6 Pro-Tips for Skiing Deep Powder at Northern Escape

Carving through deep powder at Northern Escape Heli-skiing—pure Canadian mountain adventure!

Northern Escape Heli-skiing offers access to the most incredible, untracked deep powder skiing and provides one of the most exhilarating experiences on the mountain. However (as any powder hound will tell you), that pristine fluffy snow can be tricky to navigate and requires a bit of finesse. For those who haven’t skied deep powder snow before, the first time can be an exhilarating experience – or source of endless frustration if you’re not prepared. Without the right equipment or technique, the deep powder snow can feel like quicksand, with endless snow getting in your way. It’s important to understand exactly what you need to stay on top of the snow, and surf the powder like a pro.

We’ve put together six “pro-tips” to help you heliski powder with confidence and make the most out of your next Canadian mountain holiday with Northern Escape Heliskiing.

Equipment 

Before you ski in deep powder snow you need to make sure you get a wide set of skis or a wide snowboard designed for powder days. For skiers this typically means looking at skis that are 100cm wide or greater, designed for powder days, and snowboards should be wider than a board used for resort riding. Directional snowboards with more of a taper that maintain a wider nose and narrower tail tend to be the best type to perform in power. Skiers should look for skis with camber and rocker.

Tip: Northern Escape provides the industry’s latest powder skis and snowboards available to every guest for the duration of their trip. Eliminate the hassle and headache of travelling with oversize luggage or bringing the wrong skis – we’ve got the right gear for you.

You’ll also want to make sure you have the right gear for yourself – bibbed snow pants with a zipper for entry can help eliminate snow getting into your inner layers, and choosing gloves that are both warm but are easy to use will ensure your hands stay dry all day, but you might want to bring an extra pair just to be safe, since the snow could get everywhere. Check out our list for what to plan for if it's your first time heli trip to Canada. 

Stance Setup

Powder snow riders often feel the need to set their stance on their skis or board to be adjusted slightly to the back more than normal to ensure they can keep the front tip up to surf over the snow. This isn’t necessary but can be helpful especially for riders on snowboards. Snowboarders that ride switch and freestyle will often choose a directional board and/or adjust the rear binding to be closer to neutral to increase the control of the board against the deep snow.

You will also most likely want to choose shorter skis for powder snow for two reasons. The first is that when riding in the backcountry you’ll want to have shorter skis to navigate through trees easier, if necessary. Unlike resort skiing on groomed and monitored runs, the backcountry is completely wild and untouched, so having shorter skis makes it easier to maneuver to anywhere you need to go. The second is that your skis can actually get stuck in the snow, and having shorter skis ensures you won’t be constantly lifting big piles of snow with your legs if your tips get into the deep powder snow.

Gliding through deep powder and towering trees at Northern Escape Heliskiing—an unforgettable backcountry experience!

Maintain Deep Snow Stamina

Skiers and snowboarders that are new to riding in deep powder often feel exhilarated when they experience their first fresh turns in deep snow, only to fall and struggle with trying to get up again, struggling against the deep snow. This is unlike any snow you’ve ever been in, and more like the quicksand you prepared yourself for in elementary school that never came to fruition – until now. Pace yourself, don’t get frustrated and don’t wear out if you are stuck in deep snow; don’t try to use your poles to prop yourself up – they will disappear! Instead, cross them in an X, or take your backpack off and use it to create a base against the snow to prop yourself up upright and eliminate struggling in endless powder.

Powder Power – The Need for Speed

When skiing in deep powder snow, you definitely need to maintain a reasonable speed, faster than you’re used to on a groomed run. The deep powder snow automatically slows you down and can impact the rhythm of your turns, so you’ll quickly find that speed is your friend when navigating through deep snow. This can sometimes be intimidating in steeper sections, but trust us – speed is your friend, and you’ll need the momentum to push against the powder.

When it comes to slowing down, your technique will need to adjust to the deep powder snow; you won’t be able to use the edges of your skis like you do on groomed runs.

Charging down a pristine slope—pure speed, deep powder, and ultimate freedom!

6 Pro Tips for Heli Skiing in Deep Powder Snow 

Pop Through Powder

If you’re planning on heli skiing in deep powder snow, you need to be prepared to adjust your technique. Powder skiing is all about rhythm and flow. Each turn feels different — softer, slower, and more buoyant — and you’ll need to move with the snow rather than against it.

Link Smooth, Rounded Turns

Unlike carving on groomed runs, you can’t rely on your edges in deep snow. Instead, steer with your whole ski, guiding them gently through the turn. Feel the skis rise to the surface as you finish one arc and start the next.

Use Both Legs Equally

Think of your skis as one big platform working together. Press evenly through both feet — this keeps them floating and prevents one ski from diving deeper than the other.

Breathe and Flow

Powder skiing has a rhythm: down to build pressure, up to release. This gentle bouncing motion helps you rise and fall with the terrain, staying balanced and in sync with the mountain.

Make Rounded Turns

Sharp, quick turns can cause your skis to dive into the powder, slowing you down. Instead, focus on making smooth, rounded turns to keep your momentum and avoid sinking. This flow will help you maintain a steady rhythm and fully enjoy the thrill of heli-skiing in untouched terrain.

Stay Centred and Light on Your Feet

Balance is everything in deep powder. Keep your weight centred over the middle of your skis — too far back, and you’ll lose control; too far forward, and your tips may dive. Stay light and responsive, letting your knees and ankles absorb the terrain. Think “soft feet”: flex and extend naturally with each turn to stay in tune with the snow’s changing depth and texture.

FAQ: How to Master Deep Powder Skiing

1. Do I need special skis for deep powder?
Yes. Skis with a waist width of 100mm or more and a rocker profile help keep you afloat. At Northern Escape, we provide powder-specific gear tuned for deep snow conditions.

2. What stance works best in powder?
Keep your weight centered with slightly more pressure on the heels. Avoid leaning too far back; balance and rhythm are more important than brute force.

3. How fast should I ski in deep snow?
Faster than you think. Speed gives your skis lift and stability. Trust your momentum and make smooth, rounded turns to manage your pace.

4. Why do I fall so much in powder?
It’s normal! Powder skiing requires subtle movements and balance. Falling is part of learning — and the soft landings make it easy to laugh off.

5. How do I get up after a fall?
Use your poles crossed in front of you or your backpack as leverage. Don’t push straight down into the snow; it will just collapse.

6. Should I lean back when skiing powder?
Not really. While a tiny bit of back pressure helps keep your tips up, your balance should stay centered. Think of riding the snow, not fighting it.

7. What’s the best way to turn in powder?
Use both skis together and steer smoothly; you don’t have hard edges. Compress as you begin the turn, extend as you finish.

8. How do I conserve energy?
Keep movements fluid, ski in rhythm, and take short breaks. Deep snow rewards flow, not force.

9. Can snowboarders use the same tips?
Yes — especially maintaining speed, staying centered, and keeping the nose up. A directional board with a setback stance helps immensely.

10. What’s the secret to loving powder days?
Relax. Smile. Let gravity and the snow guide you. Powder skiing isn’t about control, it’s about freedom. Once you stop fighting the snow, you’ll start flying.

The Classic Heli Ski Synchronized powder turns.

If you’re ready to experience the ultimate mountain getaway, Northern Escape Heliskiing is your ticket to the best deep powder skiing in the world. Book a trip with us!