Ski Skills P3: Mastering Steeps

This is Part Three of our series on ski skills, focusing on tackling steeper terrain. It may be the ultimate thrill, but things can quickly go wrong for the ill-prepared. Here, Marek Meluzin from Freedom Snowsports explains how to up your skills when the going gets gnarly.

Mastering Steeps

Mastering the technique – and your head-game – for skiing steeps opens up a whole world of opportunity. If you feel in control on steep terrain, you can ski just about anything. While you might already be taking on steep terrain like a mountain goat on espresso, a few pro tips can help you charge even harder on even steeper slopes (and with less bleating).

Whether you’re teetering on the edge of a Scottish gully or poised at the top of the Aiguille du Midi, skiing steeps is all about commitment. Coaxing yourself into precariously steep places feels all the more possible if you’ve got solid tactics and technique to fall back on. What’s more, skiing steeps can quickly become dangerous if not approached correctly. In this article, we’ll explore some top tips and drills to practice, helping you venture more safely and confidently into steep terrain.

How Steep is Steep?

First, let’s clarify what we consider as ‘steep.’ Generally, most would agree that black groomed runs qualify as steep. However, this can be misleading, as most groomed black runs range between 20 and 30 degrees (with a few exceptions). This is a good introduction and practice area, but generally, we consider steeps as anything more than 30 degrees. Above 30 degrees is avalanche terrain, so always check snow and weather conditions or ensure you’re with a qualified guide.

Those steep runs you see the pros careering down in Chamonix? That’s more like 45 to 55 degrees, or more. Take it slow and build up to skiing the steepest lines. The more exposure to steep terrain you get, the more comfortable you’ll become. You’ll also need plenty of practice in a range of snow conditions, as well as the ability to read the terrain and anticipate changes in snow and potential obstacles ahead.

Tactical Tips for Steep Terrain

When approaching steeper terrain, first take a look at what’s in front of you; what do you see? Changes in snow or icy sections? Narrow gaps? Varying gradients? Rocks or trees? Try to plan your route, taking advantage of the spaces and grippier snow.

Next, think about what type of turns you might make. We’d recommend short turns, but how short? Particularly consider difficult spots and work out safe stopping points that protect you and others from snow and sluff sliding from above.

Speaking of sluff (the loose snow that is released when you ski), if you’re lucky enough to be skiing a steep pow run or a soft spring couloir, consider the direction your sluff will take and make sure you keep out of its path – it’s capable of taking you down with it.

Now, visualize your line before you set off and run through it a few times in your head as if you are skiing it. Having a plan and knowing your route will increase your confidence and control.

Technical Tips for Steep Terrain

Small mistakes can quickly snowball on steep terrain. If you are intimidated or hesitate and lose your flow, stiffness and imbalance can quickly take over, leading to a loss of control. You can’t get away with as much on a steeper slope, and once something goes wrong, it’s easy to lose your cool.

From a technical standpoint, two critical elements are balance and movement with the skis. Consider a skater dropping into a halfpipe. They need to keep their center of mass moving with the board, staying on top of the skateboard’s midpoint.

Similarly, in skiing steeps, it’s fundamental to avoid letting your skis shoot forward in front of you. Keep your core strong and engaged, and project your mass forward and down the slope. Moving with the gradient will feel totally counterintuitive, but it will help you transition from turn to turn.

Your lateral balance is also critical. Skiers who are less comfortable tend to reach for the nearest thing to hold onto – the hill. A steep gradient puts the slope right next to your inside hand, but unfortunately, if you reach for this, you will lose grip and balance quickly. Focus on keeping your pole plant well-placed and well-timed. This will keep your hands and shoulders down the slope and the weight on your downhill ski, helping you balance.

How to Practice

Now, let’s work on refining your short turns in preparation for steep terrain. The key lies in strong, accurate rotation of your legs, while maintaining balance over your feet by keeping your upper body facing down the hill.

Exercises

Braquage: Find a quiet red run to practice this drill. Begin with a controlled sideslip in a set corridor, keeping your upper body facing down the hill and weight on your downhill ski. Shift pressure from your downhill to your uphill foot, and simultaneously rotate your legs and feet 180 degrees across the fall line without deviating from your set corridor. This exercise helps train accurate rotational separation and pressure control.
Short swings: Use your edges at the end of a short turn to create an ‘edge check’ (a strong, sudden grip that creates a rebound sensation). Use that to help you trigger the jump and simultaneously rotate your legs and feet as far around the turn as possible (aiming for 90 to 180 degrees of rotation while off the ground), then finish the remainder of the turn on the ground when you land. Keep your body quiet and perform this in a smooth, rhythmic, and controlled manner. If it’s wild and punchy, keep practicing, but be sure to take breaks (it’s physically exhausting!).

Putting it All Together

Gradual progression is key. Find short steep sections to put everything together and allow the technical, tactical, and psychological components to develop. The more time you spend in steep terrain, the more comfortable you’ll become. With steep skiing, there’s lots to learn and practice, including mountain safety aspects, particularly if you want to ski steeps independently of an instructor or guide. If in doubt, keep moving – at least it will all be over much quicker!

Meet the Pro: Marek Meluzin

Marek is a coach and instructor at British-owned Freedom Snowsports, based in Chamonix. He is also an examiner and instructor trainer for the Czech association. Freedom Snowsports has locations in Saint Gervais, Megève, Chamonix, Méribel, and the Grand Massif. It runs courses for all levels, from beginners to pro training camps. If you’ve ever wanted to develop your skiing skills, these guys are the go-to experts. Find out more at freedomsnowsports.com.

Ski skills P1: Lateral movement