TACKLE THE CRUD
Riding crud on a snowboard is much easier than on skis, and top instructor Pascal Prot is here to help you master it…
Chopped up, variable snow? Pah! You’ll soon have all conditions nailed…
PHOTO T. BEKKER
Everyone dreams about riding light, fuffy powder, but in reality, conditions can be unpredictable and ever-changing. Crud is definitely one of the more challenging snow types to tackle on a snowboard, but it can also be a lot of fun. And the good news is that riding crud, powder or even heavy wet snow on a snowboard is much easier than on skis.
What is crud? Crud is another name for chopped up, variable snow. Sometimes it has been affected by the sun or the wind. Sometimes it’s heavy wet snow, other times it’s just really tracked out soft snow. Sometimes there are icy patches or undulations in between the packed snow, just to keep you on your toes.
Whatever type of crud you are faced with, there are techniques to help you tackle it, so read on…
TECHNIQUE TIPS
Choose your line A good line choice can really help when riding crud. Keep your eyes on where you’re going and choose your line as you descend the slope – if the snow looks bumpy, pick a line between the bumps.
Whatever line you choose to ride, aim for long, smooth S-shape turns, keeping the board running its length – from the nose to tail – so that your legs absorb the bumps one at a time. If there is any skid in the turn, then both your feet are going to hit any undulations at the same time, causing your board to bounce and judder, and causing you to lose control.
Keep your speed up – and flow Stay facing the fall-line, as you’ll need speed to carry you through the uneven snow. Try to let the board flow, avoiding sharp turns or movements, as this could cause you to get thrown around a bit. We want to glide through the snow in a smooth, relaxed way
Solid core, relaxed legs Having a solid core and relaxed legs will make it much easier to tackle the crud. Using lateral separation, divide your body into two sections: legs and hips, versus stomach and shoulders. If you aim to keep your upper body strong and stiff yet keep your legs loose and relaxed, you will find it much easier to absorb the choppy snow.
By having a solid core, you will avoid twisting and remain balanced in the crud. There is no denying that this type of riding is pretty physical, but we like to think of it as a mini-workout for that six-pack you’ve been working on! To keep your lower body relaxed, bend your knees and keep your ankles flexed and loose, ready to absorb every undulation.
Top tip: In terms of weight distribution, you want about 60% of your weight through your back foot, and 40% through your front.
Time to stop If you want to stop when riding crud, it’s not as simple as stopping on the piste. You need to gradually slow yourself down by making a few longer turns, finishing the turn by facing up the hill, which will cause you to lose speed and gently bring you to a stop.
Embrace the crud! My final piece of advice would be to enjoy the crud instead of avoiding it. Challenge yourself in those difficult conditions, as it’s a great way to improve your balance and skills. Once you hit a groomed slope again you will feel so confident, and the practice will be worth it for the next time you find some challenging conditions.
Top tip: Be aware of the orientation of the slope, as it plays a big part in the condition of the snow, especially in spring. Sometimes a bit of shadow from a towering peak can be a game-changer in finding some spring pow. On the other hand, the snow that has been hit by the sun from sunrise to sunset will be heavier, wetter and more unpredictable, so keep an eye on conditions throughout the day.
Whatever the crud, learn to tackle it like a pro
PHOTOS J. BERNARD
FACTFILE
Pascal Prot is a ski and snowboard instructor for New Generation Ski School in Tignes. New Generation will help you develop technique, build confidence and have fun in 18 resorts throughout the Alps, from Tignes and Les Arcs to St Anton and Lech
