In our last blog we looked at four types of snow conditions that can affect the experience of a snowboarder. Fresh, powder, packed, and hard-packed snow all provide a different experience for a snowboarder. Below you will find three more types of snow and how they affect the ride of a boarder.
Slush Snow
When the temperatures start to rise on the mountain, you are more likely to see slush snow. When the packed snow base of the mountain starts to melt. You will see slushy snow more frequently in the spring. While slushy snow isn’t as alluring as fresh snow, your run down the mountain will feel warmer and you will be able to relax in the afternoon sunshine.
Slush snow is relatively challenging to snowboard in. Slush has a lack of crystals which makes it heavy and snow. The wet consistency of the snow can pull at the snowboard as you try to navigate it.
Compared to other snow conditions, slush isn’t the preferred condition, but slush can be fun. There are those who prefer the warmer temperatures and riding at a slower speed.
Crud Snow
Out of all the other snow conditions, crud snow is the worst condition to snowboard in. Crud snow ris created when skiers or snowboarders cut up un-groomed powder snow. You can usually find this type of snow on the sides of the piste.
Taking on crud snow is a lot of hard work. Crud snow requires you to navigate through alternating consistencies. At one moment snow may be icy and then it turns bumpy, but then there might be areas that stay soft and fluffy. When snowboarding through these conditions you need a lot of concentration as well as a lot of leg work.
Sticky Snow
Similar to slush, sticky snow occurs when snow starts to melt. Sticky snow not occurs in the spring, but when fresh snow is falling and temperatures are rising rapidly. With warmer temperatures and melting snow, a vacuum is created under the snowboard. This makes it harder to slide through snow with ease.
Sticky snow can catch even the most experienced snowboarder off guard. Sticky snow can slow you down as you go down steep slopes and can make turning a big challenge as the snow will keep on sticking and pulling on the bottom of your board.
Snow conditions can vary throughout the season, and there are pros and cons to each type. Regardless, no two snowfalls are alike, making each trip to the slopes a new adventure each time.