What's your line?

With these epic snow cycles and accumulating deep pow, we've all had a chance to be heroes on our hill. The harvest is ripe and the abundant, best of all it's forgiving. If we miss a turn no big deal. If we bail, our fall is cushioned. Those easy slopes however may require a different technique when the snow is deep. Let's draw some lines for the fifth installment of our Speakski series*. 

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Straightlining

verb   |  \  strāt līn\

Also referred to as schussing, bombing or flat lining; straightlining describes the act of pointing ones skis or board directly downhill and proceeding without turning, thereby marking the snow with a straight line as opposed to a wiggle, GS turns or random zigzag. The technique is favoured in low angled terrain where one will often observe skiers tuck to enhance aerodynamics or boarders bounce up and down to increase momentum.

Straightlining also comes in handy in tight trees, drops or challenging terrain features though the consequences for poor response time in these situations can be dire as a result of the rapid increase in velocity that occurs when one straightlines.

The technique is regularly and unintentionally adopted by beginners and novice skiers who can be overcome with paralysis and forget to turn or struggling to turn in deep snow opt to not turn at all, squint their eyes and hope for the best. Those who fall into this category may find this helpful.   

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*Unlike any other ski hill in Canada, the culture at Whitewater has a unique flavor that has been organically refined over decades by a dedicated following of committed locals. Our 'Speakski Series' defines some classic Whitewater terminology so you can keep up with the locals off the hill.