How to Ski Crud – Things to Consider

How to Ski Crud

In skiing, there are numerous conditions that a skier may choose to ski in including crud, crust, mank, wind affected, powder, coral, ungroomed among others. These requirements vary in snow depth, texture and even temperature and each offer skiers with unique skiing challenges and experiences.  Skiing conditions are referred to as crud when temperatures start to warm up thereby making the snow crusty and cut up. Conditions including crusty powder, popcorn, slushy snow and mashed potatoes are all variations of crud. Crud conditions usually make skiing more challenging and difficult to maneuver. Here we look at a few tips on how to ski crud.

Balancing.  As earlier mentioned, crud skiing involves skiing in unfavorable conditions caused by the change in temperature. One thing to keep in mind while sliding down in crud skiing is your balance. Crud makes skiing terrains very unpredictable and as such, one second you may be pushing through crusty snow and the next get on a smooth terrain. What this means for you is that you will be required to make regular adjustments and often in quick succession.

Create rhythm. Rhythm is fundamental in skiing as such will help in among other things controlling speed. It does not matter where you source your rhythm. While at it, remember to shift your weight especially when considering making turns in crud conditions.

Start your skiing on a smooth terrain. Starting on an even and comfortable terrain will ensure you are well balanced on your skis. A natural terrain also makes it easier for you to pick the desired speed to slide down your terrain without getting stuck. Overall, look for a ground with soft snow that has not been significantly damaged by the sun. It will make it your crud skiing a little more comfortable and more enjoyable.

Pressure your skis more evenly. With this, you need to ensure that your legs apply the same pressure on underfoot. It provides a smooth and even slides which in turn prevent getting stuck on one side.

Have your hands in front go your especially if you employ the technique of hole planting. Having your hands in front of you will ensure you get a right balance and prevent you from leaning backward.  Skiing is a crud can be quite harsh and therefore unless you maintain proper balance, you risk tiring yourself out.

Hopping. When You ski crud, it is essential that you keep your underfoot out and above the snow. One best way to ensure you have your ski out of the snow is hopping Hopping in ski crud needs more effort as compared to skiing on natural terrain. When hopping, ensure your upper body is steady.  Raise your knees to get your legs out and above the snow, and when doing this (hopping) your shoulders and head remain intact. Then flex your legs when you are just about to land. It will allow you gain more flexibility for you to absorb the cruds.  Once you are on land again,  make a rebound as this will help you get your skis from the snow. In cruddier areas, you will need to use more force when hopping.

Maintain a good stance. It will ensure you maintain stability during your ride and avoid getting bounced back especially in murkier conditions

Steer your skis actively with your lower body while your knees and ankles are well relaxed to absorb and adjust to the varying snow conditions in crud skiing.

Typical Crud issues and their possible solutions

Rushing to turn. One mistake that a good majority of skiers commit is to assume that turning especially in crud is very hard and this makes them rush to make turns. However, the truth is making corners not as hard as many tend to believe. Therefore,  instead of rushing to turn, round the rolls to make the ski turn out and into the fall line.

Turn the upper body. When releasing the ski edges, many skiers tend to move around their upper bodies this is a mistake. The upper body and especially the shoulders and head should be kept steady all through skiing. Instead of running the upper body to release the ski edges, it is advisable to use your legs. Using your legs gives you better control and provides more options.

Setting the edge at the end of turn is another common mistake that most skiers commit. Doing this often leads to skiers leaning up to a hill. Instead of doing this, it is advisable to use just enough edge to make the kinds of turns desired.

Ski crud can be challenging alright, but it is not impossible ski in such conditions or even enjoy doing it. The key to getting the most of your ski crud is prior understanding the requirements available to you as this will help you determine what moves to make, to make the most of the prevailing conditions.