If you want to make the most of the winter season there aren’t many things that come close to skiing or snowboarding. As most warm-weather resorts close down for the winter, ski resorts are only just opening up to the crowds of people waiting to enjoy the snow sports they offer. If you haven’t been to a snow sports resort before you might not realise how different some types of snow can be, and how they can affect your skiing or snowboarding. Today we are going to take a look at the different types of snow conditions you can expect when you next visit a snow sports resort.
We are going to cover some of the best conditions you should look for when taking to the snow, whether it’s your first time, or you’re a seasoned pro.
Depending on your experience when it comes to skiing or snowboarding, you may already have a preference of weather condition or snow condition – today’s article is aimed towards those who have limited experience to help them decide when they would most likely take to the slopes and what they should be looking for.
Fresh Snow
For the majority, fresh snow conditions are often a favourite. From beginners to advanced piste skiers and snowboarders, there are very few who don’t love the opportunities fresh snow presents. Thick fresh snow allows skis and snowboards a greater level of grip during turns while providing a very smooth ride. But perhaps the most beneficial advantage of fresh snow is the extra cushioning it provides if you do happen to fall over – making it perfect for those just starting out.
Pros
- Fresh snow provides greater cushioning if you fall over.
- You get a higher level of grip on skis or a snowboard.
- An overall smoother ride down the slope.
Cons
- Soft and uncompressed snow can move around the slope.
- Snow that has shifted can create lumps and bumps on the slope known as moguls.
Powder Snow
Powder conditions are another common type of snow you will experience. Powder snow conditions occur when there are low levels of moisture in the air during heavy snowfall. This very light form of snow will settle on the ground and give a very ‘fluffy’ appearance. When skiing or snowboarding over powder snow it can feel as though you are gliding above the ground due to its cushioning effect.
Powder snowfall can be found both on and off-piste. On piste, it is primarily due to the way that the snow has been groomed, while if you are venturing off-piste after a large amount of snowfall you are more than likely to find huge amounts of powder snow – if you are lucky enough to be one of the first to ski or snowboard through off-piste powder it can be an incredibly magical experience.
Pros
- Skiing through powder can be a magical descent.
- Powder provides extra cushioning if you are to take a fall.
Cons
- On piste powder snow is heavily reliant on the way the snow has been groomed.
- After a fall, it can be very difficult to dig yourself out of heavy powder snow.
Packed Powder
As The name suggests “packed powder” refers to snow that was once powder, but it’s now been packed down and smoothed out by a piste basher. This type of snow is ideal for skiers and snowboarders who are just starting out. It provides a consistently smooth surface with plenty of grip – ideal for those who are just getting their skiing or snowboarding legs. It is also great for people who are practising skiing or snowboarding techniques and tricks, giving them a surface to use with no unexpected lumps or bumps.
Pros
- A great surface for beginners to practise on and become familiar with their skis or snowboard.
- An excellent condition full levels of skier and snowboarder to practise new techniques.
- A very small number of unexpected bumps are present in this type of snow formation.
Cons
- The Very consistent surface does not offer a ‘gliding’ feeling when skiing or snowboarding on it.
Hard-Packed or Icy Pistes
These two very slippery forms of snow and piste surface are slightly different to each other, however, go hand in hand when commenting on how they are to ski or snowboard on. This type of surface is most likely to be found on a steeper slope. The formation of ice is usually due to the water content of the snow increasing over some time, and from the snow being compacted through regular grooming after skiing and snowboarding.
As the temperature of the piste will usually rise during the daytime it can cause some of the surface snow to melt, this is then refrozen during the following night and causes the build-up of ice on the surface. Ice patches can be extremely slippery, and due to their hard surfaces, they can be very difficult to carve into with skis or a snowboard which results in difficulty steering and getting grip.
For this reason, large areas of icy pistes are very difficult to ski on. Hard packed pistes are generally more forgiving than icy pistes, however, they still present a challenge to ski on.
Pros
- The lower amount of friction means skiers and snowboarders will be able to travel faster over these patches of the piste.
Cons
- It is difficult to carve the edges of skis or snowboards into these areas of snow which make it difficult to maintain control.
- Turning becomes more difficult.
Slush Snow
As the snow begins to melt in the springtime it brings with it slush snow conditions. The warmer weather causes the winter snow to melt and combine with water to produce a slushy consistency. As this usually occurs towards the end of a ski season, the weather is usually far sunnier, giving you some time to sunbathe while skiing the slopes.
Pros
- The slash consistency of the snow can increase friction, allowing many skiers and snowboarders to enjoy a slower descent of the slopes.
Cons
- Slush snow is known to be a challenging condition to ski or snowboard in. The wetter consistency of the snow can make it hard to turn in while also pulling at your skis or snowboard.
Crud Snow
Crud snow is widely known as one of the worst types of snow to ski or snowboard on. When skiing or snowboarding on this type of snow you should expect to come across a wide range of snow consistency’s put together. This type of snow is formed as a by-product of ungroomed powder being cut up by other people skiing. Crud snow will often be found at the edges of the piste.
Pros
- A combination of snow consistency will help you gain experience in a variety of scenarios. Combinations can include soft snow, icy snow, and snow with large bumps.
Cons
- Due to the constantly varying snow conditions beneath your skis or snowboard, skiing in this type of snow can be hard work and requires a constant level of concentration.
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