How to practice downhill skiing

Steep-slope skiing is a form of alpine skiing that involves descending mountain slopes with a pronounced incline and all types of snow conditions. To practice this discipline, you need a lot of technique, skill, and courage, as it involves high speeds and navigating narrow, exposed, and mandatory passages. From Alma de Nieve, your accommodation in Baqueira with all kinds of comforts, we want to tell you more about this discipline.

What is steep-slope skiing?

Steep-slope skiing is a type of alpine skiing practiced outside the marked and signposted pistes of ski resorts. It involves descending slopes with a certain degree of incline that implies a higher level of difficulty. It is not a competitive discipline, but rather a form of personal expression and connection with nature.

How is steep-slope skiing practiced?

To practice steep-slope skiing, you need good physical fitness, excellent skiing technique, and solid knowledge of the terrain and weather conditions. In addition, you must have the proper equipment and safety measures.

The equipment

Skis should be wide, short, and lightweight to facilitate turning and floating on snow. Bindings must be strong and include an anti-break system, while boots should be rigid and comfortable to properly transmit force and prevent injuries. Choose adjustable poles with large baskets to adapt to slope steepness and prevent sinking into the snow. Helmet, goggles, gloves, and clothing must be suitable to protect against cold, sun, and possible impacts.

The technique

This discipline requires good turning, balance, and braking technique. You must adopt a centered position over the skis, with knees flexed and the torso slightly leaning forward. Always look downhill to anticipate obstacles and changes in snow conditions.

The descent

The descent must be carried out with caution, respect, and responsibility. Skiers should go down one by one, always maintaining visual and verbal contact with the rest of the group. Otherwise, enjoy the landscape, the sensation of sliding, and the excitement of the challenge.

What degree of incline is required?

The degree of incline is one of the factors that determine the difficulty and risk of steep-slope skiing. The greater the incline, the higher the technical demand and exposure to falls. Steep-slope skiing is considered to start at 40º (84%), which is the threshold at which snow begins to slide under its own weight.

What techniques should be considered?

Steep-slope skiing requires mastering specific techniques that allow you to safely and effectively handle the situations that may arise in this type of terrain. Some of these techniques are:

• The jump: Consists of jumping over an obstacle or a sudden change in slope while maintaining balance and direction.
• Jump turn: Involves turning in the air using jump momentum. The turn must be initiated before takeoff by rotating shoulders and arms in the desired direction.
• Pivot turn: In this case, you turn around the vertical axis of the body using ski poles for support. You must plant the poles in the snow on both sides of the body and slightly lift the skis off the ground.
• Skidded turn: You turn by sliding the skis on the snow without carving the edges. You lean the body into the turn and flex the knees to absorb terrain irregularities.

When you visit the Aran Valley, do not miss the Baqueira Beret ski resort, as it is one of its main attractions, with steep-slope skiing runs for all levels. At Alma de Nieve, you will find an excellent accommodation option, with a wide range of high-quality apartments in the Aran Valley. An excellent choice if you want to make the most of the Baqueira resort with all kinds of comforts.