27 August 2025
Skiing in powder — it’s the holy grail for winter sports lovers. That magical feeling of floating through soft, untouched snow is what keeps many skiers coming back for more. But here’s the truth: powder skiing looks a lot easier than it actually is. If you've ever tried it and face-planted after two turns, you're not alone.
The good news? With the right techniques and mindset, you can learn to ride deep snow like a pro. Whether you're an intermediate skier looking to level up or a seasoned shredder wanting to smooth things out, understanding the subtle tweaks required for powder can make all the difference.
Let’s break it down—what to do, what to avoid, and how to absolutely slay your next powder day.

Why Powder Skiing Is So Different
First things first: why is powder skiing so tricky?
Regular groomed runs are hard-packed. Your skis grip the snow, and turns are quick and snappy. But in deep powder, there's less resistance. It’s like skiing through whipped cream. If you try to turn the same way you would on a groomer, your skis might dive deep, slow you down—or worse—send you somersaulting.
Powder skiing requires a different approach—more fluid, more balanced, and a lot more intuitive.

The Foundation: Gear Matters More Than You Think
Before we even get into technique, let’s talk gear. You wouldn't bring a butter knife to a steak dinner, right? Likewise, you don’t want to ski powder on your narrow, icy-slope skis.
1. Choose the Right Skis
Fat skis are your best friend on a powder day. Look for skis that are:
- Wider underfoot (100mm or more)
- Rockered at the tip and tail for better float
- Stiff enough to power through variable snow
These skis help you stay on top of the snow instead of sinking into it like a stone.
2. Adjust Your Binding Settings
You might want to drop your DIN settings slightly (just a tad!) for powder skiing, but always check with a ski tech. When you fall in deep powder, your skis can twist off more easily—and you don’t want to lose one in the white abyss forever.

The Powder Skiing Stance: Loosen Up
Forget what you’ve been taught about skiing with rigid precision. Powder skiing is more like dancing—smooth, rhythmic, and intuitive.
1. Stay Centered (Or Slightly Back)
Unlike carving on ice, where you aggressively lean forward, powder skiing requires a more
centered stance. Think of standing tall over your skis, with your weight evenly distributed. In super deep snow, you might shift slightly back to keep your tips floating.
But careful—not too far or you'll lose control.
2. Hands Forward, But Relaxed
Keep your hands where you can see them, but don’t tense up. Imagine you're holding two trays of drinks—you want them visible and balanced, but not clenched.
3. Be Light on Your Feet
Powder skiing rewards finesse, not force. The more you muscle your turns, the harder it becomes. Try to bounce lightly, like you're hopping on a trampoline with invisible springs. Feel the snow, don’t fight it.

Turning in Powder: Slow Down to Speed Up
Turning in powder is vastly different from on a groomed piste. You’re not carving; you’re floating, pivoting, and directing your momentum.
1. Use Both Skis Together
In powder, your skis act more like a single unit. Trying to move them independently can cause one to sink, leading to instant trouble. Think of your legs as a single piston, moving together vertically and laterally.
2. Rhythm Over Power
Find a rhythm that matches the terrain. Powder skiing is all about flow. It’s less about sharp, aggressive turns and more about smooth, intentional pivots. Picture yourself surfing down the mountain—it’s that kind of vibe.
3. Round Out Your Turns
You want to steer with your whole body. Initiate the turn with your upper body slightly, then let your skis follow. Avoid abrupt movements—you’re painting big, round S-curves through soft snow, not slicing a pizza.
Speed: Too Little Can Be Trouble
It might sound counterintuitive, but going too slow in powder can actually make things harder. Without enough speed, you lose float and sink into the snow.
1. Maintain Momentum
That doesn’t mean you should bomb straight down the hill—but you do need enough speed to stay on top of the fluff. It’s like riding a bike: try going super slow and you’ll topple over. Same idea here.
2. Look Ahead
Don’t stare at your tips (we all do it when nervous). Look where you want to go, not where you are. Your body will naturally follow your gaze. Trust it.
Dealing with Steeps, Trees, and Variable Terrain
Powder isn’t always served on a silver platter with wide, open bowls. Sometimes you're dealing with trees, tight spaces, or steep slopes. Here's how to handle it.
1. Skiing Steeps in Powder
On steeper slopes, gravity is your best buddy. You don’t need to force the turns—just guide them. Keep your weight a bit more forward to avoid tipping backward. The key is
confidence over hesitation.2. Navigating Trees
Tree skiing requires agility and focus. Keep your movements compact, don’t make huge turns, and always have an exit plan. And above all—look between the trees, not at them. Your brain will steer you toward what your eyes focus on.
3. Variable Conditions
Powder isn't always consistent. You could hit a crusty patch or a hidden bump. Stay relaxed, absorb the terrain with your knees, and keep your upper body calm. The more you stiffen up, the less control you have.
Breathing and Mental Game: Your Secret Weapons
Powder skiing is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Confidence, calmness, and rhythm go a long way.
1. Don’t Panic When You Sink
Everyone has that moment of panic when they sink in deep snow. Take a breath. Shift your weight slightly back, keep your tips up, and gradually regain your rhythm.
2. Find Your Flow State
You know that feeling when everything clicks? Powder skiing is addictive because it offers those “flow” moments—when your brain shuts off, and your body just skis. Chase that. Let go. Trust your gear and instincts.
What to Avoid in Powder Skiing
Let’s quick-fire a few common mistakes so you can skip the school of hard knocks:
- ❌ Don’t lean too far back—you’ll tire yourself out.
- ❌ Don’t try to carve like on groomed runs—it’s a different ballgame.
- ❌ Don’t keep your skis too far apart—they work as a team.
- ❌ Don’t ski too slow—you’ll sink instead of float.
- ❌ Don’t hold your breath—breathe and stay relaxed.
Practice Makes Perfect
You won’t master powder skiing in one day. But each run teaches you something new. Take baby steps. Start on low-angle slopes with a few inches of fresh snow, then move to deeper terrain as your confidence builds.
Riding powder is like learning to dance—awkward at first, but once you find the rhythm, there's nothing else like it.
Final Tip: Embrace the Falls
Yep, you’re going to wipe out. Sometimes it's a gentle flop; other times, you’ll yard-sale into a snowbank. Happens to the best of us. Laugh it off, dig out your skis, and keep going.
Here’s a small trick: if you do fall, use your poles to push yourself upright. Roll onto your back or side, then stand up slowly. Deep snow is forgiving—as long as you stay light-hearted.
Conclusion: Powder Power Is All About Feel
Skiing in powder is a blend of technique, gear, and mindset. It's not about rigid rules—it’s about feel. Float like you're on clouds, move like you're dancing, and smile like there's no tomorrow.
With the right approach, powder days won’t intimidate you. They’ll be your favorite days on the mountain.
So next time the snow report screams “Freshies!”, grab your fat skis, stay loose, and glide like a pro.