Spring Snow

Forums Advice Q&A Spring Snow

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #202
    rowan
    Participant

      Any tips on riding soft spring snow? Do the same principles as riding deep powder apply? Turning is the problem mostly, in many areas the snow is so soft and slow i feel like I'm going to catch an edge.  I would like to keep riding thru most of april so any advice would be appreciated…

      #2789
      Frosty
      Keymaster
        First off, you really need to get a feel for softer and heavier snow that spring brings.  The technique is similar to riding mid-season powder, but can be more challenging and less forgiving.  On the other hand, the higher water content present in spring snow can give a more “surfy” feeling that is unbeatable!  The more time you spend on the mountain late in the season, the better you will become.

        Tips for Snowboarding In Spring Snow

        1. Keep your momentum going.  If you are doing a lot of traversing or slowing and stopping you are going to hate it.  Keep the nose of your board pointed down the slope and keep moving at a reasonable pace.
        2. Do not side-slip unless you are on a really steep run.  Even then keep it limited.  The further you steer your board across the fall line to finish a turn the harder it will be to initiate the new
        #3916
        Frosty
        Keymaster
          OK here is one of my long-held secret weapons for spring corn snow. Late in the day when the slush is so wet it is grabby.  It can get nasty out there.  It’s fun to ride in your shorts and t-shirts, but that seemingly soft surface can really tear you up when you wipe out. Tune like this and you will be passing everybody — flats, steeps, wherever.

          1. Texture the base hard and deep.  If you don’t know what you are doing have someone else do it. You want channels for the water to move diagonally outwards from under the board.  Yes, just like Aqua-tred tires. 
          2. Put down an all-season base wax, scrape all off, then brush hard with brass or nylon.  Then hit up the base with the secret weapon…Holmenkol Wet Racing Wax
          #3953
          Frosty
          Keymaster
          Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
          • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.