Runout Zone Hazards

Runout Zone Hazards

Glide Surface Grabbing in the Runout Zone? Sun Exposure Is Likely the Culprit

You're three hours into a spring tour, snow is softening, and your glide surface suddenly feels like it's got Velcro on it. You kick, you slide, you k...

Runout Zone Hazards

When Your Sled Spins Out in the Runout: What to Fix First in Your Weight Shift

You're hauling down the runout, the snowpack suddenly turns to windboard or sun crust, and your sled—skis or a snowmobile—starts to swap ends. In that...

Runout Zone Hazards

When Your Line Banks Into Soft Snow: Fixing the Runout Zone Mistake

You're dropping into a steep couloir. The snow feels right—firm on top, a little punchy underneath. You make your turns, keep your speed in check. The...

Runout Zone Hazards

Choosing an Exit Path Without Checking Downhill Drainage? Here’s How to Fix the Washout

You're leading a group out of a steep basin. Snow is punchy, the light is flat, and everyone is tired. The obvious exit is a broad gully to the west—i...

Runout Zone Hazards

When Your Runout Zone Crosses a Frozen Creek: The Mistake That Traps Your Sled

You're flying down a powdery slope, carving turns, when you spot it: your runout zone disappears into a frozen creek. The ice looks solid, maybe six i...