Selecting Effective Entries for Narrow Terrain – Skiing Tips

Read our skiing tips on how best to ski narrow chutes and gullies,and then hit those slopes for real practice...

Most mistakes are made in the first two turns since skiers underestimate the pull of gravity as they move onto a slope.

Enter in the spot where you feel most comfortable. Look for the entry point that matches the intensity level that is right for you.

Check the hardness of the snow with your pole and slide in. Feeling the texture gives you more information to use in the overall plan.

Once you have analysed the snow, you can use one of three entries to set a good first turn.

Air in

This tactic is for advanced skiers who understand the snow’s consistency and want a thrilling start to the run. Skiers tend to make three major mistakes when airing into a run. They typically take off out of balance because they have placed their hands back. In the air, their ski tips may rise up as they sit back. When coming down, they may forget to stretch their legs, landing with a thud.

To air correctly, take off from the lip with confidence, placing your hands forward and keeping them balanced. In the air, stay poised and position your skis to match the pitch of the slope. When landing, stretch your legs for suspension, spot the landing with your eyes, and land softly.

Side Hop

The side hop is a good option if you are testing the snow’s consistency because it gives you a chance to feel the snow and to warm up your legs for your first turn. Entering with speed and air creates instant velocity. Be ready for a big slide. When entering with a side hop, slide your skis in sideways, hopping laterally or jumping in with your skis pointed downhill. Of course, jumping requires expert technique for speed control. When done right, this is very exhilarating. The side hop both controls speed and moves you down the slope until you feel comfortable making your first turn.

Slip In

The slip-in is the easiest way to enter a run because as you slide downhill, you can control your speed with your edges and position yourself for a comfortable first turn. If you are comfortable with the first turn, your subsequent turns will also feel more balanced. The act of slipping deliberately onto a steep, narrow slop will give you valuable cues to the consistency and stability of the snow under your feet. To best develop a comfortable connection to the snow surface in a chute or gulley, caress it with a slip action and let the external cues guide you down the natural fall line.