Skiing is a thrilling and adventurous sport that offers a unique combination of athleticism, skill, and connection with nature. One of the techniques that skiers often encounter, whether on cross-country trails or backcountry slopes, is traversing. Traversing in skiing involves skiing across a slope rather than directly downhill, and it requires a combination of balance, technique, and the proper use of your gear. While it may seem like a simple task, traversing can present its own challenges, especially in uneven terrain or when navigating through powder. Understanding how to traverse efficiently and safely is an essential skill for all skiers, from beginners to experienced adventurers. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed guide on how to traverse skiing, breaking down the essential techniques, tips, and gear to enhance your ability on the slopes.
Understanding Traversing in Skiing
Traversing in skiing refers to the act of skiing horizontally across a slope rather than going directly down. It is a technique used to navigate across terrain, such as when you need to reach a different area of the mountain or when climbing a slope.
Traversing is a common technique for backcountry skiers, cross-country skiers, and alpine skiers who may need to ski along a ridge, across a snowfield, or avoid a steep descent.
When traversing, your skis move in a sideways motion, and you have to adjust your weight distribution, body posture, and turning technique to maintain control and balance. The challenge lies in maintaining momentum without slipping sideways and ensuring a smooth and controlled motion without losing energy.
The Basic Technique for Traversing
The fundamental goal when traversing is to move smoothly across the slope, keeping your skis parallel and maintaining control of your movements. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the basic technique:
1. Choose the Right Slope
The first step in traversing is selecting the right slope. Ideally, you should start with a moderate slope, not too steep, to avoid losing control. If the slope is too steep, you risk sliding sideways, which can be tiring and dangerous. Look for a slope with a gradual incline and relatively even snow coverage to make the traverse easier.
2. Positioning Your Skis
When traversing, your skis should be aligned horizontally across the slope. Keep your skis flat on the snow to create as much surface area contact as possible, which will help reduce slipping. Your weight should be evenly distributed across both skis to avoid tipping to one side or the other.
3. Adjusting Your Body Position
Your body position plays a critical role in maintaining balance while traversing. Keep your torso upright, your knees slightly bent, and your weight centered over your skis. Lean into the slope slightly to counterbalance the force pulling you downhill.
Your arms should be positioned forward and slightly apart to help with stability, and your gaze should be directed ahead, not at your skis.
4. Use Your Edges
In order to maintain control and prevent sliding, you’ll need to use the edges of your skis. When traversing across the slope, engage the inner edges of your skis to dig into the snow slightly. This will give you more grip and help maintain a steady motion. Be sure to keep the edges of your skis sharp for optimal performance.
5. Small, Controlled Steps
To maintain control, take small, controlled steps as you traverse. Avoid large, sweeping movements, as they can disrupt your balance. Instead, use short, quick glides, adjusting your weight as needed to prevent slipping.
6. Turning While Traversing
When traversing on a slope, you may need to change direction. This requires a careful turn while keeping your skis parallel to the slope. To turn, gently shift your weight to the inside edge of the ski in the direction you want to go. Your upper body should rotate slightly, and your skis should follow through in a smooth, controlled arc.
Key Factors to Consider While Traversing
Several factors can influence your traversing experience and make it more challenging. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Snow Conditions
Snow conditions significantly affect your ability to traverse. Powder snow, for example, may require more effort to maintain balance and control, while icy conditions can make traversing more difficult due to a lack of grip. Make sure your skis are suited to the snow conditions you’re traversing in, as this can improve your performance. Skiing gear like powder skis or skins for backcountry use can enhance your stability in various snow conditions.
Skill Level
Your skill level plays a crucial role in how efficiently you can traverse. Beginners may find it difficult to maintain balance and control, especially on steeper slopes. It’s important to start on gentler terrain and gradually progress to more challenging areas as you build confidence and skill. Consider getting a skiing guide for more personalized instruction to help improve your technique.
Terrain
The type of terrain you are skiing on also impacts your traversing technique. Steep, rocky, or uneven slopes can be harder to traverse due to the risk of slipping or losing control. Be mindful of the terrain and ensure you’re equipped with the proper gear for more challenging environments, such as alpine skis, which are more suited to varied slopes.
Wind and Weather
Weather conditions, particularly wind, can also affect your traversing. Wind can make it more difficult to maintain balance, especially when skiing on exposed slopes. Always check the weather forecast and be prepared for any changes in wind or snow conditions that may make traversing more difficult.
How to Traverse with Ski Poles
Using ski poles can help you maintain balance and provide extra propulsion while traversing. The correct pole usage is crucial for both stability and efficiency. Here are some tips for using ski poles while traversing:
1. Plant the Pole Ahead
When traversing, plant your ski poles ahead of you and use them to push yourself across the slope. The poles should be planted firmly into the snow, providing stability and helping you maintain your direction.
2. Keep Poles Close to Your Body
For better control, keep the poles close to your body and avoid letting them swing too far. This will help maintain balance and allow you to adjust your position more easily if necessary.
3. Use Poles to Shift Weight
While traversing, use the poles to help shift your weight when necessary. By planting the poles firmly and pushing with them, you can maintain your balance and adjust your body position more easily.
Using Traverse Skiing in Backcountry and Cross-Country Skiing
Traversing is an essential skill for backcountry skiers and cross-country skiers. In backcountry skiing, traversing allows you to explore different areas of the mountain, reach untracked powder, or access ridges and peaks that would be difficult to reach with a direct descent. Cross-country skiers use traversing to cover long distances across flat or rolling terrain, making it essential for endurance and efficiency.
In both types of skiing, traversing is a critical technique for maintaining momentum, controlling your speed, and navigating various types of terrain. Be sure to practice traversing regularly and familiarize yourself with different snow conditions and terrains to become a more proficient skier.
Conclusion
Traversing is an important skill for all types of skiers, from beginners to advanced athletes. By mastering the technique, adjusting your body position, and using the right equipment, you can navigate slopes more efficiently and safely. Whether you are exploring the backcountry, cross-country skiing, or simply traversing across a mountain, the ability to move smoothly and confidently across the terrain will enhance your overall skiing experience.