How to Ski Steep Slopes: 3 Top Tips With Graham Bell

If you have ever felt nervous at the top of a steep slope, then this blog is for you! Ex-Olympian, BBC Ski Sunday presenter and Maison Sport instructor, Graham Bell, shares his top tips on skiing steep slopes for intermediate to advanced skiers that will give you the tools you need to confidently tackle challenging slopes of any gradient.

Tip One – Short Turns Using Rotational Separation

When skiing steeps you can use rotational separation to help you perform short, controlled turns. Rotational separation occurs when your feet are pointing in one direction and your upper body is pointing in another direction. Your shoulders should face down the slope and your feet will pivot underneath you, pointing across the slope. This rotation mainly comes from the hip joint rather than the knees or feet.

If you keep your shoulders facing down the slope all you have to do to turn is pivot your skis around underneath your body. This allows you to perform short, sharp turns that will help you to control your speed. Point your skis more across the hill and shorten your turn radius as it becomes steeper to remain in control. Having a stable upper body position will help you to maintain balance and control on steep terrain.

how to ski steep slopes

How to Practise Rotational Separation:

Drill 1 – Braquage

Start by side-slipping down the slope keeping your skis flat and your shoulders pointing down the hill. Next, unweight your skis by making an upward motion and extending your legs. Then pivot your skis beneath you as you transition your weight to the new downhill ski. You shouldn’t move sideways across the hill at all, but should travel in a straight line down the hill. Once you’re comfortable with this motion, work a pole plant into the upward movement to add extra stability.

Drill 2 – Short Swings

Next, progress the braquage drill by adding some more sideways movement or a ‘swing’ across the hill. Start by doing short turns skidding your skis from edge to edge. Use your pole plant to initiate each turn as you pivot your skis underneath you. On a more gentle gradient, your skis shouldn’t leave the snow and should remain fairly flat. As you progress to steeper slopes, you can increase the tempo of your turns and introduce a rhythmical pole plant and a small jump as you transition from edge to edge.

Tip 2 – Choose a Line

When tackling a steep slope, forward planning is key. As you ski onto a steep pitch, ski across the ridge at an angle so that you have plenty of time to start your first turn. Look out for obstacles and choose your line accordingly. You need to be able to adapt to the changing terrain ahead of you. However, don’t get too far ahead of yourself! Remember to always stay focused on the present and your next turn, otherwise, you may miss obstacles that are right in front of you!

Tip 3 – Mindset

Remember that fear is a state of mind! Try to avoid stopping at the top of the run for too long and psyching yourself out. Have confidence in your skiing and don’t doubt yourself. If you hesitate or lean back you are more likely to lose control. Self-belief when skiing steep slopes is key. With some determination, courage and the right technique, you’ll be able to tackle any slope with confidence, no matter how steep!