Snow Types

Snow types
There are various types of snow to be encountered on a skiing or snowboarding holiday, all helping to create a range of conditions and requiring different techniques and skills. From fresh powder to slush and ice, different snow types can seriously affect your days' skiing, and even influence whether you leave your accommodation or not. For an enjoyable day out on the slopes, learn to be aware of the different snow types and how to handle them, and get the most from your skiing holiday.

Snow types - From fresh powder, to crud and crust
Different snow types really depend on both the temperature and altitude, and the number of people that have tracked through the slopes. The most beloved kind of snow type is powder, which is untouched snow that has just fallen, creating a very soft surface of tiny snow flakes - ideal for cushioning falls. Experienced skiers love powder, as it allows for easier carving and fast speeds, however beginners will find this snow type tricky to navigate. As more and more people ski through the powder, crud is formed, a type of snow that is an uneven combination of lumps of powder and packed surfaces. Skiing on this snow type is slightly more challenging than powder, but extremely enjoyable as the snow is still soft. Crust is a type of snow that has a hard surface on top of a softer layer, formed as a result of changing temperatures, when the sun melts the snow and colder temperatures refreeze it again. Both crud and crust are snow types requiring a more aggressive skiing style.

Snow types - Challenging slush and ice, much harder to ski on
Slush is snow that has just started to melt, resulting in a snow type that is extremely wet and heavy, with large grains of ice. Skiing in this snow type requires more effort from skiers, with slush generally slowing them down and tiring them out. When snow constantly melts and refreezes, ice is formed, creating very unpopular conditions which are hard to ski in. Ice is the exact opposite snow type to powder, with this solid snow type being extremely hard and slippery, resulting in very fast speeds and painful falls.