How do you handle skiing on ICE?

[SkiCatDad]

Ice is sometimes unavoidable. You'd be surprised though if you are confident, just try turning but be prepared if your skis start sliding. You just have to be ready for anything. Some ice will allow you to turn or carve, others will want to send you sliding down the hill. Either way if you stay centered and brace yourself ahead of time you should be able to get through it. Remember, at the end of most Icy spots is usually a trough of powder or corn or something.

[danger]

in wintergreen va, if you avoid ice you might not be able to ski. all you need is strong legs and endurance. the technique is no different than snow except your legs bounce.

[snoskichk121]

whats really bad is wen practically the whole hill is icy, and then you get to a part that is really good powdery snow...its like your going so fast cuz of the ice and then you like stop unexpectantly because of the powder...but your body is still going becaz of inertia...its kinda funny tho, to watch when a bunch of beginners fall down on the powder and not on the ice

[Line101]

luckily were i live we rarly see ice

[Adam]

I still hate ice! Had a couple of close calls this season with pure sheets of ice.
Only really happened in the evenings when the snow had been skied on too much.

[Mr.Crizi]

depends on the definition of ice.. snow thats hard and a bit ice is okay to ski in, but when I can see my reflection I stay away..

[Bumper]

Over the last 15 years the ski industry has been emphasizing "carving" - e.g. high edge angles which use the shape and turning radius of the ski to create turn shape. One of the unintended consequences of carving is that skiers mistakenly think that if there is any lateral (e.g. sideways) slippage in a turn then they are "out of control".

However, really good skiers do not carve all the time. They use the full range of edge angles ranging from a totally flat ski to high edge angles, depending upon their intention.

In moguls and powder you want to use a "flatter" ski (e.g. less edge angle) so as to generate some lateral slippage which, in turn, creates friction - which, in turn, enables you to ski slower on 3-dimensional terrain.

The same technique is useful on ice. Instead of using a high edge angle which causes you to "chatter" on ice as you attempt (usually unsuccessfully) to dig your edges into the ice, use a flatter ski and moderate or "feather" your edges. This enables you to (1) stay balanced over your base of support (e.g. your feet) and (2) remain more relaxed. Go with the flow. It is OK to allow yourself to slip sideways on ice. You will soon be back on more enjoyable snow.

[mortabunt]

Charge through the ice, unless it is the mid atclantic, because there is practically everything is mounds of scattered powder and ice.

[snoskichk121]

ok the dirty kind of grayish or yellow "ice" is probably packed snow, but the clear "ice" is probably real ice, in which it should be avoided. if not possible, try to brace yourself, and try to avoid it at all costs

[mortabunt]

If I see yellow stuff, I know it is real ice. May be that is just the way my goggle filter makes it look.

[Jackie]

Depending on how hard the ice is will determine how to ski. I have skiied late season conditions with SOLID ice. This is absolutely no fun for anyone, but at least you know what you're attacking and you can carve hard with very wide turns to control speed and keep those edges dug in. We have our skis tuned every year. We need thos sharp edges! Hard groomed cordouroy is o.k. because it is consistent and I just attack that with confidence no problem. However, what's tough for me is inconsistency. Last year I navigated a fairly steep slope with bumps all over. It was a split consistency between mashed potatoes and sheer ice due to late season meltdown. Although I don't fall very often, I did twice on this particular trip. The first time, I made my turn and when I went to dig in, found sheer ice. I went end over end and hit my head (rung my bell just a bit). Then, I went to make another turn and nearly did the splits, pulled an interior thigh muscle and ended the day (it was minor). The problem with the split consistency is you're anticipating a certain terrain and maintaining pressure in a certain way. Further adding to this problem is that we skiied very late and were caught between twilight and the night skiing lights coming on (also formed more solid ice in a hurry in exposed spots). This was a huge mistake because I did not choose my line well. We should have gone to the lodge to rest until visual conditions improved. We were just having too much fun, but this could have cost us! Generally on most ice I can make a split second correction when I sense the problem, but depending on speed, it's not always possible to save yourself in time. I think that speed control is your friend. It is very important to ski with confidence, but there must be some caution. I found that doing various types of ski exercises helped me improve greatly (skiing with no poles on intermediate runs to learn balance techniques and really concentrate on my form) at a relaxed and deliberate pace. I also learned the art of sideslipping to help maintain safety when caught in an unexpected position. If I go to a new place or navigate a new run, I like to see how others handled it first and get a few comments. Beware when you see many empty chairs going up

[wbsr]

Its been mentioned already, but good edges on your skis will make a huge difference. As a general rule, when you hit an icy spot, DON'T turn , just go straight until you get off the ice, then turn. If the whole mountain is icey, then you have to go slower and practice 'finishing' your turns. This will help you maintain your speed, and improve your technique, so when you do get good snow conditions again, you will be able to let it rip with a lot more confidence.

[Runner]

I live in the northeast so the trails often have ice here and there, I just ski it as well as I can, doesn't annoy me very much. Obviously nice snow is better, but its not much of a big deal.

[mortabunt]

Lucky, the typical snow for me is hardpack, so I have forgotten how to ski on soft snow.

[wallflower]

Originally Posted by Michael

I would be interested to know how everyone handles ICE when skiing. I usually try to avoid turning on it to ensure I don't slip, how do you handle it?

very cautiously!