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Powder boarding
"in powder snow it all seems to be so easy, somehow calmy, like you're gliding on wings.
To me it sometimes seems to be like in quick motion, because the snow carries you and make you reach the valley safe and sound."
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Before getting started:
We all know that powder snow is only availabe when there is snow in abundance. Lots of snow does not only men a lot of fun, but extra caution as well. Therefore, a safety check with the lift company, through the avalanche phone or with the mountain rescue team is absolutely necessary on each "powdry day".
Of cours it would be too bad, if you would have to break off a perfect day early, because you've put yourself in danger by taking impassable courses with no way back.
Going on stepp and real Alpine grounds a rescue equipment is an absolute must (search equipment, shovel, probe). You have to practise in using this equipment in advance as well.
We assume that you would like to avoid getting hurt when boarding. That is why we advise you to do some stretching exercises before getting started. At least stretching the main muscle groups: shoulders, trunk and legs is very important. All of this will probably take you only 5 minutes and guarantees unconcerned powder fun.
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Powder techniques:
In the powder snow you want to make nice, long and complete curves to make you feel like flying. The best way to achieve this feeling is by making high curves.
With backside pressure there is less risk that the board digs itself in into the deep snow. On the other hand, frontside pressure is mainly used by competition boarders, quick edge changing makes the difference between victory and defeat.
Also for powder boarding it is important, to have a technically right body position. Pelvis and shoulders turned into the boarding direction, the knees in an angle of 40 and 80° and make sure that the centre of gravity of the body stays over the board.
To make sure that the board won't dig itself into the snow, a slightly backward body position is important when powder boarding. You will manage that, by putting more pressure on the tail with the back leg.
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Making frontside turns you achieve the desired backward position by straightening the front leg. With backside turns it is easier for us to come into the backward position and so to increase the pressure on the tail. The slant position of the feet and the bakcside and heel pressure help us with this.
Basically it is recommendable to start the powder boarding day with pace, on the principle that "The early one gets the best powder!". You should try to board as bravely if you can, to improve your level gradually and not to be but off by insignificant fall.
The more experienced you behave in such exceptional situations, the smaller the risk to get hurt. Being on the verge of falling, you should try to keep your entire body tightened and actively fight the fall.
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Equipment tips:
In the powder snow, you should use the same equipment which is used for freeriding. Generally a board for powder boarding should be a little broader (from ca. 22 cm), because a broad board will glide throught the powder more easily.
Warm and dry clothing is something that goes without saying. It is highly recommendable to always wear a helmet and back protector, you never know if there are stones hidden under the beautiful white carpet!.
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