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Getting into any extreme sport offers the excitement of riding the edge where thrill flirts with an element of danger. In my vast experience with adrenaline laced sports, I have found new levels of fear while conquering others. To enter the world of extreme skiing one must first become an expert skilled skier. Several areas of experience will be needed before even thinking about exploring this level of the sport.

First, you will need to be comfortable with skiing all non-groomed advanced and expert terrain in all snow conditions. This would require linking turns in deep powder, heavy crud and ice as well spring slush.

The next level would require specific training in making tight swing turns in narrow chutes or drainages. Obviously, you will start on a comfortable slope and work up to steeper and narrower terrain as your skill and confidence rise. Add in jump turns and down-unweighting into your practice- the steeper the terrain; the better. You would also benefit greatly from running out of a chute after skiing half way down or more. You do this by pointing your skis straight down the hill and cranking into a big turn when your clear of obstacles. Being comfortable with this speed experience could save your life.

In your next preparation; jumping or leaping off of cornices or outcroppings will be a necessary skill. Again, start small. I recommend that you start very small. Your balance and confidence in going off of jumps will help you in this transition. If you are dropping in at an angle, remember not to lean too hard into the hill and beware of over rotating your shoulders uphill.

Master these techniques and you may be ready to explore some extreme terrain. I say may- because as in all extreme sports while there is certainly a measurable amount of skill required there is also a great deal of mental training that goes with it.
Mastering mental confidence may take some time but, is extremely important to the outcome of the situations you will find yourself in.

Extreme skiing has many challenges like, vertical exposure and unknown terrain. It also has the challenges that mother nature likes to throw at you like wind driven blinding snow, ice sheets in the middle of a chute and slides or avalanches.

If you are unsure of the snow condition you are looking to jump onto; swing your pole over the edge and bang it against the snow. Feel, watch and listen to the snow. Icy conditions are very dangerous to deal with in steep terrain and should be avoided if possible.

Be safe and enjoy

Learn more about this author, Brian Chandler.
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