The high-pressure blues, weeks of bluebird with no snow in sight. While we are creatures of winter and thrive immersing ourselves in a snow globe with big cold chunks of snow coming down. As we all know we don't always get what we want as far as weather. When a high-pressure ridge builds over us during winter it can cause some blues, esp. when its peak winter and we are dreaming of chest-deep pow.
We are mountain people, resilient, creative, and always planning ahead. Don't a dry spell ruin your season or mood. Use these bluebird days to your advantage so when it does snow again (hopefully soon) you're ready to go big. Keep your snow dances going strong, but until then here are five ways to beat the high-pressure blues.
Take Advantage of Groomers
While big objectives and projects have been living in our minds rent-free since last season, do not underestimate the power of a good groomer. After all, turns are turns getting into that aggressive petal to the medal turn, and going full speed shouldn't be forgotten. Put the music on and have yourself a party.
Go for a new high speed and work on those GS-style turns. Keep skiing and riding that way those legs are ready to go full send once the snow comes back. Pro-tip: if it's icy follow the sun for the softest groomers on the mountain.
Practice Drills
Power slides, skiing/riding on less than stellar snow conditions, quick turns, to jump turns there are endless ways to practice different ski drills. Take advantage of the downtime and practice those skills that you avoid (we all have a few).
Use this time to expand your skill set versus waiting for new snow. Becoming a stronger and better skier and rider will only be to your benefit once fresh snow comes.
Head To The Park
While not all of us may run to the park, the change in scenery can offer a new set of challenges, skills, and, most importantly, predictable snow. For those of you who are looking to throw a new trick and not interested in impact from hard snow (your joints will thank you later) check out the park.
With jumps, rails, boxes, and more freshly groomed snow to land on, the park can be a refuge when high pressure is all that is in the forecast. Plus when the snow is less than stellar why not add a new trick to your bag of skills?
Fix Your Gear
Like everything that gets used, wear and tear is bound to happen. Give your skis and boards a fresh coat of wax. Ensure all of your bindings and dins are set. Get any tuning that needs to be completed. Don't get caught off guard when the storm window opens up again.
Your future self will thank you. More importantly, you can manage to focus on the stoke and not the work that you put to the side waiting for some freshies. If you have been neglecting any maintenance now is the time to get it done.
Practice Backcountry Skills
Blue skies, low risk (depending on your area, always check your local avalanche forecast), get some sunshine and fresh air, and go practice your bc skills. Search and rescue, probing, using your beacon, shoveling, the list goes on. Whether you want to practice your transitions to show off on the skin track or want to keep your skills sharp, theres no better time to practice.
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