skis will begin to slide down the fall-line. Keep your skis across the fall-line as they slide. When you're ready to stop, roll your feet, ankles and knees back into the hill again. Dig your uphill edges back into the snow.

The skiing hop turn maneuver is just as the name implies, but it’s not that simple. When you have your gear and skis on standing in deep snow a hop turn will take a great deal of strength and effort. First try it in the flats. Start with your upper body facing downhill with your legs twisted 90 degrees, your skis across the fall line. Hop up, keep your upper body stationary. Twist your hips and legs 180 degrees so they land across the fall line with your skis facing the opposite direction. Absorb the landing by bending your knees. Plant your downhill pole. Hop up again and twist your waist and legs in the other direction. Once that feels comfortable try doing it repeatedly linking hop turns and creating a rhythm. Try making hop turns on gradually steeper slopes.

A cornice is a small drop off made of snow at the top of the slope created by wind. It takes some nerve to start a run by dropping off a cliff so prepare yourself mentally. Once you’re mentally ready you’ll need an entrance. It’s not safe to go directly off of a full cornice. Reduce it by poking the edge with your ski pole breaking free anything that is loose. You’ll want an opening big enough to see where you’re going.

There are two ways to start off from a cornice depending on how step the landing is. First, if the landing isn’t too steep just push forward and bend your knees just before you go over the edge. Or if it’s a steeper slope hop up over the edge, this will bring your legs together, knees bent and abdomen flexed. While you’re out in the air you must turn to bring your skis across the fall line when you land, especially if it’s a steep slope. Set your downhill ski inside edge upon landing. Keep a good stance with your weight forward and hands in front of you.