The average resort offers a plethora of pristine and well-traveled trails, each providing vastly different experiences. Choosing between the two depends on your skillset, objectives and, in some cases, how far you’re willing to travel. They challenge your capabilities in similar yet different ways, with loyal proponents on both sides. Learn how the terrain affects your experience to prioritize the best trails on your next trip.
Powder Trails
Freshly fallen snow, a.k.a. powder, sits loose on the ground, untouched by skiers until you come along. Comprised of mostly air, the snow provides a soft blanket that makes it easy to glide through. Your weight compacts the snow as you pass over it, adding resistance, which will reduce your speed.
Not all powder is alike. Dry, dusty flakes move freely, creating a feeling of weightlessness. Wet powder contains more moisture, adding resistance and reducing traction. Turning too quickly at slow speeds can catch your skis, throwing off your balance. These challenges are best left to seasoned and intermediate skiers. Practice on groomed trails and flat areas before exploring. Learn how to snowboard in powder for more handling tips.
You’ll only find powder after a heavy snowfall or on backcountry trails away from the crowds. The former requires timing your visit around the weather and waking up early to be one of the first people on the lift. The latter can involve hiking and leaving the comforts of civilization behind. If you have an accident, someone may not be around to help. Recent precipitation can also cover signs and mask obstacles that damage your equipment, making it hard to know where to ride. Fresh powder is also getting harder to find amid the warming climate, so you may have to settle for packed or artificial snow in areas that used to receive several feet annually.
Always ski in pairs when exploring remote areas. Use Bluetooth ski helmet headphones to communicate with your companion wirelessly. The device automatically connects in range and produces natural-sounding audio to make it seem like you’re face-to-face. Just set it and go to keep talking with your head up and your hands on the poles.
Pros:
- Smaller crowds
- Closer to nature
- Weightless feeling
Cons:
- Increased resistance
- Limited access
- Involves extra travel or hiking
- Requires additional skills and practice
Groomed Trails
Resorts manicure the most popular trails and steep runs to make them as accessible and safe as possible. This includes adding a walking path, cutting brush and vegetation and removing stones, leaving a clear-cut path for you to follow. Some groomed trails have human-made ramps for doing jumps; others have clear boundaries to keep you from getting lost, helping you focus on your performance and less on navigation.
The main obstacle you have to contend with is other skiers. The other guests might get stuck or lose momentum, increasing the risk of person-on-person collisions, leading to sprains and awkward encounters, if not legal disputes, as seen in the 2023 trial stemming from a 2016 ski accident involving actress Gwyneth Paltrow. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the park’s rules and etiquette to stay out of other people’s way.
The packed snow reduces resistance to increase speed, helping you get more air on jumps. You can also turn more quickly on groomed trails without getting stuck. Stale snow will harden during the winter, creating divots and bumps that increase turbulence. The snow also won’t be as soft, leading to harder falls and more severe injuries. Wear a helmet and pads to brace the impact if you lose your balance. Use ski helmet communication to coordinate with your fellow skiers so you can alert each other if you get too close. You can connect up to 15 riders simultaneously to get around safely.
Pros:
- Best for beginners
- Faster speeds
- Easier access
- Closer to resort
Cons:
- Larger crowds
- Less challenging
- Harder falls
Choosing Between Powder and Groomed Trails
Nature lovers and thrill-seekers praise powder to no end, but groomed trails provide a stable, predictable terrain for you to perfect your skills. If you prefer the road less traveled and ski to appreciate the scenery, go out of your way to experience the wonder of winter. Take extra precautions to prepare for a longer journey with supplies to get home in an emergency.
Choose groomed trails if you’re more of a casual skier and just there for a good time. You will exert less energy getting to and from the trail and spend more time on the slopes, assuming the lines aren’t too long. Both offer vastly different experiences due to the snow’s properties and locations where they’re found. Discuss your options with the group to ensure everyone is up for the journey ahead. Regardless of your choice, use safety gear to ward off severe injury so you can get up quickly after a fall and coordinate with your companions to avoid collisions. Skiing may look drastically different in the years ahead, so enjoy this gorgeous scenery while you can.