Are Sand Dunes the Future of Skiing?

Posted September 16th, 2008 by TimJFowler

One of the many reasons I love winter is skiing. Well, I just tried another surface for skiing that doesn't need cold weather - sand dunes. While I fervently hope that the snow keeps coming each winter (and I'm working to make sure that it does) I've found a new place to slide on some old skis - The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

I'm definitely no expert, so I went with some new friends who are old hands at sand skiing. From what I've learned the basics of sand skiing are:

Try to go sand skiing after a rain, dry sand is slow

You can 'skin-up' a sand dune on telemark or cross-country skis more easily than walking

Use a ski with simple bindings, 3-pin telemark bindings work well and won't jam up with sand

Clean and dry ski bases work best, ski wax sticks to sand

Sintered ski bases are harder and faster than extruded ski bases

Gaiters help keep the sand out of ski boots

Choose a steep sand dune and go for it

Speed is your friend, don't turn too much

If this all sounds a bit crazy, you're right. But, sand skiing is a blast! While I'm definitely not giving up on the snow, I'll be visiting the dunes again with my skis.