How Steep Is That Ski Line Really? Grab A Slope Meter And Find Out
Steepness is all in the eyes of the beholder. A beginner skier may tremble at the steepness of a blue run, while a seasoned veteran may only get puckered when the slope of a tight couloir pushes 50 degrees. In terms of slope angle, steepness is almost always overestimated by several degrees.
How ever you define steep skiing, it’s all about the rush you feel as you seemingly plummet down the mountain – and it’s addictive. But you need to be realistic about steepness and be able to understand how steep that ski line really is.
People love to push their limits and it’s human nature to tell others about how steep that ski line really is. Slope angles are almost always exaggerated. Behind all the bragging there is a bit of science behind skiing the steeps. Here’s what you really need to know about slope angles.
Watch this video from OnTheSnow featuring meteorologist Joel Gratz called “Snow Science: How Steep Is Steep?” to learn more about slope angles:
So how steep is that ski line really? Hopefully this video put steep skiing in a bit more perspective. Grab a slope meter and measure slope angles. Compare reality to your guess – you’ll be amazed at how steep some of your favorite runs really are. A keen eye can usually measure steepness within a degree or two. Plus, you’ll be able to call out your steep skiing buddies with cold steep facts.
Another way to think about it comes from Skiing Magazine – “the incline of a standard house stairs is 30-35 degrees, which seems mild enough on the way to breakfast-but not when you’re looking down the Nose of the Headwall at Squaw.”
Whether you’re skiing at the resort or in the backcountry, pay attention to slope angle. It’s an interesting part of the skiing experience. Now go skiing and be safe in the steeps.
Get some pointers on how to improve your steep skiing skills.
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Official Description on YouTube:
Published on Jan 7, 2013
Ever wonder how steep the slope is you’re skiing or riding? There’s a good chance it’s not even close to how steep you think it is. Meteorologist Joel Gratz breaks down why we constantly over estimate the steepness of a slope and why slopes between 30 and 45 degrees are prime to slide.
