Interview Questions for Extreme Skiing

Avalanche safety is paramount in extreme skiing. My experience encompasses years of rigorous training and practical application in diverse backcountry environments. This includes completing avalanche safety courses like AIARE Level 3, participating in numerous avalanche rescue drills, and consistently staying updated on the latest safety protocols and technologies. I’ve directly participated in several avalanche rescue scenarios, both as a rescuer and, unfortunately, as a person involved in a near-miss situation. These experiences have profoundly shaped my understanding of the crucial role of proactive risk assessment and preparedness. My expertise extends to not just the technical aspects of rescue, but also to crucial elements like team communication and decision-making in high-pressure situations.

• Proactive Risk Management: This involves consistently assessing conditions, communicating clearly within the group, and making the difficult decision to turn back if the risks outweigh the rewards.
• Reactive Response: My training ensures swift and efficient execution of rescue protocols, including efficient use of avalanche beacons, probes, and shovels to locate and extricate buried companions.
• Post-Incident Analysis: After every trip, I engage in thorough post-incident analysis, critically evaluating the decisions made, and identifying areas for improvement in both my individual skills and group strategies. This iterative process continuously refines my avalanche safety practices.

Snowpack stability is hugely influenced by the type of snow present. Different snow types have vastly different bonding characteristics, affecting the likelihood of an avalanche.

• Powder Snow: This light, fluffy snow is beautiful to ski but can easily accumulate on steeper slopes, forming a layer that is unstable on top of a harder, older layer. A weak layer of powder can easily trigger a slide.
• Depth Hoar: This is a large-grained, rounded snow that forms at the base of the snowpack during cold periods. It’s incredibly weak and a common cause of avalanches. Think of it as the foundation of your snowpack being weak and crumbly.
• Slab Avalanche: This involves a cohesive layer (the slab) of snow breaking away from a weaker layer underneath. This is the most dangerous and common type of avalanche in mountainous terrain. Slabs are often formed by recent snowfall on top of a weak layer.
• Corn Snow: This is granular, rounded snow which usually forms on sunny, spring slopes. While generally more stable than powder or depth hoar, it can still be unstable on steep, sun-baked slopes.
• Wet Snow: This type of snow becomes very heavy and can trigger avalanches, particularly on steeper slopes. Its weight alone can overwhelm weak layers.

Identifying these snow types and their characteristics is a fundamental part of avalanche risk assessment. Tools such as snow profiles and stability tests (e.g., compression tests) are essential in determining the overall snowpack stability.

My avalanche risk assessment process is systematic and follows established best practices. It’s never a single step, but rather a continuous process starting days before the trip.

1. Pre-Trip Planning: I meticulously research the chosen area, using avalanche forecasts (e.g., from local agencies like the Avalanche Information Service), weather reports, and reviewing recent avalanche activity. I also check the slope angle, aspect (direction the slope faces), and elevation.
2. On-Site Observation: Upon reaching the area, I conduct a thorough on-site assessment, looking for visual clues such as recent avalanche activity, cracking or collapsing sounds in the snowpack, and the presence of wind loading (accumulations of snow caused by wind).
3. Snowpack Analysis: Using a snow shovel, I dig a snow pit to conduct a snow profile analysis, which helps me identify different snow layers and their bonding strengths. This often involves conducting simple tests to assess the stability of the snowpack.
4. Decision Making: Based on my observations and analysis, I determine the avalanche risk level and, most importantly, decide whether or not the trip is safe to proceed. This often involves a collaborative discussion with my partners, ensuring everyone understands and agrees with the risk assessment.
5. Continual Monitoring: Even after making a ‘go/no-go’ decision, my monitoring continues throughout the day, as weather and conditions can change rapidly.

Remember, the most important factor is being willing to turn back if the risk is too high. There’s always another day to ski.

Essential equipment for safe extreme skiing goes beyond skis and boots. It’s about having the right tools for both enjoyment and survival.

• Avalanche Safety Gear: Avalanche transceiver (beacon), shovel, and probe are non-negotiable. Knowing how to use this equipment effectively is more crucial than the equipment itself. Regular practice is key.
• Navigation Tools: Map, compass, GPS device (with extra batteries!), and knowledge of how to use them are essential for safe navigation in the backcountry.
• First-Aid Kit: A comprehensive first-aid kit, tailored for backcountry emergencies, including treatments for hypothermia, frostbite, and injuries. Knowing how to use the kit is just as important.
• Communication Device: Satellite messenger or a two-way radio with extra batteries to enable communication in case of emergencies. Cellular service is often unreliable in remote areas.
• Backpack: A durable backpack with ample space to carry all your gear, including extra layers of clothing, food, and water.
• Clothing: Layers of clothing appropriate for changing weather conditions are crucial. This includes base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof and windproof outer shell.

Regular equipment checks before every trip are absolutely crucial. Failure of any piece of equipment can have serious consequences.

Navigating challenging backcountry terrain requires a blend of technical skills and sound judgment. It’s not just about getting to the top, but about making informed decisions to ensure a safe descent.

• Map and Compass Navigation: The ability to accurately read topographic maps and use a compass to determine direction and location is fundamental. This skill allows for safe route planning and ensures you don’t get lost.
• GPS Navigation: GPS units provide another layer of navigation support, confirming your location and tracking your route. However, reliance on only a GPS is dangerous; it can malfunction and lead to errors.
• Route Planning: Before heading out, I meticulously plan my route, considering factors like terrain complexity, slope angle, snowpack stability, and potential hazards.
• Terrain Awareness: Maintaining constant awareness of my surroundings is crucial. This includes recognizing potential hazards like crevasses (in glaciated areas), cliffs, and areas of significant avalanche risk.
• Decision Making: Being able to objectively assess the situation and make difficult decisions, such as altering the route or turning back, is critical for safety.

Regular practice is essential to develop and refine these skills. Participation in backcountry navigation courses can significantly enhance your abilities.

My proficiency with avalanche safety equipment is a direct result of extensive training and repeated practice. Simply possessing the gear isn’t sufficient; you must know how to use it quickly and efficiently under pressure.

• Avalanche Transceiver: I regularly practice searching techniques, both in controlled environments and during training exercises, to ensure I can locate a buried companion efficiently. This includes understanding how to switch between search and transmit modes and interpreting the signals.
• Probe: Probing is used to pinpoint the exact location of a buried victim once a signal has been detected with the transceiver. Speed and accuracy are crucial here. I practice different probing techniques, including pinpointing the location through the snowpack.
• Shovel: The shovel is used for excavation, and knowing how to efficiently move large amounts of snow is essential for a rapid rescue. I’ve practiced numerous rescue scenarios to refine my speed and technique. Techniques to manage the unstable snow around the buried person are also crucial.

Practicing avalanche rescue as a team is vital. Efficient team communication and coordination are critical for success. Regular drills ensure seamless integration of all three tools.

Recognizing the signs of an impending avalanche requires a keen eye and a good understanding of snowpack behavior. These signs are often subtle but crucial to identifying and mitigating risk.

• Recent Avalanches: Observe if there has been any recent avalanche activity. Even small slides indicate instability in the snowpack.
• Cracking or Whumpfing Sounds: These sounds indicate fracturing within the snowpack, a clear sign of instability.
• Visible Cracks in the Snow: These can be seen on the surface and often signify that the snowpack is on the verge of failure.
• Unusual Snow Conditions: Observe if there are unusual formations in the snow, like hollow sounds when walking on the surface, or collapsing sections.
• Avalanche Terrain: Steep slopes (typically over 30 degrees) facing the prevailing wind are particularly prone to avalanches. Avoid these unless you’re absolutely certain conditions are safe.
• Changes in Weather: Rapid warming, heavy snowfall, and strong winds can drastically increase avalanche risk.

It’s important to remember that the absence of these signs doesn’t guarantee safety. A comprehensive risk assessment is always required.

Avalanche forecasts are crucial for backcountry safety. They provide a probability of avalanche occurrence, categorized by size and likelihood. I interpret them by considering multiple factors. First, I look at the avalanche problem described – this identifies the specific snowpack weaknesses and likely trigger mechanisms (e.g., wind slabs, persistent weak layers). Then, I assess the forecast’s rating system, which typically uses a scale like 1-5 (low to extreme). Finally, I consider the terrain’s aspects and elevation, realizing that slopes facing the prevailing wind or at specific elevations are more vulnerable. For instance, a forecast indicating a considerable avalanche danger (e.g., rating 3 or above) on leeward slopes at high elevations necessitates more cautious route planning, perhaps choosing less steep terrain or avoiding avalanche terrain altogether. I never rely solely on the forecast; I always conduct my own snowpack observations and use my experience to make informed decisions.

My avalanche rescue experience is extensive. I’m proficient in using avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels – the standard rescue tools. Beyond basic skills, I understand the importance of efficient search patterns (like the Z-pattern) and effective teamwork. Time is critical in an avalanche; the survival rate drops dramatically after 15 minutes of burial. I’ve participated in numerous rescue drills, and have been part of real-life rescues. One particularly memorable scenario involved a friend who was caught in a slide. Our quick response with efficient probing led to his successful rescue. The experience reinforced the importance of regular practice and preparedness.

Beyond the technical skills, psychological preparedness is equally critical. Avalanche rescues are stressful, and maintaining a calm, methodical approach amidst chaos is crucial for successful rescue. Regular training enhances this capacity.

Encountering a crevasse demands immediate caution. The first step is visual assessment. Is the crevasse bridged, or is it open? A bridged crevasse might seem safe but could collapse under weight. I’d never attempt to cross an open crevasse without appropriate safety measures. My response involves carefully assessing the surrounding terrain for a safe route around the crevasse. If this isn’t possible, roping up with partners and employing crevasse rescue techniques is essential. This would include testing the snow bridge with an ice axe, using a rope system to traverse or carefully lowering individuals across the crevasse if absolutely necessary. This is something I practice regularly, ensuring my skills are sharp.

Managing extreme weather risks requires a multi-faceted approach. This starts with meticulous trip planning, reviewing weather forecasts from multiple sources, assessing the route’s exposure to wind, cold, and precipitation. I use various weather tools, including specialized mountain weather forecasts and satellite imagery, to gain a comprehensive picture. I also closely monitor changing conditions throughout the day, adjusting the plan as needed. Essential gear includes appropriate clothing layers to manage temperature fluctuations and protective gear against wind and precipitation. When conditions deteriorate rapidly, a safe retreat plan is crucial; I always have a pre-planned alternate route or escape strategy. Knowing when to turn around is a key element in extreme skiing; safety always outweighs pushing limits.

GPS devices and map and compass skills are fundamental. While a GPS is extremely helpful, it’s not foolproof; battery failure or signal loss can occur. Therefore, I always carry a map and compass and know how to use them effectively. I’m proficient in navigating using both tools, plotting routes and identifying locations. Before any trip, I study the map thoroughly, identifying key landmarks and potential hazards. I regularly practice navigating with map and compass, ensuring I can always find my way even without electronic assistance. For instance, I use contour lines on the map to assess slope angles and identify potential avalanche terrain. This cross-checking ensures a safer and more reliable navigation.

Extreme skiing demands a diverse range of techniques. I’m skilled in various types of turns, adapting my style to the terrain’s specifics. This includes controlled, short radius turns for steep slopes, maintaining speed control in challenging terrain, and managing variations in snow consistency. I use various techniques for traversing across slopes, utilizing kick turns or side slipping when necessary to avoid exposure to avalanche paths. I am also experienced in self-arrest techniques to control my descent in case of a fall. These skills have been honed through years of experience, training, and practicing in a variety of conditions. I am aware that in extreme conditions, the slightest mistake can have dire consequences.

Slope stability assessment is critical. I combine visual observations with snowpack testing using a snow shovel and probing. I look for signs of instability, such as cracking, whumpfing sounds (indicating collapse within the snowpack), and recent avalanches in the area. I employ the Rutschblock test and the compression test to assess the snowpack’s strength and the presence of weak layers. This involves excavating a snow pit to examine the snowpack’s layers, identifying any weak layers that could cause an avalanche. I consider the slope angle – steeper slopes are inherently less stable. The avalanche forecast provides valuable context to this assessment. Ultimately, it is the combination of experience, snowpack testing, and observation that guides the decision of whether the slope is safe to ski.

Route planning for extreme ski descents is a meticulous process that prioritizes safety and feasibility. It’s not simply picking a line on a map; it’s a comprehensive assessment of numerous factors.

• Snowpack Analysis: I use avalanche forecasts, snowpack observations (snow pits, compression tests), and local knowledge to understand the stability of the snowpack. This informs the selection of a route that minimizes avalanche risk.
• Terrain Assessment: I carefully evaluate the slope angle, aspect (direction the slope faces), terrain features (cliffs, trees, rocks), and potential escape routes. Steeper slopes naturally increase the risk, and the aspect influences snowpack stability due to sun exposure.
• Weather Forecasting: I meticulously check weather forecasts, paying close attention to temperature changes, wind speed and direction, and precipitation. These factors can drastically alter snowpack conditions and visibility, impacting safety.
• Logistics and Rescue Planning: This includes defining the starting and ending points, identifying potential emergency extraction points (e.g., helicopter landing zones), and planning communication strategies. In remote areas, satellite communication is crucial.
• Risk Mitigation Strategies: I develop contingency plans for various scenarios, such as unexpected weather changes or avalanche triggers. This could involve choosing alternative routes, having a designated turnaround time, or carrying extra safety equipment.

For instance, planning a descent in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska requires a far more stringent approach than a day trip in a well-maintained ski resort. The scale and remoteness necessitate extensive preparation and a deep understanding of the environment.

Handling unexpected situations is paramount in extreme skiing. It’s about having the skills, equipment, and mindset to react effectively. My approach is based on:

• Preparedness: I always carry a comprehensive first-aid kit, avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, and satellite communication device. I also ensure my partners are similarly equipped and trained.
• Assessment and Decision-Making: When faced with an unexpected situation (e.g., an avalanche, a sudden change in weather, or an injury), I prioritize a calm and methodical assessment of the situation. This includes evaluating the immediate risks, available resources, and potential courses of action.
• Communication: Clear and concise communication with my team is vital. We establish communication protocols before each trip, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
• Risk Management: This involves making difficult decisions, often under pressure. Sometimes, the safest option is to abort the descent, even if it means foregoing a planned line or turning back early.
• Emergency Procedures: I have practiced emergency procedures extensively, including avalanche rescue and wilderness first aid. This training allows me to act quickly and effectively in a crisis.

For example, if we triggered an avalanche, we’d immediately initiate a search and rescue effort using our transceivers and rescue tools. If someone was injured, we would prioritize immediate stabilization and evacuation.

Understanding snowpack layers is fundamental to avalanche safety. Snow is not a homogeneous substance; it’s composed of various layers with different densities, grain sizes, and strengths. These layers can interact in complex ways, creating weaknesses that can lead to avalanches.

• Layer Formation: Snow layers form through various processes, including snowfall, wind deposition, and temperature fluctuations. Each layer has its own characteristics, such as its strength, cohesion, and bonding with adjacent layers.
• Weak Layers: Weak layers are crucial because they represent potential failure planes. These are often found between layers with contrasting characteristics, like a weak layer of faceted crystals between denser layers of surface hoar.
• Avalanche Triggering: Avalanches occur when the forces acting on the snowpack exceed the strength of a weak layer. These forces can be triggered by skiers, snowboarders, or natural events like wind loading.
• Snowpack Testing: We use various techniques to assess snowpack stability, such as snow pit analysis, where we excavate a pit in the snowpack to examine the layers and test their strength. We can also conduct compression tests to determine the strength of the layers.

For instance, a persistent weak layer of depth hoar, buried deep under many layers of snow, can cause a massive avalanche even under relatively light loads. Understanding these weak layers and their properties is essential for making informed decisions about route selection and risk mitigation.

Communication and teamwork are non-negotiable in extreme skiing. These are not solo activities. The success, and more importantly, the safety of a trip hinges on clear communication, trust, and collaboration within the team.

• Pre-Trip Planning: We hold thorough pre-trip meetings to discuss the plan, potential risks, communication protocols (including emergency procedures), and individual roles and responsibilities.
• On-Trip Communication: We constantly communicate while skiing, assessing snow conditions, making decisions collaboratively, and providing support to team members. This usually involves a combination of verbal communication, hand signals, and radio communication (in remote areas).
• Conflict Resolution: Disagreements can arise, especially during challenging situations. Having a clear protocol for conflict resolution and a process for making informed decisions is crucial. The priority is always safety.
• Trust and Respect: Strong team dynamics are essential. This involves mutual respect for everyone’s experience and skillset, open communication about concerns or anxieties, and a shared commitment to safety.

In one instance, while skiing a challenging line, a teammate expressed concerns about the snowpack. By openly discussing their concerns, we were able to collectively re-assess the route and chose a safer alternative, avoiding a potential dangerous situation.

My knowledge of first aid and wilderness medicine is extensive. I hold a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, and I regularly refresh my skills through training and continuing education. This includes:

• Trauma Management: I’m proficient in assessing and managing various types of trauma, including fractures, head injuries, and hypothermia. This requires knowing how to stabilize the patient, manage pain, and prevent further injury.
• Medical Emergencies: I have the skills to handle medical emergencies, such as allergic reactions, cardiac arrest, and altitude sickness. This includes knowing how to administer appropriate medications and utilize rescue techniques.
• Wilderness Evacuation: I’m familiar with various wilderness evacuation techniques, including self-evacuation, assisted evacuation, and calling for emergency medical services.
• Environmental Considerations: I understand the challenges and additional considerations inherent in providing medical care in remote, challenging environments, such as limited resources and extreme weather conditions.

This goes beyond basic first aid; it’s about making critical decisions in the absence of readily available medical facilities, utilizing the available resources effectively, and prioritizing patient care even in extreme circumstances.

Managing fatigue and stress on extended backcountry trips is critical for maintaining safety and performance. It requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses physical preparation, mental strategies, and trip planning.

• Physical Preparation: A high level of baseline fitness is essential. This includes cardiovascular fitness, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Acclimatization to altitude and cold weather is also crucial.
• Proper Nutrition and Hydration: Consuming adequate calories and staying properly hydrated are vital for sustaining energy levels. This often includes carrying high-energy foods and regularly drinking water.
• Sleep Management: Getting enough sleep is critical for physical and mental recovery. This may involve strategic rest stops during the day, and setting up camp in a timely fashion for sufficient night-time rest.
• Mental Strategies: Managing stress involves techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and positive self-talk. Maintaining a positive attitude and a sense of camaraderie within the team helps boost morale.
• Realistic Trip Planning: Planning reasonable daily objectives, with built-in buffer time, is key to avoid pushing oneself beyond limits. This might include incorporating extra rest days into the itinerary.

For instance, on a multi-day trip, we’ll build in extra rest days to allow our bodies to recover and avoid accumulating fatigue. We also make conscious decisions to avoid pushing through exhaustion, knowing that this increases the risk of accidents.

Maintaining peak physical fitness for extreme skiing requires a dedicated and comprehensive training regimen. It’s not just about skiing; it’s about building a strong foundation of overall fitness.

• Cardiovascular Training: Running, cycling, and swimming are essential for building cardiovascular endurance, crucial for handling the physical demands of extreme skiing, especially at high altitude.
• Strength Training: This focuses on building leg strength, core stability, and upper body strength, critical for maintaining balance, controlling skis, and managing challenging terrain. This includes squats, lunges, deadlifts and core exercises.
• Flexibility and Mobility: Yoga, Pilates, and stretching exercises enhance flexibility and improve range of motion, reducing the risk of injury.
• Ski-Specific Training: This includes practicing various skiing techniques, including mogul skiing, steep skiing, and off-piste skiing. This builds both skill and endurance specific to the demands of the sport.
• Altitude Training: If planning high-altitude expeditions, altitude acclimatization training is crucial. This can involve spending time at higher elevations or utilizing altitude simulation techniques.

My training program is tailored to the specific challenges of the environment and the planned descents. For instance, before a trip to the Himalayas, I’d focus on high-altitude training, and incorporate more challenging strength training to handle heavy loads in challenging terrain.

My experience in extreme skiing spans a wide range of disciplines, encompassing heli-skiing, backcountry skiing, and ski mountaineering. Each presents unique challenges and rewards. Heli-skiing, for instance, provides access to pristine, untouched slopes via helicopter, demanding a high level of technical skill and avalanche awareness. Backcountry skiing involves navigating challenging terrain under your own power, requiring extensive route planning, self-sufficiency, and a deep understanding of snowpack analysis. Finally, ski mountaineering blends skiing with mountaineering techniques, involving ascents and descents in mountainous environments often requiring specialized equipment and extensive physical endurance. I’ve extensively practiced all three, accumulating over 15 years of experience, building proficiency in diverse snow conditions and terrain types.

• Heli-skiing: I’ve guided numerous heli-skiing expeditions in the Canadian Rockies and Alaska, mastering rapid assessment of slope angles and snow conditions in dynamic environments.
• Backcountry Skiing: My backcountry experience includes extensive solo and guided trips across various mountain ranges, focusing on safe route planning and avalanche mitigation techniques.
• Ski Mountaineering: I’ve completed several challenging ski mountaineering ascents, including the ascent and descent of Mount Robson in the Canadian Rockies, honing my skills in glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and high-altitude skiing.

Working with clients or groups in the backcountry demands a unique skillset blending technical expertise with effective communication and leadership. Safety is paramount. I begin by assessing the group’s skiing abilities, experience levels, and comfort zones. Before embarking on any trip, detailed trip planning is crucial, including route selection, contingency plans, and avalanche hazard assessment using tools like the avalanche forecast and snowpack profile analysis. During the expedition, I constantly monitor the group’s progress, providing guidance, feedback, and ensuring everyone understands and adheres to safety protocols. I employ a participatory leadership style, encouraging questions and open communication to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. A memorable instance involves guiding a group through a whiteout in the Chugach mountains – successfully navigating us back to safety using compass and GPS, while emphasizing teamwork and calm decision-making.

While my experience is extensive, I acknowledge limitations. My expertise is primarily focused on North American terrain and snow conditions. My experience in extreme ice climbing, while present, is not as comprehensive as my skiing skills. I am also not comfortable guiding clients in areas with significant exposure to objective hazards like rockfall or extreme ice formations, particularly without a qualified partner possessing specialized expertise in those areas. I always assess my capabilities and the group’s needs to ensure a safe and successful expedition. I am continuously refining my skills through professional development courses, and I am always honest about my limitations with potential clients.

Client safety is my utmost priority. This begins with comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation before any trip. This includes checking avalanche forecasts, analyzing snowpack profiles using a snow shovel and probe, and planning escape routes. I carry and am proficient in using all essential safety gear, including avalanche transceivers, probes, shovels, first-aid kits, satellite communication devices, and appropriate climbing equipment. I always brief the clients on safety protocols before each excursion, emphasizing the importance of self-responsibility and team communication. Throughout the expedition, I continuously monitor weather conditions, snow stability, and individual client performance, adjusting the route or activities as needed. I regularly conduct drills and practice scenarios to reinforce essential emergency response procedures, such as avalanche rescue techniques. In essence, a proactive and layered approach to safety management is what underpins my work.

Extreme skiing, while exhilarating, does have environmental impacts. The most significant impacts are related to habitat disturbance and erosion. Skiing off-trail can damage fragile alpine ecosystems and compact snow, impacting vegetation and wildlife. Heli-skiing, while providing access to remote areas, still carries environmental burdens related to fuel consumption and noise pollution. To mitigate these impacts, I follow Leave No Trace principles, such as staying on established trails whenever possible, packing out all trash, and minimizing impact on vegetation. I support and promote responsible tourism practices and encourage clients to adopt sustainable travel habits. I also advocate for supporting organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting wilderness areas. Education is vital, informing clients about environmental sensitivities and fostering responsible outdoor recreation practices.

My experience encompasses a wide range of ski equipment, each suited to different conditions and purposes. I am proficient with various ski types, including powder skis for deep snow, all-mountain skis for varied terrain, and touring skis for uphill travel. I understand the differences between various binding systems and their appropriate use, and I can adapt my choice of equipment to the specific conditions and needs of a given expedition. I also have experience using specialized avalanche safety gear, climbing equipment, and backcountry navigation tools, all integral aspects of safe extreme skiing. Selecting the right equipment is crucial for efficiency and safety; a mistake in this aspect can have serious consequences.

Adaptability is crucial in extreme skiing. My technique changes dramatically depending on snow conditions and terrain. In deep powder, I utilize a wider stance, focusing on smooth, controlled turns with minimal weight shifts to avoid getting buried. On steeper slopes, I reduce my speed, focusing on precise turn execution and maintaining a stable body position. I adjust my line selection to avoid hazards like rocks, cliffs, and avalanche terrain. In icy conditions, I adopt a more aggressive stance, using short, controlled turns with edged skis to maintain control. This requires a deep understanding of snow science and the ability to quickly assess the prevailing conditions, adjusting one’s technique accordingly. It’s a constant process of observation, analysis, and precise execution.