If we focus more specifically on the first part of the title of the post, types of snow,we could distinguish a lot (champagne, virgin, soup, crusty ...), however,in skiing we will distinguish 5 types, which are what we find in snow reports, and that will give us an idea of the conditions that we find on piste.
POWDER: This type of snow is characterized by the speed which provides the skier, and its light consistency. We will find it after snowfall occur and if the temperature and humidity are suitable for preservation. Personally I think it´s the type of snow with more benefits can bring us in skiing, since it will provide us an excellent fixation to the piste, you avoid falls by sliding skyboards and in the event of, reducing the violence of the impact. Now there is a difference whether we find the powder snow "compact" or if instead is "virgin." i´m going to explain the difference in a new post in which we will explain how to ski with every kind of snow.
A defining element of this type of snow is the "powder" up after the turns of the skier.
Image 1, Cloud Dust feature of this snow lifted by a skier
HARD-POWDER SNOW:This snow is characterized by a compact snow base on which there is a thin layer of powder. This snow will be found in those stations where the snow has been compacted and weather conditions permit their conservation. In my opinion is the second best kind of snow after powder snow because it has similar features, except that ice surfaces may appear.
An unmistakable feature is the fact that perfectly reflects the brand with the edges of the skis after the skiers descent.
Image 2, hard-powder snow, by Nevasport
HARD: This snow would be the next phase in terms of hardness after the hard-powder snow, in the that layer of powder snow that had the above would be lost. Is characterized as its name indicates by its hardness, which can provide the high speed skier, however can be dangerous, since the braking distance is much greater than in other types of snow and is very likely to occur ice, make losing virtually all the stability on skiers.
Image 3, hard snow, by Berichinexperiences.blogspot
WET: Snow characterized by its high density, caused by the mixture of snow and water. Personally I would recommend not skiing with this kind of snow or take special care, as it is causing many injuries. This snow usually occurs in the hottest hours of the day, so we recommend starting before the ski day and end when this snow begins to appear.
Image 4, wet snow, by image.frompo.com
SPRING: Characteristic snow the final weeks of the season, in which heat is becoming more intense and the day lengthens. The characteristics of this snow are very similar to those of the wet snow, so precautions to carry out would be the same.
Image 5,spring snow, by Nevasport
Viewed Links:
http://noticias.eltiempo.es/2014/11/12/tipos-de-nieve-para-esquiar/ , by Javier.
I think that you have reflected very well the characteristics of each type of snow, however every now and again if have snowed at night and they hadn't had time to crush the snow, we will find virgin snow. Would you mind telling me which is the best way to ski over this type of snow????
ReplyDeleteWhen you ski on virgin snow, the most important thing is to have a centered position in which your weight not tilt forward or backward, and unless you have some special skis, do not try to make sharp turns.
ReplyDelete