Snow Skills

Skiing and snowboarding in thick fog can be very difficult. When the snow is white, the air is white, and visibility is at a minimum, skiing and snowboarding can become quite difficult. Feeling stiff and “disconnected” from your equipment becomes difficult. So how do you cope?

First, attempt to relax. Many people take up “defensive” postures and tighten muscles they would not ordinarily tense while skiing or snowboarding. Try to systematically relax each muscle group from toe to head.

Perhaps more importantly, try to find a way around the “flat light”. The best way to do this is to ski closer to the edges of the trail near the trees. The trees along the side of the trail will yield clues to the upcoming terrain and will provide the illusion of increased visibility. Also the snow near trees is more likely to have small twigs and other debris which will help define the contours of the trail.

Note that we are not suggesting foggy days are good days to ski in the trees, quite the contrary, however skiing near the edges of the trail will facilitate depth perception on foggy days.