SNOWBOARDING TECHNIQUE WITH
PASCAL PROT
Steep ‘n’ narrow
Always check the line ad be aware of any danger zones
Learn how to tackle a steep couloir, with expert advice from New Gen instructor Pascal Prot
First things first, let’s define what we’re talking about when we use the word ‘couloir’. It's the French term for a steep, narrow gully or chute on a mountainside. When we say ‘steep’, we’re mostly talking about a gradient of over 40°. Riding a couloir is a mix of freeriding and alpinism. It’s a place where wipe outs are no more likely than skiing on a regular piste, but skiing a couloir can be a helluva lot more fun!
Heading for a steep couloir with your snowboard can be a significant challenge to accomplish, and if you're a confident rider and have a particular taste for adventure, then there’s no doubt it’s already on your bucket list. While mental approach is important, you’ll also need a solid technique to tackle your first couloir. Here are some top tips to get you slaying that chute like a boss…
GETTING STARTED
BEGIN EASY
Many people will remember their first experience riding a steep couloir as being more scary than fun, having chosen a chute that is far too steep for their ability, leaving them feeling unconfident. And often asking themselves what the **** am I doing here?!
To avoid this (and you want to avoid this) make sure you take it step by step, working your way up from a short, wide and not-so-steep couloir that has an easy entry, to longer, steeper, narrower and more challenging chutes. Always check the line and be aware of any danger zones before you drop into a couloir. If in doubt, take a guide.
Keep in mind that a long and narrow couloir will always feel longer than it is, due to the optical illusion created by its corridor shape.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Make sure you practice the kind of techniques you'll use in a steep couloir before actually going into one. Once you are in it, there is often no turning back, so it’s best to be prepared. Here are some to try:
1) Practice a 180° jump turn Start on the flat and focus on taking off and landing just on the edge of your board. Next, try the same exercise on steep, packed snow. Your goal this time will be to do a series of 180° turns without losing altitude.
2) Ride different types of snow Make sure you’re able to ride on every kind of snow, including incredibly cruddy/bumpy snow. To help yourself, you can look at my previous article for Ski+board on how to tackle the crud (issue 214).
3) Play in a half-pipe If you’re lucky enough to have a super-pipe in your local resort, go and play around in it, riding up and down the walls. It’s an excellent way to practice riding in narrow spaces. If not, go to the steepest black run of the resort and practice your short turns (the length of your board) by staying as close as possible to the piste poles on one side
GEAR CHECK
Skiers can stand on two edges, while snowboarders have just one. Theoretically, you will put more pressure on one edge rather than two, so make sure your edges are sharp. Some boards have Magne-traction, where the edges of the snowboard are wavvy instead of straight. It was developed by Lib Tech, and pioneered by Steven Cobb and Mike Olson. Magne-traction allows you to bring even more of your bodyweight onto the edge of the board by reducing the surface of the edge in contact with the snow. I must say, it’s efficient! And for better grip, all-round, wear stiff boots.
As you progress onto steeper chutes you will need a rope and an ice axe (with hand straps), and possibly an ice anchor and a couple of carabiners.
Wear a helmet, too!
A long, narrow couloir will feel (and look) longer than it is
TECHNIQUE TIME
The frontside turn is definitely the easier of the two. As you stand on your toe edge, your body facing into the slope, you can be much more precise and adjust your angle in between your board and the snow by flexing your ankles. Be sure to keep an eye on the terrain – look over your shoulder at the run before you engage your frontside turn.
With your backside, or heelside, turn, try not to lean into the hill too much, or you’ll sideslip on your heels and end up sledging down the couloir! You’ll need to be confident enough to stand up, even when it’s steep, while doing your backside turn to catch the edge, but not your binding’s spoiler.
For both frontside and heelside turns, try to steer them smoothly. Gradually increase the pressure on your board to do sharp turns into steep runs. And adjust your bindings: toes and heels must not overhang the board. Go for a wide board if needed.
Be sure to control your speed and don’t lean back! Stay strong and stay low.
THE NEXT STEPS
EXPLORING FURTHER AFIELD If you’re venturing off the groomed pistes, make sure to check the weather forecast. Wait for the right time and the right weather; the snow must be packed but not too icy. Ask an expert if you’re unsure.
ROPE IT UP As you move onto steeper, mo.re challenging chutes, you may have to rope down to access the couloir. Go to an indoor climbing centre and learn how to use a rope and have a basic understanding of securing yourself. Wear your harness on top of your ski jacket. There are lightweight harnesses that can be put on without taking off your board.
AXE AID Ice axes can come in handy in many situations. For example, after you’ve roped in you’ll need to put your board on, which can be challenging if the couloir is very steep. I like to create a step with my ice axe to make it easier.
For extra security, ride with an axe in one hand to stop you should you get into an uncontrolled slide. If it’s your first time riding with one, practise first, as the balance is different to normal.
FACTFILE
Pascal Prot is a ski and snowboard instructor for New Generation ski school in Tignes. ‘New Gen’ will help you develop technique, build confidence and have fun in 16 resorts throughout the Alps, from Tignes and Les Arcs to St Anton and Lech. See skinewgen.com.
