Tips for Maintaining Control in Icy Snow Conditions
Practicing with Merrill Lynch, Keefe Gorman is a respected presence in the investment community who has achieved a Barron’s top 100 advisors ranking. With an extensive background as a competitive skier, Merrill Lynch agent Keefe Gorman stays in practice through participation in World Pro Ski Tour events.
One of the most technically demanding aspects of skiing is dealing with inclement weather and snow conditions that are icy, hard-packed, and far from optimal. To maximize control and minimize risk of injury in such conditions, make sure that the ski edges are sharp and rust and ding free before setting out on the slopes.
If your tendency is to ski with the skis close together, widen them slightly for improved stability on the ice. Keep in mind that too wide of a stance presents its own dangers, as it becomes more difficult to position body weight at the correct angle on steep slopes. This can result in loss of control.
Unlike with soft snow or powder, digging the edges of the skis into icy snow will not bring the skier to a halt. Instead, gentle pressure should be applied on the blade edges that will have the effect of gradually cutting speed and enable stopping.
Many times icy conditions are interspersed by soft snow mounds, and these should be turned into whenever possible, as a way of staying safe and better enjoying the overall skiing experience.
