NSW Nordic Ski Club
Breaking The Ice: Tips For Tricky Snow - Part 1
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Backcountry snow is rarely predictable. Australian snow is generally wet and high temperature - around zero degrees. This means it is very susceptible to thawing and changing structure. The result is a huge range of surfaces which are described in rough terms such as breakable crust, boiler plate (ice), slush, corn, etc. Unlike the Eskimos with hundreds of words for snow we tend to think of a few broad characteristics which relate to how easy or difficult it is to ski on (or in).
The primary aim of the instructional programme over the last 5 years has been to develop techniques to enable you as cross country skiers to ski a wide range of terrain and snow conditions. We have avoided cotton wool approaches to skiing - the sort that will only teach you to ski on the controlled medium of prepared piste. Whilst on piste teaching might suit the fun park approach of resort skiing, it does not equip you to ski the real snow beyond the boundaries. So here are some ideas about basic techniques to cope with the kinds of conditions you will find in the Australian back country.
ICE
Ice is possibly the least satisfying, hardest and most dangerous medium to ski. It often occurs above the tree line, and when wind affected provides a striated surface akin to skiing over broken glass. The degree of iciness varies considerably - from scrubbed out refrozen sections common in resorts to serious hard 'black ice' like the sort you find in the carpark. The latter is virtually unskiable and should be avoided outright.
The most important thing on icy surfaces is to control speed. Staying on your feet and control of your skis is made harder by the extreme slipperiness and the total lack of give in the surface.
When On Ice think MAX EDGE.
On flat terrain, skating is by far the best way of dealing with ice. If the ski is totally flat (usually ideal for skating) the ski will shoot all over the place. Some inside edge will control this. If things are really too fast on a slight downhill, use the poles between your legs as a brake. Hold the baskets with one hand and the grip with the other, place the poles between the legs and 'ride' the pole, pressing down into the snow/ice surface with the points dragging behind you.
"When On Ice think Max Edge."
Lots of Edging is the key to managing slopes. On traverses, edging the downhill ski (inside edge) is critical. Drive the knees into the hill to maximize the angle on the edges. Keep virtually all your weight on the downhill ski. To avoid the skis sliding out sideways under you, you must get your centre of gravity over your feet. Reaching downhill aggressively with your downhill hand will help this. Beware skiing from soft snow where both skis are weighted to icy or hard pack snow. If you stay equally weighted a fall is inevitable.
What about turning?
Controlling speed all the way through the turn is essential. This means getting through the fall line (the imaginary line straight down the hill) without accelerating out of control. A strong stem turn with a steadily increasing pressure on the outside ski works, with lots of edging. Emphasize smooth, strong movements and stay committed to the turn. Avoid jerky and sharp movement which can throw you out of control. Keep the turn radius tight to avoid too much speed generated in long radius turns. This is not a place to cruise. Forget about teles - the ideal turn in deep snow, they are very hard to control on steep icey surfaces.
Stem Christies and Parallels are also good to use, provided you get onto that edge on the outside ski quickly. Finally, finish the turns , both stem turns and parallels with a deep sinking of the knees and very positive edging. If the surface is really hard, you will need to set the edge by a sharp downward pressure. (Think 'BITE' the ice with your edge). Practice slide slipping on icey slopes get the feel of the edge biting.
Kick turns are also feasible, though on seriously hard steep surfaces, you need great concentration to make it work. The risk of slipping is high. Maintaining a really strong edge is again essential, and the ski you are standing on must be perfectly across the slope to form a stable platform. Move carefully with precision and be ready to self arrest. The hardest part is setting the edge of the new ski and transferring weight - always a rather nervy moment. Generally you are better off trying to avoid turning at all if things are that icey.
"Key word to remember: EDGING"
The last resort (other than crampons and ice axe or rapelling) is to slide slip using the poles as a brake to the side. To avoid a certain fall, keep standing over your skis. The poles are put together and held across the body and to the front. The tips are dragged in the snow (ice). If you fall from this position, the poles can be used to self arrest.
A final word on equipment and its use in these conditions.
The edges of your skis must be sharp to work on icy surfaces. Rounded edges simply won't bite the surface.
Ski without your straps on to allow you to position poles for self arrest or braking.
Safety leashes are a must - a run away ski on an icy surface has nothing to stop it. A ski can travel huge distances on very slight slopes if there is close to zero friction.
Ice needs great care and avoidance if possible. If you have to ski it, take it very slowly and cautiously.
KEY WORD TO REMEMBER: EDGING
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