I found through observation of others who are likely just better as skiing, that I apparently turn way too perpendicular to the fall line in these conditions in an effort to control speed (I know it's a bad idea even while I'm doing it, but end don't have a better solution that I can execute well when it's happening--or so it seems).
It seems to be a compounding issue. If you're not used to this kind of snow, you really focus on balance also, which of course is harder as speed picks up on these piles. And because speed plays into it, I become more speed "adverse" to ensure I maintain balance. So I end up just turning close to 75 to 90 degrees, left and right as I make my way down. This is of course completely exhausting in these conditions.
The people who seemed to be enjoying it and zipping right on down where the ones that were only turning, maybe 20-30 degrees against the fall line. It seemed when I did that i picked up too much speed (or felt I did), so I had a hard time copying them.
You describe it well. Think more turns but less deflection each turn. In other words, think about turning only 30 degrees, but twice as often.
Fundamentals, fundamentals. Same for bumps. Get way better at all kinds of turns. Get skilled eyes on you for feedback.So with all of that, here's a couple of questions. <SNIP>
True. Except the elementary part. if it was easy, you'd be doing it by now.And my thinking is that if you can ski these conditions well, the others will be that much easier because they require you to bring to bear, most of the elementary techniques of skiing and exacerbate your weakness.
"Another thing that can help in uneven conditions is to use more edge angle than you think, which enables the skis to slice more cleanly thru the snow,"
And get the skis on edge earlier than usual so they slice through the snow all the way around the turn.
Yes, but why is more edge easier? Only if more edge means less skidding. High edge with skidding is going to push even more snow and be exhausting.
I think what Dan is describing here is a very advanced move. The earlier you start shifting pressure in the turn, the more advanced the turn. In addition, pressuring what is still the inside ski is advanced for many skiers. In any case, try this a lot on easy terrain on packed snow and see how it goes, don't wait until you're flailing around in thunder chunder.The video above is a very good tip. Note the edge angles he's making as well as how early he's edging due to his pressure on his uphill leg to end the turn.
First practice arranging your life so you can get to the storm skiing! (Tuesday was great, Wednesday was freakin' awesome)Storm days like this last Tuesday and Wednesday are what I train for everyday. Spend most of your ski time in the ungroomed natural terrain. Once you are comfortable in 3D snow the possibilities are endless. On powder days I often let out a loud "Whoo-Hoo"when passing those not having as much fun. With some practice anyone can master storm skiing.