WHEN THE first recreational skiers began to fly downhill in the mid-19th century, they had one choice for skis: skinny, straight, wood boards. Two or 3 inches wide, they could get you down the mountain, but it wasn’t always pretty. As the sport began to evolve in earnest in the next century and resorts opened around the world, ski design also changed. Soon, you could get a ski for any type of skiing. By the early 2000s, when euphoric descents of fresh, fluffy snow dominated ski media and advertising, the most glamorous releases from ski manufacturers ballooned in width to almost 5 inches underfoot. These skis, with carbon fiber or titanal metal bases, short cambers and long, shovel-like tips, float over these perfect conditions with ease.
Unfortunately these days, power is elusive. As the climate changes, today’s skiers are more likely to encounter long pauses between snow storms. When flakes do come, the snow itself tends to be warmer and denser.
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When hitting the slopes, the difference between a good ski day and a bad one can often come down to the smallest detail, and in some cases, two inches. While two inches may not seem like much, it can be the difference between an enjoyable experience and a major bummer.
Temperature is the main factor that influences a great ski day versus an average or subpar one. While temperatures in the 20s make most skiers happy, anything below 18 degrees Fahrenheit can be too cold, causing ice and hard-packed snow. This can turn a day of fun into a potentially unsafe situation. The best temperatures for a ski day hike between 31 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit, as it creates fresh, soft snow and a smooth ride. Two inches below or above this range can have a drastic impact on one’s experience.
Air humidity also plays a big role in the satisfaction of a ski day. Humidity in the 70-90% range makes for optimal skiing conditions, as it binds the snow into a smooth, solid surface. Anything below 70% leaves the snow with an unsatisfying and almost powdery texture, which can make hitting the slopes a chore rather than a pleasure. Again, a two-inch deviation from this range can mean an optimal experience or a day of misery.
Wind is another important consideration, as gusts of 15 mph and higher mean an uncomfortable experience as well as potentially unsafe conditions. When there’s wind, chances are the snow has been impacted, creating hard “cut-up” snow which can be a challenge to ski on. A wind level of less than 15 mph is ideal, and even a slight difference in the mmg can make a big difference in the overall ski experience.
Therefore, even two inches can make quite the difference between having a great ski day or a not so great one. To this end, whether it be in temperature, humidity, or wind, knowing the ideal conditions for a ski day and accounting for even the smallest of discrepancies can mean the difference between an enjoyable experience and a lesson on what can go wrong.
