1. Powder: The Holy Grail of Snow
What It Is: Powder snow is freshly fallen, untouched snow that is soft, fluffy and light. With Utah receiving an average of 500 inches of snow annually – much of that being powder – it’s no wonder we’re known for The Greatest Snow on Earth®.
How It Feels: Powder provides a dreamy, floaty sensation. It’s ideal for carving wide turns, dropping into steep lines, or simply enjoying a quiet, magical run (well, except for the cheers and shrieks of pure joy and enthusiasm).
Tips for Riding:
- Keep your weight slightly back to avoid nose-diving into the snow.
- Use wider skis or a snowboard with a rocker profile for better flotation.
- Be prepared for more effort; powder skiing/riding is a workout! (pre-season training helps, but nothing trains you better for powder skiing than powder skiing.)
Gear recommend: Rossignol Sender Free 110 for their playful response of a powder ski and grip of a big mountain board. Rossignol Sushi is a short, wide snowboard designed for surfy turns and playful powder riding.
2. Corduroy: Groomed and Groovy
What It Is: Corduroy is the ridged surface left by grooming machines. These evenly spaced grooves resemble the fabric of the same name. Imagine driving over the rumble strip on the side of the highway – but the sound and feel of skiing corduroy is much cooler.
How It Feels: Smooth, predictable and fast. Corduroy is perfect for carving, making it a favorite for beginners and experts alike.
Tips for Riding:
- Hit the slopes early for the freshest corduroy.
- Focus on edge control to make the most of the smooth surface.
- Ideal for practicing technique and improving speed.
Gear recommend: Rossignol Experience 86 Ti for its precision and edge grip on groomed runs. Rossignol One and Diva (for women) are all-mountain boards superior edge control that’s ideal for carving groomed runs.
3. Corn: Spring’s Shining Star
What It Is: Corn snow forms during spring skiing when the snow thaws during the day and refreezes at night. It’s made up of large, granular crystals and gets its name because of the balls of corn-looking snow that form on the surface.
How It Feels: Soft and forgiving when warmed by the sun, this type of snow offers excellent grip and a fun, slushy ride.
Tips for Riding:
- Time your runs for mid-morning when the snow has softened but isn’t too slushy.
- Watch for icy patches that can form in shaded areas.
- Use a slightly wider stance for better stability.
Gear recommend: Rossignol Rallybird Soul or its quick responsiveness and smooth ride in varying spring conditions. Rossignol Resurgence snowboard has excellent stability and smooth handling which is perfect for changing spring conditions.
4. Crust: The Unforgiving Layer
What It Is: Crust forms when the top layer of snow melts and refreezes, creating a hard, icy shell. It can also develop after rain or wind.
How It Feels: Crust can be challenging to navigate. It’s slippery, uneven, and often hides softer snow underneath.
Tips for Riding:
- Stay balanced and use a strong edge to break through the crust.
- Avoid heavily crusted areas if possible; they can be unpredictable.
- If you’re a beginner, stick to groomed runs on crusty days.
*Bonus: Dust on Crust is a light dusting of fresh snow on top of a crusty layer. Looks can be deceiving here so be careful to not get caught off-guard.
Gear recommend: Rossignol Experience 82 Ti for its stability and edge hold on harder surfaces. The Rossignol Juggernaut is a board built for stability and edge hold on hard and icy conditions.
5. Slush: Spring Skiing’s Wet Blanket
What It Is: Slush is wet, heavy snow typically found in the late afternoon during spring skiing. It’s caused by melting snow as temperatures get warmer.
How It Feels: Fun but tiring. Slush slows you down and can feel sticky underfoot, requiring more effort to maneuver. I make a point to wax my skis more often during the spring season. “Warm weather” or “spring” wax is specifically designed for spring skiing.
Tips for Riding:
- Make sure your body is loose and agile to adapt to rapid speed changes.
- Choose steeper runs, as flat areas can bog you down.
- Embrace the slower pace and enjoy the playful, forgiving nature of slush.
- Ski mid-day to avoid really heavy slush in the afternoon.
Gear recommend: Rossignol Blackops for its maneuverability and versatility in wet conditions. Rossignol Jibsaw is a playful freestyle board with excellent pop and control in soft, slushier conditions.
6. Graupel: Snow’s Cousin
What It Is: Graupel looks like small, soft pellets and forms when supercooled water droplets freeze onto snowflakes. It’s often confused with hail but is much softer.
How It Feels: Graupel creates a slippery, ball-bearing-like surface that can make skiing or snowboarding tricky. Many say graupel feels like skiing powder (yay!) but can sometimes be unstable on the slopes.
Tips for Riding:
- Be cautious on steeper slopes, as graupel can reduce traction.
- Adjust your technique to accommodate the loose, rolling texture.
- Graupel often signals incoming storm conditions, so stay alert to weather changes.
Gear recommend: Rossignol Experience 82 Basalt for its grip and stability on unpredictable surfaces. Rossignol Slashimi is an all-mountain board that provides grip on unpredictable surfaces.
By understanding these six snow types, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever the mountain throws your way. Whether you’re floating through powder or carving corduroy, every snow type offers its own adventure. After all, no ski day is a bad day!
