Skiing the steep. [Photo: Dave Cannon, Allsport]

Skiing the very steep, also called extreme skiing, can be a lot of fun. It is more than just a technical challenge. The element of fear tests your concentration and nerve to the utmost, as you savour the exhilaration of hanging weightless between turns. The sense of achievement last for years. Very steep slopes can be found in most large resorts, though they may be quite hard to reach. Certain ski areas, such as Chamonix in France, Blackcomb in British Columbia and Jackson Hole in the American Rockies, have become famous for their steep skiing.

For your first attempts, you should look for a very short, open slope, not a long narrow gully. As you start to look further afield for steep skiing challenges, never forget that it is dangerous, and always take sensible precautions:

• Always go with someone who knows the slope.
• Never ski steep slopes under avalanche conditions.
• Never ski in big groups.
• Don't stand beneath other skiers.
• Don't be embarrassed to sidestep down, or back up
• Don't ever take friends unless you are sure they can cope.

Tips

• When you are airborne between turns, bend your knees to keep your tails from snagging on the slope behind you.
• On a really steep slope, you may have to jump off your uphill leg, as your downhill leg is already fully extended.
• If you fall and start to slide, use your poles to stop.
• If you get panicky, hold still for a while, breathe, sidestep down (do not side-slip).
• If a companion gets panicky, try to calm them down. Get them to stand still, then start to sidestep down if it is safe to do so. Do not leave them alone unless you are sure they will stay where they are. On a purely selfish note, do not stand beneath them.