How To Choose The Right Ski Length

Old vs. New Skis

In the not so distant past, there was one way to get fitted for skis: raise your arm over your head and flex your wrist over the tip of the ski. Old ski lengths averaged more than 200cm (Note that skis are measured in centimeters from tip to tail and millimeters for the width, from one edge to the other.). Long, straight skis were the norm, but were a challenge to turn. Thankfully things have changed because shorter, shaped skis became the standard, making it easier for skiers to maneuver.

Today’s shaped ski technology has dramatically evolved into a new way of fitting skis. Once taller than an outstretched hand, skis now should go to the chin, nose, or brow, depending on ability level and height. Beginner skiers benefit from skis that are easy to turn, and should reach from the floor to their chin. Intermediate skis have a little more stability at faster speeds, so these skis should reach from the floor to the nose. More advanced or aggressive skiers who prefer skis that track well at high speeds should look for skis that reach from the floor to their eyebrows.

One interesting thing to note is that the amount of rocker (reverse camber) in the ski’s tip will determine how much effective edge there is (the length of the ski’s edge that makes contact with the snow). Therefore, some people size up in length with a dramatically rockered ski tip (often found in freeride or powder skis) because the ski will ski shorter due to less effective edge, while benefiting from more surface area for flotation and stability at speed.

Choose Skis by Terrain

Ski manufacturers and ski shops categorize different ski models by highlighting the places on the mountain the ski is designed to perform best. Frontside skis are the most narrow of the group (except for race skis), followed by the slightly wider all-mountain and freeride skis. Powder skis are the widest of the group. The length you choose can fluctuate depending on the category of ski because of performance needs in different conditions and areas on the mountain.

Frontside skis range from easy to turn beginner skis to a race-inspired construction that allows you to channel your inner speed demon. With waist widths ranging between 72 and 85mm, frontside skis are carve-oriented. Some might favor short radius slalom turns, while others favor long, GS turns. With relatively narrow waists, they are designed to perform on corduroy and hard pack snow. High-performance models typically have a race-inspired construction with a full wood core, vertical sidewalls, and often a sheet or two of Titanal. Most have significant camber under foot and slight tip rocker, if any. These shapely dynamic skis are built to turn.

Skis in the all-mountain category are designed for adventure and are able to move between the front and back side of the mountain. Rocker technology, deep sidecuts, and sandwich sidewall, or partially capped construction, means that these skis can multi-task in both hard and soft snow. Some skis are more playful and surfy, while others are likely to find the fall line. The waist widths range between 86 and 100mm.

Powder skis are designed to surf powder snow, but they are more versatile than ever because they often combine rocker technology with a lightweight, yet strong core construction. Their waists top 100mm and can feel like surfboards under your feet, increasing maneuverability in the soft and cutup snow. Some powder skis have camber underfoot and can carve on groomers, while others have a significant rocker or full rocker that are designed primarily to stay on top of huge amounts of snow.

Freeride skis are a subcategory, between all-mountain and powder skis. They handle groomed snow as well as variable snow. These skis often have rocker added for maneuverability and flotation as well as tip dampening technology to prevent chatter at speed. The cores are typically made of wood with different elements added such as titanium for stiffness or dampness, or a blend of wood that makes the ski strong underfoot and softer in the tip and tail. Skis in this category can be directional and comfortable carving at top speed, while others have a more surfy, playful feel.

Kids who are ready to move from the groomers and into more advanced terrain can look at junior freeride skis. Junior skis are narrower underfoot than adult skis, but junior freeride skis have wider waists and can help kids carve, turn quickly in trees or moguls, and are good for approaches to jumps. Kids graduating from beginner junior skis to higher-performing skis can go up in length, without going above the eyebrows. Parents should think twice about putting their kids on a ski that’s too long so that they can get a few seasons out of their skis. Remember, shorter skis are easier to turn.

OnTheSnow’s Ski Size Chart is a guide designed to give you an idea of suggested ski lengths according to your height. The best thing is to hold the ski in front of you before purchasing. Next, have a conversation with a ski shop employee that includes an accurate statement about your ability level and your favorite place to ski 0n the mountain. Arming yourself with the answer to those questions, as well as understanding ski categories will help identify the suggested ski length that will result in a great day on the slopes.

Ski Size Chart

More tips

• Tips Up: Expert Advice on How to Buy Skis
• A Guide to Ski Technology
• How to Demo Skis Efficiently

The post How to Choose the Right Ski Length appeared first on OnTheSnow.

When the season’s calendar turns to spring about early March it arrives with the perfect opportunity for beginners, especially kids, to get out on the slopes. Why?

1. It’s a lot warmer

Whoever invented toe warmers deserves a Nobel prize, but even those small pouches of life-giving goodness have their limits. In the beginning, it’s all about having fun, and it’s hard to have fun if you can’t feel your fingers or toes. With warmer temps come happier extremities, and that’s no small thing, especially for kids.

Warmer weather means all of us can focus on learning skills, not figuring how to get to the base lodge quicker for hot chocolate.

2. Shorter lift lines, more groomer lines

No one’s ever learned how to ski standing in a lift line. Getting multiple reps in succession is the best way to progress. In the middle of winter, when lift lines are at their longest, it can be hard to get into a flow. Once spring hits, fewer crowds in general means fewer hassles. Learning to ski can be daunting enough without navigating lines to get lift tickets, rent gear, etc.

3. Spring skiing discounts

You’ll find deals on everything from tickets and lodging to rentals and lessons in the spring when reduced demand typically equates to reduced rates. And in some cases, it’s even free. Many mountains offer those who purchase a new season pass for the following winter the ability to use it right away.

With some ski resorts like Mammoth staying open into the late spring and summer, that can equate to as much as three free months of skiing and riding when you commit to purchasing a pass for next winter. You also can find some good deals on gear and apparel this time of year, as retailers slash prices on remaining inventory.

4. The spring ski season vibe

You may have heard the saying that there’s “no friends on a powder day.” We think whoever coined that phrase needs new friends, but regardless, the opposite is true in the spring. An experience that can feel intimidating in the winter—lift lines packed full of powder hounds frothing at the mouth to get their fix—is much more approachable in the springtime. As the temps climb, it’s all about having fun, being outside in the sunshine with friends and enjoying the last couple months of the season. For new skiers and snowboarders, that translates to a much more enjoyable learning experience.

Lunches are laid back in the spring. ©Big Bear Mountain Resort

5. The snow is softer

6. Après-ski at its best

Spring skiing or boarding lets you experience the epitome of après-ski (for you more mature beginners!): Sunglasses, deck chairs, sunny patios, your beverage of choice and possibly a hot tub or pool. It’s hard not to fall instantly in love with this sport when you’re hanging out in a tank top or swimsuit toasting with new friends and working on your tan. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.

So, where should you ski?

Here’s a thought you might not have considered when choosing a resort for beginners in the spring: Often, the great mountains for intermediates through experts are perfect for beginners in the spring because they often feature huge swaths of easily-accessed surprisingly mellow terrain.

Be sure to head to an area where the ski school has lots of instructors for beginners. Consider Beaver Creek, Steamboat, Keystone and Aspen Snowmass in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California; Park City Mountain Resort in Utah; Smugglers’ Notch in Vermont, and Sunday River in Maine.

Historically the following resorts have extended ski and riding spring conditions: Stevens Pass in Washington State, Mammoth Mountain, Heavenly, and Kirkwood in California, Arapahoe Basin and Breckenridge in Colorado, Killington in Vermont, Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, and Sunshine Village in Alberta. Noe that late in the spring, terrain is often for intermediate and above skiers and riders at many ski areas.

The post 6 Reasons Spring Skiing is Best for Beginners appeared first on OnTheSnow.

Educate yourself first

You may have seen an event at a ski resort with colorful flags and tents from multiple ski brands, which was likely an event for retailers to try next year’s gear before deciding which ski models to carry in their ski shops. In a sense, ski shops test ski gear before they sell it to you. Savvy ski shops have their finger on the pulse of what their customers ask for most, especially in terms of ski category, personality, and waist width and lengths (read this article for more about which skis are right for you).  That’s how they choose the skis that will adorn the precious real estate on the shop’s ski wall. Visiting your favorite ski shop (midweek is best) gives you the opportunity to talk to employees who may have already demoed the new skis that show up on the wall around Labor Day.

Before walking into a ski shop to purchase skis it’s important to understand that skis are often categorized by waist width. Retailers will typically ask you if you ski more groomed runs or off-piste. Then they’ll ask about your ability, turn size preference, and comfort speed. This helps them identify the range of waist width that best suits your desire. Manufacturers and media outlets can differ in category names, but generally skis are separated by waist width into race, frontside, all-mountain, and powder skis.

The best course of action is to use ski reviews or visit the websites of ski brands to narrow down your interests and familiarize yourself with any new terms or technology. You can find out more, including our recommendations for skis for the upcoming ski season, in the following OnTheSnow articles:

• Top All-Mountain Women’s Skis
• Top All-Mountain Men’s Skis
• Which Ski Is Right For You
• Expert Advice On Buying Skis

Locate a place to demo

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with categories, brands, and ski models, it’s time to find a place to demo skis. “Consumers can demo skis in a variety of ways,” says Henrik Lampert, North American marketing manager for Faction skis. “First off, I would encourage ski fans to contact their favorite brands directly, to inquire about consumer-facing demo days. For example, Faction plans to host a number of consumer demos from coast to coast. Alternatively, retail partners are generally well equipped and willing to offer demo experiences for prospective buyers. I encourage fans to contact their local retailers to explore demo possibilities.”

Contacting your local retail store, particularly if it’s located at the base of a ski area, is an easy way to demo skis. Many ski shops will subtract the cost of demoing skis off of the purchase price. Working through a resort retail shop allows you the opportunity to try several different pairs in one day. The benefit here is that the terrain and conditions stay consistent so that you can focus on the how the different skis perform.

Test skis like a pro

Professional ski testers ski on each pair of skis in a consistent manner to give each ski a fair test. If you’d like to test like a ski tester, then you should think like a ski tester.

First, ask the shop (or look up) who the intended consumer is for each model. What is the skier type: recreational skier, beer league racer, all-mountain explorer? Where is this ski designed to ski best and for whom?

Now take the ski out for a run. For the first 10 turns, note what your first impressions are. How does the ski feel on your feet? Is it easy to skate over to the chairlift or does it feel cumbersome? When you get off the lift, does the ski turn easily underfoot? Can you figure out what kind of turn shape and speed the ski excels at?

As you make more turns down the run, think about the ski’s range. Is it narrow underfoot and loves slalom turns? Can it make a variety of turn shapes? What speed does it feel most stable at? Can you skid a turn? Try different turn shapes, speeds and even look for groomed and ungroomed snow to get a sense for how the ski performs. Feeling adventurous? Take the demo ski in the bumps or into the terrain on the backside of the mountain.

If you truly want to demo skis like a pro, write down your answers after you ski on each ski. Record the make and model, length, waist width and few thoughts about how the ski performs. Ski testers use test cards to rate each ski. You can consider what characteristics you value most and rate them for each ski. For example, if you are looking for a frontside ski for primarily groomers, then prioritize the edge grip and short turn radius. If you want a frontside cruiser and enjoy making bigger turns at speed, prioritize stability, edge grip and rebound energy. If you are looking for a ski that can float through powder, rate flotation and maneuverability.

Then, when you return to the ski shop, you can share your feedback and questions, and the staff will likely have further insights to help inform your buying decision.

Consider the key factors of ski performance

Ski engineers have even stricter parameters when they test skis since they need to perfect each model before they even hit the market. They look even closer at characteristics such as flex, chatter, handling, turn initiation and turn exit. Some high-performance frontside or all-mountain skis have a progressive flex pattern—softer in the tip and stiffer underfoot. An engineer might feel the tip hooking up when entering a turn, which might mean the ski is too soft in the tip. If it’s a struggle to get forward and out of the backseat, that ski may be too stiff. Ultimately you want a ski that feels like a part of you, so if you’re struggling it’s probably not the ski for you.

Engineers experiment with sidecut since it’s the main geometrical detail that affects ski performance. Sidecut is the shape of the ski and defines the turn radius of the ski on the snow. Essentially the ski’s dimensions (tip, waist and tail) will create an optimum turn shape for that intended user.

Bindings can also affect the ski’s performance, particularly at high speeds and on steep slopes, so engineers test skis using the bindings that are sold with that model, unless the ski is sold “flat” or without a binding. Skis sold “flat” happen more often with wider skis, since many frontside skis are designed as system skis, that is, with a built-in plate where the corresponding binding can slide on rails and attach for the best flex and performance.

Engineers know which construction elements affect ski performance. Construction materials, such as wood, fiberglass, titanium all inform the way the ski performs. Wood is one of the most-used materials in ski construction because depending on the wood, it can affect stability, liveliness, flex. Different categories of skis may use different kinds of wood for the weight or for performance outcomes. A race ski may have poplar and ash for stability and rebound, but a freeride ski may have beech or even balsa, since engineers want stability without too much weight.

Skis will have some form of synthetic material in the topsheet or as a layer. Fiberglass provides rebound and torsional rigidity and can be found woven like fabric, which affects the dynamic behavior of the ski. Titanal is an aluminum alloy and typically used in high-performing skis. Metal adds weight and has a dampening effect, adding stability when speed increases and forces build. Skis without metal are usually lighter, softer in flex and more forgiving. Some women-specific skis have combinations of materials that can reduce some weight without losing performance.

Many models have rocker, which is created when the tip (and sometimes the tail as well) of the ski rises from the ground. When you demo a ski, you will notice that different amounts of rocker, or tip and tail rise, will affect the performance of the ski. On a freeride ski, tip rocker allows the ski to float in powder without the tip sinking into the snow. On a frontside ski, rocker helps the ski enter the turn, and that same feature benefits beginner skiers who are looking for an easy ski to control.

With your new tips on how to demo skis like a professional, you should now carve out some time to try different skis. Keep your eye on consumer demo event opportunities at your favorite ski resort. Build a relationship with a shop and ask them about shop demo days, or brand-specific demo days that are free and open to the public. Keep notes on the skis that you test and try to be consistent when testing multiple pairs for an accurate comparison. To really know a ski, you should test it in a variety of conditions—from early-season hardpack to powder.  But a little bit of preparation and time will help you pick a ski that makes you happy on the slopes all season long.

More tips

• Which ski is right for you?
• How to Choose the Right Ski Length
• Tips Up: Expert Advice on How to Buy Skis

The post How to Demo Skis Efficiently appeared first on OnTheSnow.

Cohen co-founded Masterfit Enterprises in 1998 when he was Executive Editor of Ski Magazine. Today Masterfit is a part of America’s Best Bootfitters, a trade group of snowsports shops specializing in boot fitting. Cohen shared with us insights and recommendations for getting your boot fit right. See his tips below.

How To Put On Ski Boots

What to do before putting on ski boots 

Wear only one thin pair of ski specific socks. Thicker socks, nor multiple pairs of socks keep you warmer. Additionally, you don’t want to put anything else in your boot. That means no powder cuffs, no in-the-boot pants, no toe warmers. They just gum up the fit and create potential discomfort spots.   

You’ll also want to warm your boots. Keep them warm in the car, buy a heated bag, or better yet, stay slopeside in a warm condo. Make sure your boots aren’t cold, even if you have to find a hand blower in a bathroom to blow warm air for 10 minutes. Nothing is worse than starting your ski day with cold boots and therefore cold feet.    

How to put on ski boots 

It may be a no-brainer, but put them on one at a time. Let’s start with the right foot. Unbuckle all the buckles and make sure they are resting off to the side of the shell and can’t accidentally re-engage with the ladder. Flex both flaps of the innerboot wrap away from each other to help open the throat of the boot a bit for easier entry. Then put the right boot on the ground between your feet. Put the left boot to the left side but keep it close by.

Standing in a slightly crouched position, hold the tongue strap with your right 2-3 middle fingers and pull it up and slightly to the outside while sliding your foot down and firmly into the toe box. Put your left thumb inside the front of the cuff liner at the 11 o’clock position with the other four fingers on the outside of the shell to help stabilize the boot. Insert your foot slightly tilted to the inside and push down. The ball of your foot and arch should seat first, followed by the outside of the foot. Pull up on the tongue a few times while wiggling your foot to make sure it’s sitting properly on the insole. Make sure the tongue is sitting properly over the instep and shin, inside the flaps of the liner. Now make sure the shell overlaps are properly aligned. Then repeat for the other boot.   

Buckling order seems to be a matter of personal preference. I know expert skiers who start at the top and work down; others that start from the bottom and work up; and still others who start at the instep buckle and work up and down. I prefer starting with the lower toe or instep buckle. The instep is the key hold-down section of the foot. You’re more than halfway home if the instep is secure. Whichever way you choose to proceed, find the macro setting on the ladder that seems like it will secure the boot snuggly but comfortably. Latch the buckle into the closed position. Now snug up the Velcro or Booster Strap at the top of the cuff.    

You will know exactly which rungs to engage on the ladders after skiing your boots a few times. Release the buckle and try the next rung on the ladder if you find the fit too tight or too loose. Now it’s time to make the macro-adjustment so you obtain the perfect combination of hold-down and comfort. Spin the buckle clockwise to make the throw shorter (tighter) or counterclockwise to make the throw longer (looser) until you achieve a comfortable but snug fit with the buckles latched.  

How to make sure your ski boots fit properly 

A good fitting boot should hug the foot and lower leg everywhere but not so tightly that it hurts anywhere. If your foot is moving excessively in any direction, the boot is too loose and it will make it more difficult to control your skis and will lead to abrasion and impact injuries. If it’s so tight it hurts anywhere, then see a professional bootfitter to get it looked at. Every foot is shaped differently, and well-trained bootfitters have the skills and special tools to make modifications to maximize your boot’s comfort, control, and performance. 

How to get out of your boots 

Find a chair. Relax for a minute, because you’re likely exhausted. Unbuckle all buckles on both boots and again position them so they can’t accidentally re-engage. Again, let’s start with the right boot. Standing up in a slightly crouched position, grasp the liner strap with the 2-3 middle fingers of your right hand. Place your left thumb inside the 6-7 o’clock position on the cuff. Place the other four fingers on the outside of the cuff. Push down with your left hand at the same time you are gently pulling the tongue up and to the outside. Your foot should pop right out of the boot.   

Caring for your ski boots 

Dry your boots after every day of skiing. They will last longer, plus they will smell less. You should remove your liners from the shell and your insoles from the liner, and especially if you’re skiing the next day. Most skiers are too lazy or don’t know how to easily re-insert liners into shells, so they just don’t do it. If that’s you, then invest in a boot dryer. However, do not use a hair dryer or heat gun. They get too hot and can damage boot components (especially custom footbeds). Even a fan blowing room temp air into the liners helps with the drying process. 

At a minimum, place your boots overnight in a warm (not hot) location, such as near a wood stove or fireplace, and hope that they dry overnight. Wet boots invariably lead to cold feet which leads to a miserable ski day. Also, make sure to clean all mud and dirt off the shell, especially the anti-friction binding interfaces, with a damp cloth. 

When your ski boots are in use for extended periods, latch all the buckles of your boots to light fit tension so the plastic shell retains its ideal shape. Store your boots in a cool, dry place, especially over the summer. Do not store your boots in a hot attic. It’s a good idea to lubricate the buckle hinges and screws a few times a season. Spray dry silicone on the bottom of the boot shell to keep the plastic from drying out, and particularly at the binding anti-friction interface.   

How to resolve heel lift and relieve pressure points

There are many things that can lead to heel lift and pressure points. Your best bet is to go see a professional bootfitter. While I of course have some bias, I recommend professional bootfitters who have trained at Masterfit University and is a member of America’s Best Bootfitters. The shops that are part of this trade group network are among the best in the world.  They all have fit technicians who have received elite level training.  

The bootfitters at these shops have the tools and knowledge to help you select the best boot from the get-go and make the modifications necessary to maximize comfort and performance. A well fit boot is a long-term investment.  It can easily last five seasons with normal recreational use. Too many skiers buy “bargain boots” or get something sight unseen online and are invariably unhappy with the fit or performance. They try to get some value out of it and ski it for two or three seasons before getting disgusted and try again. Why not get it right the first time.

See more tips in the following video from boot expert Larry Houchen. 

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1. Head north of the border

2. Visit a lesser-known ski area

Typically, February is a great time to ski in Colorado. The base depth of snow on the mountains are often at its deepest, and there is likely to be plenty of powder still pouring in. However, on a holiday weekend that means highways and parking lots are pouring over with traffic. So we recommend visiting one of the lesser-known Colorado ski areas, like the ones we featured in our round-up of Colorado’s affordable ski areas, like Loveland. Some hotels in the Loveland area offer ski and stay packages, such as the Comfort Suites Golden West on Evergreen Parkway.

3. Take a family ski trip to New England

One of the top family ski resorts in New England is Smugglers’ Notch, located at the top of Vermont in Jeffersonville, and they have a great special offer for families called the Smugglers’ Mountain Experience Package. It features mountainside lodging, daily lift tickets, access to the indoor pool, Ozone at the FunZone 2.0, evening entertainment, and more. Plus, discounts are available on ski and ride programs. The package is available through April 10, 2023. Get to Smugglers’ Notch by Thursday afternoon to enjoy the Winter Carnival, followed by entertainment, activities and fireworks.

4. Head to the Midwest, to Lutsen Mountains for midweek bargains

You’ll find wide-open runs, no lift lines, and fresh tracks when you ski weekdays at Lutsen Mountains in Minnesota. Four interconnected peaks overlooking Lake Superior await. Take advantage of Lutsen’s midweek lift and lodging packages valid through March 29. The longer you stay, the more your discount increases. When you want a break from skiing laps, then try dog sledding or snowmobiling.

5. Go south to Southern California

Southern California’s Big Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are celebrating Presidents’ Day Weekend from Feb. 18-21 with extended ski and snowboard hours and more. Both areas have longer daytime hours, while night sessions are from 3-8:30 p.m. at Snow Summit. If you’re 4 years of age and younger or 80 years of age and older, you can ski or snowboard for free. And for those who like to kick it in terrain parks, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit’s terrain parks have a combination of 193 features.

Don’t forget about snow tubing at Snow Summit’s Grizzly Ridge. This all adds up to a day of laughing at boredom.

Tips for peak-season skiing

1. Look for a section of the ski area that’s a bit off the beaten path, particularly if you can handle most terrain. Look for a back bowl in the West or a tough intermediate bump run. If you stay a few days, you’ll see how the crowds disperse.
2. Ski through lunch. Eat early or late, but when noon hits, lots of resorts clear out to the base lodge or other restaurants. This means that you can bag a bunch of additional runs.
3. Get early access, or as some resorts call it, “First Tracks.” Many ski areas let you get on the slopes early while the corduroy or powder is fresh. Check ski resort websites for details.
4. Explore stepping up your choice of lodging and spending a little extra money. It can be worth it to spend a little extra on that top-floor hotel room or the vacation cabin that is further from the slopes but doesn’t share walls with strangers.
5. Reserve everything you can in advance so you don’t wait in long lines — equipment rentals, ski school, childcare, lodging, flights, and driving at peak traffic times from the big cities.

The post Here’s how to make Presidents’ Week memories appeared first on OnTheSnow.

If you can click your way around some weather sites, hop in the car with a day’s notice and drive to the best snow, you may be an amateur powder chaser. There are some people, however, who are already skiing or riding that powder before you even finish your latte. During those hours you binged-watched Netflix, they will have tracked the storm that will deliver the deepest snow total at the ski resort with the perfect steep pitch and high probability of opening the best terrain—and they will be first in line because they got there at 5 a.m. thanks to an addiction to high-quality snow and flexible jobs that allow them to leave at a moment’s notice.

Forget the Beach, Snorkels are for Snow

Luke Stone is a powder chaser who “only ride[s] when it snows,” not being tempted to get out of bed this season, for example, for anything less than 10” overnight.

“I think I’m at 26 so far this season, and the average is probably 30+. So I don’t wind up riding an insane amount of days, but then again, I do have a full-time job!” At 34 years old, the Utah resident manages pediatric oncology research trials for the University of Utah, however, his flexible schedule means he can request time off with only a day’s notice.

If he wants to ride locally, he can hit the mountain in the morning and work a half-day or later shift. “A lot of my work doing clinical research involves tasks that I can do at my desk, any time.

Certainly, there are times when I have meetings and study visits that I can’t get out of, but for the most part, my schedule is flexible and I use all of my paid time off during the winter chasing powder,” says Stone. He describes an excursion chasing the infamous bomb cyclone storm.

“Arizona Snowbowl (12” overnight, 18” storm total) north of Flagstaff, and then over to Taos (14” overnight, 33” total, and closed all day the day before) in New Mexico. I mentioned that I was thinking about taking Wed/Thu off to my boss on Monday, and then put in the official request on Tuesday. I left Salt Lake City at 4 p.m. and drove to Flagstaff, arriving around 11 p.m. Got to he mountain around 7 a.m., rode til around noon. Then I drove to Santa Fe, got dinner, went to bed. Woke up at 5 a.m. and drove two hours to Taos. Was on the mountain until 2 p.m. and then drove 10+ hours home to be at work on Friday!”

Stone also works for Powderchasers.com, a website dedicated to posting forecasts for deep snow, where he manages social media and also helps with forecasts. But his greatest passion is chasing storms and traveling to find and ride the best powder.

“At Powderchasers, we honed our skills when it comes to nailing down all aspects of a storm, including quality as well as winds during the snowfall,” he adds. Stone and his powder chasing cohorts consider themselves amateur meteorologists, specializing in predicting and hunting down the best snow. “My bookmarks are like a goldmine,” says Stone.

He uses a handful of websites, including WeatherBELL.com, Weathernerds.org, and the University of Utah’s atmospheric science page. He also looks at data from SNOTEL (snowpack sensors operated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, or NRCS) across the country. “SNOTELs are crucial in terms of snow water content, wind speed and direction to figure out what the snow is going to be like when you get there,” says Stone. “They’re hard to find and it took a long time to collect them.”

The goal for Stone is not just figuring out where the deepest snow will be, but how to get the best bang for his buck. There are several other factors he considers, including the quality of the snow, a certain length, and steepness of the terrain, how likely it is the avalanche danger will be too high to open that terrain, and if the access road is likely to close.

“There’s a limited number of resorts that fall into that category, so we constantly look at these resorts to see if they’re going to get a big storm,” says Stone.

Snowbird, Utah is one of Stone’s favorites, but his shortlist also includes Crystal in Washington, Squaw Valley in California, Arizona Snowbowl, Big Sky in Montana, Jackson Hole in Wyoming, Telluride, Vail, and Aspen Highlands in Colorado. He’s a regular on Priceline and Expedia for low-price, day-of hotel rates, and he’ll hop on a last-minute flight to California or even New England if the conditions are right.

“I tend to only make those trips if I’m going to get two days of riding due to the cost/benefit ratio,” he says. At Mammoth, for example, Stone will take a hard look at snow quality and weather. His favorite terrain is at the summit, which often gets hit by winds, thus delaying the terrain’s opening after a storm. “If you wait 24 hours after the snow settles, it doesn’t ride as lightly,” says Stone.

Powder chasing pro

For meteorologist Chris Tomer, the perfect storm comes in on a Northwest flow pattern and favors Colorado’s Central and Northern Mountains, including Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat, Loveland, Arapahoe Basin, and Winter Park. “A dip in the jet stream delivers the right wind direction and cold temperatures resulting in dry, light snowfall.” This fluffy, dry snow and its effects are also known as pow-pow, blower, cold smoke, white room to name a few, and even garnered a trademark from Steamboat in the form of Champagne Powder.

Tomer has an extensive background both in analyzing mountain weather and in mountaineering, including a BS in Meteorology and a decade of working with skiing and mountaineering teams from Mount Everest to Denali (you can view his weekly Snow Before You Go forecasts here at OnTheSnow).

According to Tomer, with an overwhelming amount of information, the Internet has made it possible to “wire and fire,” but he does caution amateur meteorologists: “I believe the best risk management comes from working with a professional meteorologist,” says Tomer. “You have to accept that anything less is not seeing all the weather variables at play. You don’t know what you don’t know.”

Tomer recommends developing a decision tree to evaluate the choices—and their consequences. “Once you become intimately aware of resort operations, you can tailor your decisions and then plan your drive or flight right down to the latest Google traffic report,” he says, suggesting that storm chasers in training focus on familiar ski resorts.

• In your decision tree, the canopy kicks off with the following reports from bona fide meteorologists while also looking at trends and the movement of weather systems like El Niño/La Niña. “This starts before ski season begins with medium-range and long-range forecasts,” advises Tomer.
• The middle part of the decision tree includes looking at weather patterns a week ahead for storm systems. “This consists of a mix of OnTheSnow, National Weather Service, model charts, meteorologists on social media and television, local boutique sites, local avalanche experts and forecast discussions both by professionals and locals,” says Tomer.
• The bottom of the tree is what Tomer calls “fine-tuning,” where your local knowledge comes into play, and skiers can look at risk factors as well as timing. “Having intimate understanding of specific ski area operations can make or break an experience,” Tomer points out. “For example, at what wind speed does Mammoth Mountain close lifts? Does Winter Park open certain lifts earlier for early birds? Your final decision is based on all of these factors.”

You may only have time to follow Chris Tomer’s forecasts and powder recommendations—and most certainly, that will lead to a great day on the slopes. A little extra time online and some local knowledge may lead to an epic day. Some people, like Luke Stone, have the freedom to live the ski/board bum life, though one could argue that Stone and other powder chasers like him have a lifestyle that borders on obsession.

“If you get to be the first one down the trail on a super deep day on steep terrain, it’s an incredible rush,” says Stone. “We all have addictions, ours is definitely deep storms and the feeling you get when you’re the first one down because everything lined up perfectly.”

The post Storm chasing: How to line up the perfect snowstorm appeared first on OnTheSnow.

Have you visited a ski resort this winter?

If so, share your experiences by filling out a resort review on OnTheSnow.

Your feedback helps the resorts improve, acknowledges a good customer experience, and also helps fellow skiers/snowboarders understand what resorts best fit their preferences.

To leave a review find the resort you recently visited on OnTheSnow and then click on “Reviews”. You can submit your review at the bottom of the page.

Your review will be read by the ski resort, consumers, and forms the basis of the OnTheSnow’s Visitor Choice Awards given to the ski resorts with the highest ratings in any given year.

The post Share your experience at ski resorts to help other skiers appeared first on OnTheSnow.

The good news is that you can prevent many of the ill effects of high altitude. The bad news is that you may need to rethink the beginning of your vacation.

“So many vacationers race off to ski, drink alcohol and sit in hot tubs. It’s a recipe for disaster,” said Sue Purvis, a Wilderness Medical Associates instructor and owner of Crested Butte Outdoors. Purvis has gone to Mt. Everest to teach sherpas how to help their clients acclimatize and served as medical staff for Colorado’s Elk Mountains Grand Traverse ski race.

“We race up to high elevation, and our bodies don’t like it,” Purvis said. “The body tries to compensate for the reduced oxygen by breathing twice as fast.”

At high elevation, the reduction in oxygen causes the capillaries in the body to dilate and leak fluid until acclimatized. In short, this causes a laundry list of possible symptoms: shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, lethargy, decreased appetite, nausea, fever and sleeplessness.

Ski resorts above 8,000 feet pose the highest risk to those who are not acclimated to the elevation. These are mostly the resorts in Colorado, Utah and the Sierras.

Loveland is one of North America’s highest elevation resorts, with lifts running higher than 12,000 feet. Photo Courtesy of Loveland Ski Area.

At 8,000 feet, oxygen is reduced by 25 percent from sea level. At Colorado’s Arapaho Basin and Loveland, the highest elevation ski areas in North America, oxygen is reduced even further. Their 13,000-foot summits have about 38 percent less oxygen than sea level.

So what does Purvis recommend if you feel ill? First, assume you have altitude sickness until proven otherwise and do not go any higher in elevation. This may mean staying in the condo rather than skiing on the first day of your vacation. You also can schedule a layover day in transit at a lower elevation city, such as Denver or Salt Lake City, to aid in acclimatization.

That ‘brutal’ first day

“That first day is brutal,” Purvis said. “You’ve got to rest. Surrender to the fact you might be feeling tired, short of breath, headachy. Rest and hydrate.”

Purvis also added that symptoms can hang around for one to four days. If the symptoms have not improved in 24 hours, then descend in elevation. If symptoms become acute, then descend immediately and head to the emergency room.

Often, dehydration compounds the ill effects of altitude. Elevation, dry air, cold weather and failing to drink enough fluids lead to dehydration, which can exacerbate altitude illness.

“One solution is to hydrate before you fly, enough to urinate every two to three hours while you are traveling,” Purvis said. “Avoid anything that sucks fluids from you—caffeine, alcohol, narcotics, hot tubs and overexertion.”

Careful with prescribed drugs

Some doctors prescribe drugs such as Diamox to prevent altitude sickness. But Purvis isn’t a fan of drugs because so many are diuretics that cause further dehydration.

Instead, Purvis recommends taking a rest day upon arrival at high-elevation resorts. Instead of racing up the lifts, hydrate and allow your body to acclimatize. She also proposes eating fruits and vegetables that carry more fluids into the body rather than digging into big steak dinners and salty fries.

“Take it easy. Go shopping, go to the spa, attend a yoga class,” Purvis said. “In all of my years of going to altitude, my medicine is hydration. The key is if you just stay hydrated and rest, minor symptoms should resolve themselves.”

The post Avoid altitude sickness on high elevation ski trips by hydrating appeared first on OnTheSnow.

Science of Meteorology

The science of meteorology is as complex as any other field of study, but you can understand how snow is created through one very simple phrase: Weather happens when moist air gets high. Yes, there are only two main ingredients to any type of precipitation, including snow. And those ingredients are moisture and rising air. Let’s look at what orographic lift is and why it is so important for this equation.

Rising air is a requirement for precipitation. When air rises, it expands due to lower pressure. Expanding air cools, and cooler air allows the moisture in the air to condense into precipitation (for our sake, hopefully temperatures are cold enough for this precipitation to be snow).

Orographic Lift

There are many ways for air in the atmosphere to rise, but the most efficient way is orographic lift. This is a fancy name with a very simple meaning. When wind hits a mountain and is forced to rise over the mountain, this is called orographic lift. This simple concept is such a powerful lifting force in the atmosphere that it is likely responsible for the majority of the snow that falls in big mountains.

When air runs into a mountain, the side that it hits first is called the windward side. This is where air is forced to rise, and this is the side of the mountain that sees the majority of the precipitation. The opposite side of the mountain is called the leeward side and usually sees much less precipitation. The reason is because air is descending on this side of the mountain, and descending air is warmer and drier—the opposite of ascending air.

Wind Direction

When forecasting snow for your favorite mountain, the biggest forecasting secret is to find the wind direction that favors rising air. If the direction of the wind will force it to hit bigger mountains before your ski area, this is not good for snowfall because the air will descend from these higher peaks down to your mountain. The opposite is what we’re looking for—air flowing freely upwind of your mountain and then hitting your mountain head on and being forced to rise.

If you want to try your hand at forecasting, look for weather maps that show the wind direction near the tops of your local mountains. For the eastern U.S. and lower mountains, the 850 mb map shows the wind direction at about 5,000 feet above sea level. For the western U.S. and higher mountains, use the 700 mb map that shows the wind direction at about 10,000 feet. In both cases, you’ll want to find winds that are at least 10 mph and preferably a bit stronger. Slower winds don’t force the air to rise as rapidly.

Remember, orographic lift is the secret to forecasting powder in big mountains. If you find the favored wind direction to maximize the orographics, you’ll out-forecast almost every meteorologist.

The post What is Orographic Lift? appeared first on OnTheSnow.

Drivers should make sure they have the right-size chains for the tires on their vehicle, and put them in the trunk. Also put a blanket or pad in the trunk, to kneel or lie on when installing the chains. Have a flashlight, and a pair of gloves, as well. Practice putting on chains in dry conditions, before having to do it in the cold, snow, and dark.

Chains give the best traction in snow, but are cumbersome, clunky, and can be difficult to put on. They are required on some vehicles on some roads that pass over mountain passes, for example some passes in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.

In other places, states require chains, other traction devices, or snow tires on the drive axle of all vehicles except four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles.

Where chains are required, drivers must stop and put them on. In some places, drivers can find professional chain installers in areas where chains are required.

The speed limit when chains are required is 25 to 30 mph.

Drivers who choose the put on chains themselves should pull off the road completely, so they are not blocking traffic, or are in danger of being hit. They should also pull off the road completely when removing chains.

The post How To Drive With Car Tire Chains appeared first on OnTheSnow.