Skiing involves a great deal of technique and strategy. SnowTrex spoke to Max Holzmann, head of training at the German Ski Instructors’ Association (DSLV), about this topic. The state-certified ski instructor offers valuable expert advice on how to ski safely on steep slopes.
The challenge of steep slopes
One of the most difficult types of slope is the steep slope. Usually marked black or at least deep red, its steep gradient demands a confident and precise skiing style with good body balance and ski control. Anyone who has ever stood on slopes such as the Harakiri in Mayrhofen or the Diretissima on the Katschberg and looked down the steep slope will know the feeling: nervousness and excitement take hold. In such moments, it is good and right to have the necessary respect for the steep slope. But this respect must not turn into fear. Because with too much fear and hesitation, no one can conquer a steep slope. To put your mind at ease, the skiing technique on steep slopes is the same as on flatter ones. There are just a few things to bear in mind. Above all, this concerns speed control.
Tip 1: Pace yourself
On steep slopes, the rule is: it’s better to start slowly and then pick up speed. This is because if you set off too quickly, you’ll find it difficult to slow down again on a steep slope. “On a steep slope, the downward force of the gradient is at its strongest,” explains DSLV expert Holzmann. “Studies show that a slope with an incline of around 45 degrees is so steep that the speed of descent is almost as high as in free fall. The key to skiing on steep slopes is therefore speed control. You mustn’t go too fast and should always leave yourself some margin for speed. The greatest potential danger on a steep slope is that, in the event of a fall, you won’t be able to stop.” As on any slope, it is therefore important here too to find the right speed at which you can safely take the bend.
Tip 2: Quick changes of direction, high edge pressure
Once you’ve successfully entered the slope at a moderate speed, it’s time to focus on proper turning. The trick here is to turn the skis quickly across the fall line whilst continuously applying pressure to the outside ski. The phase without edge pressure during the turn should be as short as possible. “It’s best to stick to short turns and make quick changes of direction, as these automatically reduce your speed,” advises Holzmann. “The skis are turned more actively and briefly allowed to drift, rather than carving on the edge in larger turns. This is because a drifting ski in shorter turns has a greater braking effect than one in larger turns.” In doing so, the greater weight is always on the outside ski.
Ideally, you should carry the turn all the way over the edge whilst maintaining constant pressure. If you want to practise edging, you can, for example, stand across the slope on a flatter run and slide down it. As you do so, push your knees towards the slope to put even more weight on the edges. The more of the ski base you can see from below, the better. This means that the edge is gripping the snow properly.
Once you’ve mastered the first turn, the next one is already waiting. Because if you drift on one edge for too long, you’ll quickly end up sliding sideways indefinitely. When changing turns, it’s also important to build up pressure quickly, which can only be achieved by moving forwards. This takes a bit of effort on a steep slope, but it effectively helps with ski control in terms of speed and steering.
Summary
Steep slopes command respect, but they needn’t cause cold sweats. If you don’t enter the slope too quickly and then find a suitable speed, you’ll stay on a safe line. Confident, rapid changes of direction across the fall line – combined with proper edge pressure in short turns and weight shifted forwards – ensure the necessary control. With this technique, good body tension and the utmost concentration, even the steepest slopes can be conquered.
Our expert from the DSLV
Max Holzmann is a state-certified ski instructor and Head of Training at the German Ski Instructors’ Association (DSLV). His area of responsibility covers the content of training courses, the respective examination levels and difficulty grades across all training stages from Level 1 up to the state-certified ski instructor examination, in the subjects of motor skills, methodology and theory.
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