Expert Advice: How to Ski Crud Like a Pro | A Guide By Ski.com

Crud, tracked powder, mank, ungroomed snow, wind-affected, clumpy, coral, crust – the names might differ, but they all describe the same challenge: variable conditions. For skiers and snowboarders, the word “crud” might inspire dread, but learning to navigate these mixed snow types is crucial to becoming a versatile and confident rider. While everyone dreams of endless powder days, the truth is that variable snow dominates many ski seasons. Sometimes you’re stuck with uneven, inconsistent, lumpy snow.

Related: How To Ski Powder | A Ski.com Guide

The good news? Learning to ski or ride in these conditions doesn’t just prepare you for the reality of the mountain; it also opens the door to some seriously fun adventures. Once you understand how to approach each type of snow, even the gnarliest crud can transform into an exciting playground. Embrace the challenge and make every day on the mountain an epic experience, regardless of the conditions. 

Love it or hate it, crud has a way of exposing the techniques you need to work on to become a better rider. Mastering crud can be tricky, but it’s a great way to improve your skills and prepare for off-piste or backcountry conditions. We caught up with Professional Ski Instructors of America – American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) to glean some expert tips on how to ski and snowboard crud.

Advice For Skiers

Jennifer Simpson at the Ski and Snowboard Schools of Aspen Snowmass shared a couple of tips and tricks she uses to help her students crush crud.

4 Typical Crud Issues and How to Fix Them

1. Many skiers think turning in crud will be difficult, so they rush through the turn, which can lead to poor control and balance. Rather, round out your turns, making them smoother and more gradual. This means turning your skis into and out of the fall line (the natural downhill direction) in a controlled, rounded motion. This technique gives you more balance and stability.
2. Often skiers will instinctively turn their upper body to release the ski edges, which can cause you to lose control or balance. Instead, lead with your legs. This gives you more options for maneuvering the skis and maintaining control by keeping your balance centered. Use “feet and legs go in first” as a mental mantra, says Simpson.
3. Crud is uneven and unpredictable, featuring lumpy textures and sometimes buried moguls, which require a strong core and shock-absorbing legs. Engaging your core muscles (abs and lower back) keeps you stable and prevents you from getting tossed around by bumps. Bending your knees and letting your legs absorb the impact of the rough snow will help you stay balanced and comfortable, no matter how bumpy the ride gets. Think “loose legs, tight core,” recommends Simpson.
4. Skiers tend to set an edge at the end of the turn, but this will leave them leaning uphill and on high-edge angles, says Simpson. This position is unstable and often leads to losing control. Instead, use just enough edge to accomplish the type of turns you’re aiming for. Rather than fixating on finishing your current turn with heavy edge pressure, shift your focus to setting up for the next one. This approach helps you maintain better balance, keep your body aligned, and ensure a more fluid, less jarring ride.

Top Tips for Crushing Crud on Skis

Take smooth, round turns, rather than making them sharp or rushed.

Lead with your legs.

“Loose legs, tight core!”

Instead of overusing edge pressure at the end of your turn, focus on using just enough edge and preparing for the next turn.

Advice For Snowboarders

Tony Marci, an AASI Snowboard Team member and owner/head trainer at Snow Trainers in Copper Mountain, has some crud-specific insight for one-plankers.

3 Ways to Conquer Crud

1. Maintaining a strong core stance will keep you stable and prevent you from getting bounced around in challenging snow conditions. Intentionally engaging your abs and lower back muscles while riding acts like a foundation, giving you better control over your movements and keeping you steady, even when the snow is bumpy.
2. Find a balance between active and passive movements in the legs. Snowboarders should actively steer their lower body with their front and rear legs while keeping their ankles and knees relaxed to absorb the bumps and changes in the snow, allowing for smoother control in variable conditions. Think: strong legs and flexible joints.
3. Read the terrain. Look for soft, untouched snow or areas that have been softened by the sun, which ​​typically offer a more forgiving ride. The goal is to find the best snow for a smooth ride down the slope or a safe escape route if conditions turn tricky.

Snowboarding Crud Like A Pro

- Keep an engaged core.

- Focus on strong legs and flexible joints.

- Look for soft, untouched snow and safe escape hatches.

If you want another take, here’s a good one from our friends across the pond at Ski School by Elate Media.

Remember to stay dialed into your body position and keep it strong. Your skis and board are built to cut through the crud, so trust them to do the work. Fully commit to each turn and don’t hesitate between movements. Look ahead, plan your line, and focus on where you want to go.

The sweet spot is a balanced body stance between being too stiff and overly loose: a strong body paired with relaxed, shock-absorbing legs will help you handle the bumps. And yes, all those crunches and ab workouts will pay off – before you know it, you’ll be tackling crud with confidence instead of avoiding it.

Ready for your crud-conquering ski trip? Our 65+ Mountain Travel Experts are standing by for your call at 800-610-8911. They will provide free advice and can book your complete ski vacation package, including lodging, discounted lift tickets, rental car or ground transportation, lessons, rentals, flights, and more. You can also get started by filling out a form for a free quote.

If you want another take, here's a good one from our friends across the pond at Ski School by Elate Media.