Bumps on a mogul run challenge skiers to find a suitable path for the skis, and varying terrain constantly changes the degree to which a skier must edge and rotate the skis. Together with the resultant forces on the skis, this requires a constant change of skill blends.
SNOW CONDITIONS
Te interplay of skills can vary greatly in different snow conditions and even from turn to turn in variable snow. More than just snow condition, it is the combination of snow conditions with ski design that influences the interplay of ski actions. New ski designs (every- thing from relatively narrow slalom skis and traditional camber to fat skis with rockered tips and tails) allow more skill-blend options in variable snow. Significantly firmer or softer snow affects the way the skills are most effec- tively blended, and ski selection factors into the equation. In soft or deep snow, a wide ski allows a certain amount of flotation and lets the skier use rotational input that might not be possible on a ski with a narrow waist. When the snow is extremely variable, as in chopped up conditions or crud, the skier must be ready to adjust the intensity of any skill at any moment. Interactions of skis and snow can change abruptly as snow resis- tance affects the skier’s speed. On firm or icy snow, a narrower ski supports the skier’s ability to quickly tip and precisely engage edges in a manner that may not be possible on a wider ski. When skiing ice, rotational input requires consistent, yet subtle, torque throughout the turn (versus an abrupt movement), with pressure distributed throughout the turn so it doesn’t build and cause the skis to slip sideways.
EQUIPMENT
Ski design has run rampant and skiers are on everything from narrow slalom skis to monster-fat, rockered big-mountain skis. Tese skis and everything in between are designed to interact with snow in a particular manner. All but the most specialized designs will do just about anything a skilled skier demands, as long as he or she alters
44 PSIA ALPINE TECHNICAL MANUAL
TheSnowPros.org
PHOTO 2.9: The blending of skills constantly changes as terrain changes.
PHOTO 2.10: In cut-up snow, the skier must be ready to adjust skill blend at any moment.
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