How to Ski in Low Visibility: Tactics for Foggy or Snowy Days

12 January 2025

Skiing is exhilarating—there’s nothing quite like the rush of gliding down a mountain with crisp air filling your lungs. But when low visibility strikes, whether from fog, snow, or flat light, it can quickly turn your dream day on the slopes into a nerve-wracking experience. So, how do you ski when you can barely see where you're going? Don’t worry, I got you covered! Let’s dive into everything you need to know about skiing in low visibility.

What is Low Visibility in Skiing?

Before we jump into tactics, let's clarify what we mean by "low visibility." Skiing in low visibility typically involves conditions where your ability to see clearly is reduced—think fog, heavy snowfall, or flat light conditions. Flat light, in particular, is when the sky is overcast, and the light becomes diffuse, making the terrain appear completely flat. It’s like trying to ski on a sheet of white paper—super disorienting, right?

Low visibility can happen unexpectedly, and it’s crucial to be prepared. These tricky conditions demand extra attention and specific tactics to ensure you stay safe while still having fun.

The Challenges of Skiing in Low Visibility

It’s no secret that skiing in poor visibility can feel unsettling. You can’t rely as much on your vision to guide you, and depth perception goes out the window. Here are a few specific challenges you might face:

- Reduced Depth Perception: When the light is flat, or there's heavy fog, it becomes difficult to judge the slope, bumps, or dips. You might not see those moguls until you’re on top of them!

- Limited Awareness: With snow or fog swirling around, you may not be able to see other skiers, obstacles, or even the edge of the trail.

- Increased Risk of Fatigue: Skiing in low visibility conditions can mentally drain you faster as your brain works overtime to process what little information it’s getting from your environment.

With that in mind, let’s talk about some tactics that will help you ski confidently even when Mother Nature throws a curveball your way.

Tactics for Skiing in Low Visibility

1. Choose the Right Goggles

Let’s start with one of the most essential pieces of gear you need: your goggles. In low visibility, having the right lenses can make a world of difference.

- Yellow, Gold, or Amber Lenses: These colors are best for low-light conditions. They enhance contrast, making it easier to see bumps, ridges, and other terrain features.

- Photochromic Lenses: These lenses adapt to changing light conditions, darkening when it's bright and lightening up when it's overcast or foggy. They’re a great all-around option, especially if the weather is unpredictable.

- Anti-Fog Coating: Trust me, you don’t want your goggles fogging up when visibility is already low. Make sure your goggles have anti-fog technology or carry some anti-fog spray with you.

2. Stay on Groomed Runs

When visibility is poor, it's not the time to get adventurous. Stick to the groomed runs because they’ll be more predictable. Groomed trails are typically smoother and more consistent, meaning fewer surprises like sudden bumps or drops.

Plus, if the visibility gets so bad that you can’t see the trail markers, sticking to familiar, well-groomed runs can help you stay oriented and ensure you don’t accidentally ski off a steep or dangerous area.

3. Follow the Trees

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book—stay close to the treeline! No, I’m not telling you to go tree skiing (unless you’re a pro, that is), but skiing near trees can help you gain some visual contrast.

In flat light or fog, wide-open areas can make you feel like you're skiing in a whiteout. The trees offer visual cues and help with depth perception, giving you something to focus on. They also serve as a natural windbreak, reducing the amount of snow blowing into your face.

4. Use Landmarks for Guidance

If you’re familiar with the mountain, use landmarks like lift towers, signs, or rock formations to help guide your way down. These fixed points can ground you and give you a reference, especially when the horizon seems to disappear.

In a pinch, follow the trail markers along the side of the run—ski resorts usually place them at regular intervals. Just make sure you’re not the skier who’s too focused on the trees and misses a crucial turn!

5. Slow Down and Shorten Your Turns

This one may seem like common sense, but it's often the hardest to remember when you're caught up in the moment. When visibility is low, slow down. You don’t need to be bombing down the mountain at full speed. In fact, skiing too fast in low visibility is a recipe for disaster.

Shorten your turns as well. Short, controlled turns allow you to stay more in control of your speed and reaction time, giving you a better chance to navigate any unexpected obstacles. It’s all about staying in control and skiing within your comfort zone.

6. Keep Your Body Centered

In good visibility, you might shift your weight forward to get more aggressive on your skis. In low visibility, however, it’s better to stay centered over your skis. This gives you more control and helps you react quickly if you hit an unexpected patch of moguls or uneven snow.

When you're centered, it’s easier to adjust your stance and balance in case you need to make quick changes to your direction or speed.

7. Ski with a Buddy

When the visibility is low, skiing with a buddy is always a good idea. Not only does it add a layer of safety in case either of you gets into trouble, but it also helps to have someone else’s presence as a reference point in the snow.

Take turns leading and following, so you can rely on each other for guidance. Just make sure you keep each other in sight. If it becomes difficult to see your partner, stop and regroup before heading down further.

8. Use Your Poles More

Your ski poles are your best friends when the light is flat, or visibility is limited. Use them to feel out the terrain in front of you, giving you extra feedback about the slope ahead.

Planting your poles in regular intervals also helps you keep a rhythm, which is especially useful when you can’t see the terrain clearly. Plus, it’s a great way to maintain balance and control in tricky conditions.

9. Stay Loose and Flexible

It’s easy to tense up when you’re skiing in tough conditions, but stiffening up won’t help. In fact, staying loose and flexible is key. Being able to react to changes in terrain—whether it's an unexpected bump or a patch of icy snow—requires flexibility in your knees, hips, and ankles.

Imagine you’re flowing with the mountain rather than fighting against it. The more relaxed and fluid you are, the better you’ll be able to handle any surprises.

10. Take Breaks

Skiing in low visibility conditions is mentally taxing. Your brain is working overtime trying to make sense of the fog, snow, and flat light. Don’t be afraid to take more frequent breaks to rest and recalibrate.

Find a safe spot, preferably with good visibility, and give yourself a moment to relax. Not only will this help reduce mental fatigue, but it will also give you a chance to assess the conditions and decide if it’s safe to continue skiing or if it’s time to call it a day.

Safety First: When to Call It a Day

No day of skiing is worth risking your safety. If the visibility gets so bad that you can’t see your skis or the next trail marker, it’s time to head indoors. Fog and snow can intensify quickly, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

If you’re unsure, ask the ski patrollers or staff for advice—they’re trained to keep an eye on the conditions and will let you know if it's better to wait it out or head back down the mountain.

Bonus Tip: Bring a Map or GPS

If you’re skiing at a large resort or unfamiliar mountain, carry a trail map or have a GPS app handy. It’s easy to get turned around when you can’t see landmarks, and having a map will help you stay on course. Some ski apps even offer real-time tracking, so you can see exactly where you are on the mountain.

Conclusion

Skiing in low visibility doesn’t have to be terrifying. With the right equipment, mindset, and tactics, you can confidently navigate the slopes even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Remember to stay safe, ski within your limits, and most importantly—have fun! Even in fog or snow, skiing is all about embracing the adventure.