Wintersports
Discover how different types of snow can elevate the snowboarding or skiing game. Master the slopes with tips for all kinds of snow conditions.
Snow conditions can make or break a winter sporting adventure. Different types of snow create unique terrains, each requiring its own technique to master. Fans and enthusiasts can see this at work while watching the action unfold at events like Red Bull Heavy Metal and Red Bull All Snow. Here, snowboarders freestyle on snow and ice, testing their limits and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Let’s break down the different types of snow, from powder to ice, and offer tips on how to navigate each.
How snow forms
Temperature, humidity, and wind create the conditions for snow. Each element plays a significant role in creating different snow textures, just waiting for adventurers to hit the slopes. Lower temperatures produce dry, light snow called powder, while warmer weather results in heavier, wetter snow that’s more slush-like in texture. Strong winds create dense snowpack types, while winds create crusts over snowpacks.
The main types of snow
By understanding the main snow types, winter sport enthusiasts can embrace the right techniques, gear, and approaches to get the most out of their adventure.
01
Powder snow
Powder snow is the holy grail for most skiers and snowboarders. It’s light, fluffy, and easily kicks up in a spray with each turn. However, powder quality varies from region to region. Colorado and Utah powder is drier, while areas like Mammoth Mountain and Lake Tahoe in California and Nevada have denser snow.
Ideal powder conditions occur when temperatures are below freezing. This type of snow allows for smooth, buoyant turns that can give off a floating sensation. Skiers and snowboarders should bounce on the snow before trying any complicated moves to see exactly what type of powder they’re dealing with.
Keep these tips in mind while skiing or snowboarding on powder:
- Focus on gaining momentum and speed for easier turns. Taking on a steeper run or going straight for a while can make it easier to carve on powder.
- Choose wider skies to glide smoothly and float on the snow.
- Centering weight helps snowboarders and skiers avoid getting stuck.
02
Packed snow
Packed snow, also known as hard pack, is the in-between of soft ice and packed powder. It forms when skiers, snowboarders, wind, or machines compress the snow. Hard pack offers a stable, firm surface that’s great for carving and picking up speed. But fair warning, it’s extremely slippery. Hard-pack snow is especially common on well-traveled trails, perfect for late-day rides.
Like powder, packed snow varies by region. Head to the Rocky Mountains during the spring for exemplary hard-pack snow in the area. For year-long snow adventures, try skiing and snowboarding areas on the East or West Coast.
Try these tips for skiing or snowboarding on packed snow:
- Machine-groomed packed snow is helpful for speed and wider turns.
- If it’s extra sunny out, wait until later in the day to hit the slopes.
- Don’t rush anything on packed snow. Form a “C” while taking turns to strategically move body weight around.
- Sliding on the packed snow, especially icy spots, is inevitable. Relax, stay balanced, and wait to get in contact with grippy snow. Side slipping is also an option.
03
Crud snow
Crud is what remains after powder snow has been partially skied out and then left to settle. It’s an unpredictable mix of powder, hard pack, and bumpy ice chunks. Crud can be very challenging, requiring strength and adaptability to navigate the uneven surface. As a result, it takes intense concentration to ski or snowboard on crud.
These tips can help navigate crud on the slopes:
- Focus on leg work and core stability to navigate the constantly changing terrain. For inspiration, check out snowboarders like Katie Ormerod, who maintain an at-home training regimen to keep up these muscle groups.
- Don’t use the ski’s edge to power through a turn. Instead, use just enough edge to start the turn, glide through it, and shift focus on the next turn.
- Aim to go on softened snow or areas that haven’t been touched yet to have the best terrain.
- Use front and back legs to steer the lower body. At the same time, have relaxed knees and ankles to protect joints from rough impact.
04
Corn snow
Corn snow emerges during spring, when daytime flakes melt and nighttime refreezes them to create a snowpack with soft, granular layers. The texture resembles tiny corn kernels. It offers an excellent surface for smooth, controlled turns. Southern Sierra Nevada is home to some of the best corn snow.
Best practices for skiing or boarding on corn snow:
- Get out on the slopes in the morning, as the snow will become way too soft by the afternoon. But depending on the season, too early means it’ll be extremely hard, so feel the snow in the morning before jumping into the action.
- Depending on the changing seasons, clear weather is typically ideal. Nighttime needs to have zero clouds to properly freeze the snow. Daytime cloudy weather means the snow won’t soften as quickly, and clear morning skies are a message to ride earlier in the day.
- Daytime temperature is best when it’s over 32°F, but the nighttime needs it to be cooler.
- Early spring means going to ski or snowboard around noon or afternoon to catch corn snow. In late spring, like May and June, it’s best to show up in the morning, ideally before 9:30 a.m.
- Go to areas that are big and open, not near trees that can drop debris.
05
Slush snow
Slush forms when temperatures rise and snow begins to melt. It’s tricky to ride on this dense and sticky snow, as it creates an unstable surface. The wet texture pulls on snowboards and skis because of the absence of its crystal structure. Slush is common in late spring or during warmer midday temperatures.
Try these techniques for handling slushy conditions.
- Adjust expectations for speed.
- Test out short run-ups and slide during turns instead of carving.
- Snowboarders and skiers should keep their stance and weight evenly distributed to prevent catching an edge.
- Skiers particularly should revert back to their early days of training with plough or sliding turns.
06
Ice
Ice on the slopes is often the result of melted and refrozen snow, which creates a solid and slick surface that’s tough to navigate. Ice requires extra care, as falls feel harder and controlling speed and direction becomes more challenging. However, with the right techniques, it’s possible to have a smooth ride on icy terrain.
How to ride confidently on icy terrain:
- Keep edges and turns sharp, as grip is crucial on ice.
- Breaking is more difficult since edges can’t be dug into the ice, but there are fewer people out. This means skiers and snowboarders don’t need to worry about dodging anyone as much.
- Ski or board with small, deliberate movements.
- Icy ski conditions call for a skid start, balance on the outside ski, a wide base, a low stance, and the use of edges for direction.
- Snowboarders should bend their knees and ankles for balance, turn regularly for control, breathe to relax, and perform sharp turns.
Snow conditions to avoid
While each snow type offers its own set of challenges, some conditions are inherently risky or simply uncomfortable to ride on. These include:
- Breakable crust: This layer forms from wet textures, like rain or melted snow, and refreezes. Breakable crust is unstable and can break under the weight of skis or snowboards. It’s best avoided if possible due to the unpredictability, but if necessary, use a lighter stance to reduce sinking through the crust.
- Wet snow: Heavy, waterlogged snow can cause equipment to bog down, making it challenging to control. Be mindful of the added strain on knees and legs as well. To avoid wet snow, head out with the skis or board during colder weather, not warm temperatures.
How to adjust gear for different snow types
Each snow condition affects the ride differently, and proper gear adjustments can significantly improve performance:
- Waxing: Warmer snow types, like slush or corn, call for softer wax, while cold, dry powder requires harder wax. Warmer snow will most likely require spray-on or rub-on wax to reduce the suction from the water. Colder snow wax reduces friction and allows for abrasive rides.
- Edges: Regularly sharpen edges for icy or hardpack conditions. For powder, less edge grip is required.
- Board or ski selection: Wider skis or boards perform better in powder, while narrower models excel on packed or icy terrain.
How to choose the right snow conditions
Certain snow types are better suited to different skill levels.
- Beginner: Packed or groomed snow offers stability and predictability, ideal conditions for new skiers or snowboarders learning control. Beginners should also head out on powder snow because its softer texture cushions falls better. Slush allows for slightly more flexibility in turns and a bit of variety in texture, offering a slower ride. It’s completely different from powder snow, but it can build up more technical skills.
- Intermediate: Powder snow is also great for intermediate riders because it encourages added speed to prevent sinking. Snow slopes in northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado experience warmer winters that allow for open trails, so intermediate riders don’t get blown away by advanced folks.
- Advanced: More challenging snow types, such as crud and icy terrain, are best suited for experienced riders who can handle irregularities and harder conditions. Advanced skiers should also read up on ski profiles before heading out to their chosen slopes.
Embrace every snow type for a better ride
Mastering different types of snow is part of becoming a versatile and confident skier or snowboarder. From the deep powder days to icy patches, each texture offers its own rewards. Embrace these snow conditions as they come, and remember that each provides an opportunity to improve skills and discover new ways to enjoy the slopes.
