Types of Snow

Light and Heavy Snow

Not all fresh snow is alike, In mountain Ranges near the sea , the snow tends to be heavier with much more water content . As you get more and more inland , it becomes drier and lighter . Lighter snow is easier to ski on as the skis sink into and you often reach the next layer of snow below which is firm.

Crud

"Skied out" or "tracked out" - this fresh powder snow once its hardened up but it will vary in places , packed down in some and then softer in others , this is known as Crud .

Crust

Wind and Sun can turn the top layer of powder into a hard crust . If the crust is thin , you will break through it easily. However if the crust is thick the skier stays on top and its pretty much the same as being on the piste. Also the crust may support you or it may not , you will need to do jump turns in order to ensure you stay in control on your skis .

Slush

When the Air Temperature becomes warmer than the freezing point , the snoiw starts to melt, the water content becomes high and the snow crystals turn to large grains of ice and slush is formed , otherwide known as "granular snow"