What are some tips for skiing in powder? l skied 3 feet of powder last week in Montana, my ankles were in great pain from leaning so far back and my knees were also sore from being crouched down. Is this pain normal? l also stretched before skiing.

1. Do NOT lean back. This is terrible, terrible form. It not only leads to a loss of control, but it also ends up screwing up ur ankles, shins & knees (as u found out the hard way).

2. The easiest thing to do is buy a pair of powder skis. If this is not a feasible option, then u need to work on the technique portion.

3. To properly ski powder with more traditionally cut skis, u need to focus more on ur stance & speed. First, u should basically be standing straight, with only a slight lean forward to match the curve of ur boots. Do not lean too far forward or too far back. Both of these lead to loss of control.

Second, speed up! Speed equals flotation in powder. Once u get moving, then u want to work into a nice, bobbing, back & forth rhythm in the snow. This will keep ur skis diving up & down, & will keep u moving.

Third, go easy on the poles. You only want a light touch to signal each turn - do not put any weight on ur poles as you're skiing otherwise it will throw u off balance & either destroy ur rhythm & momentum, or will make u fall.

Other than that, all l can tell u is to practice. The more powder skiing u do, the easier it gets.

Bounce.

Sing (seriously - it helps with rhythm).

Breathe in for the first third of a turn, and out for the last two thirds. This helps with rhythm and extension/retraction.

Stay in the fall line. Do not finish your turns.

Go fast.

Have fun.

l am jealous, 3 feet of pow is wild. The whole secret to skiing in real pow is balance, and ski it like it is not there. Most dumps of 3' are not all pow, but a mixture of new heavy snow, pow, and corn. For all of this, you must be rhythmic, balanced and aggressive. Take a series of lessons to polish your skills. You need a qualified professional instructor to improve all of your skills.