Alta and Snowbird Skiers Need to Up Their Game

 In recent years, a wiggle (or snake) has appeared at Alta or Snowbird.  

Photo of the Day | 4.3.2021

The wiggle has transformed Ballroom this spring. Have you wiggled this spring?

📸: @rockomenzyk https://t.co/MRJ6yOl9lG pic.twitter.com/FXgzM89usV

— Alta Ski Area (@AltaSkiArea) April 3, 2021

Some get excited about these slope enhancements, but not me.  

During my sabbatical in Innsbruck, I encountered figl skiing, or figln (see Tirolean Figln).  Figln becomes a thing in April at Nordkette ski resort above Innsbruck in April and involves the use of short skis to go downhill, using the tails to control speed.  As I understand it, the history of figln derives from mountaineering as the light, short skis could be used to quickly descend remarkably steep slopes back in the day.  The Nordkette has ideal conditions for Figln as it is steep (especially off the upper Hafelekar Tram) and south facing.  

Here's a video demo.  Start at about 1:12 for the Hafelekar footage and slot-canyon experience at about 2:10.  

Bottom line: Alta and Snowbird skiers need to up their game.