What are the best ski conditions?
Whether you’re a skiing enthusiast or a relative newbie to the sport, picking the right ski conditions when hitting the slopes is a great way of ensuring a good experience. So, what type of snow is the best to ski on? Continue reading below to find out more.
Ideal ski conditions
While some skiers prefer certain types of snow, normal weather and snow patterns allow for fun skiing for beginners and advanced skiers alike. Ski conditions determine how hard or easy it can be to ski or snowboard. It may sound strange to non-skiing experts, but there are actually different types of snow that impact the way you can ski or snowboard.
Types of snow
Depending on where you hit the slopes, there is a difference in the feel and difficulty of the snow because of its variety. There are a few different types of snow based on their texture.
One type of snow, which is often referred to as dry snow, is easier to ski on for beginners because it involves less carving, although it can slow you down. This type of snow has more air pockets than wet snow, which makes it lighter and more powdery. Wet snow, on the other hand, has larger snowflakes and goes through melt-and-freeze cycles, producing a layer of crust on the snow.
Corn snow appears during spring time and is a result of the freeze and melt cycle during those months of the year. The name derives from corn-looking snow that forms on the surface following the freeze-melt cycle.
Finally, granular snow is snow that is made up of tiny particles of ice and makes for easy skiing.
What are the best ski conditions?
Many skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts just prefer a crisp, white sheet of snow to use but there is an ideal set of skiing conditions. The temperature typically ranges between -6 and -1 degrees celsius with a soft, almost pillow-like covering of snow.
Powder snow is arguably the best type of snow for both professional and beginner skiers. It encourages more experienced skiers to pick up more speed to avoid sinking into the powder snow, while novices are able to appreciate the softness as they get to grips with their technique.
Powder is also known to cause fewer injuries because of its cushion-like feel, making it perfect for skiers of all skill levels. Powder snow is soft and fluffy so provides a soft landing for crashes and falls.
Best time to ski
Now we know the best ski conditions for hitting the slopes in terms of snow, what about the time of year and weather?
Well, many people consider spring to be the perfect time of year to hit mountainous ski slopes and resorts. The reason for this is because the temperature of the air has risen considerably from winter, making it much more comfortable to be outdoors, but there is still crisp snow on the slopes to ski on. Spring allows skiers to lose a layer of clothing, while still being protected and warm, because of its warmer temperatures.
The snow on the slopes is still deep at spring time from the accumulation of snow throughout storms in the winter months.
Scenery
Would you consider scenery to be a prerequisite when looking for the best ski conditions? Air temperature and snow composition are obviously the most important aspects when skiing or snowboarding, but the backdrop and your view are also essential.
Chamonix’s Mont Blanc provides a truly stunning natural beauty, while the mountains of Zermatt create the most picturesque backdrop for days on the slopes. Is there anything better than hurtling down a slope, in full control, on top of crisp snow, with one of the greatest views planet Earth has to offer in front of you? Imagine the sun glistening over the top of a mountain peak and shining off the powder snow - perfection!
Ski at Chill Factore
For people who are unable to get over to mainland Europe for a spot of skiing, there is always something more local! You can find the UK’s largest real snow slope at Chill Factore in Manchester, and practice your skills on a beautifully-managed slope of snow.
Go skiing or snowboarding at Chill Factore and sample the incredible snow slope we have on offer, making you feel like you’re at a ski resort in the Alps.
If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie and looking for something to do in the Manchester area, then head down to Chill Factore. We have everything under one roof here, so there’s no need to haul the whole family from one location to another. You can please everyone, from the adrenaline enthusiast to the chilled observer.
Chill Factore is packed with fun things to do for the whole family, and what says fun more than real snow – and lots of it? From sledging and sliding to ski lessons and private tuition, we’ve got something for everyone. There’s even a comfortable viewing gallery where you can sit back, enjoy a coffee, and watch the excitement unfold.
If you’d like to find out more about what you can do here at Chill Factore, don’t hesitate to contact us on 0161 749 2222 or email us at info@chillfactore.com.
