The Big Huck: Getting Air without Getting Killed

Hucking. Nothing brings out the hoo's and hah's on a powder day, and almost nothing feels closer to free flying through the clouds. Hucks come in all shapes and sizes, and each pillow line, natural booter or cliff air carries its own risks and challenges. Learning to safely manage run-ups, takeoffs and landings, and make good decision, can make the difference between a busted knee and a post-session congratulatory toasting of spirits.

Pre-Inspection: The Essential Step for Safety

A safe launch off a cliff — whether the size of your ski pole or a ten-story building — starts with research. Never put yourself into the air if you're unfamiliar with the takeoff or landing. Almost nothing is more dangerous and dumb, and definitely not worth losing a season over. If you're planning to conquer big air, check it out before the big day comes. Ski the actual run-up up to the takeoff, checking for exposure and slightly buried debris. Inspect the actual take-off even closer, looking for rocks and sighting the angle of take-off slope. Decide ahead of time where exactly you'll put yourself in the air and begin flight. Ski around the huck point and check the landing. Are there any rocks? Where is the best spot to land? How about the run-out, is it clear? Research, visualize, huck. It makes sense, do it and your knees, or maybe your head, will thank you later.

When the powder finally comes or the little adrenaline-junkie man inside you overwhelms your better judgment, technique is important. Think about your balance point, being loose in the air, and visualize the landing and nothing but stomping it.Ultraskier Terrain!: Now we're talkin' — This is Ultraskier terrain!

Take-Off

Hesitation and doubt will sabotage your flight plan before you even have a ticket. Never take flight if you don't want to, the results will usually reflect your expectations. If you've decided it's time to go, stay balanced and focus on your speed when approaching a jump's lip or the exit point on a cliff. Hitting a huck with the right speed is crucial, and the runway is the only opportunity to gain or shed speed. As you approach the takeoff, bend your knees, focus and be aggressive. Remember you're hucking the jump, the jump isn't hucking you. Be compact and start spotting your landing as soon as possible.

In the Air

Stay loose and compact in the air. Rolling-down-windows won't help any part your huck, but staying composed will. Stay centered or slightly forward in the air. Falling into the backseat in the air all but assures an ugly landing. Position your thighs at a slight angle upwards where you can absorb the energy impact with your core. Over-extending yourself in the air increases the impact toll of the landing on your spine and back and makes a stomp more challenging. Always spot your landing as soon as possible, and focus on positioning your skis in the ideal landing location. A huck should never be a Hail Mary with your eyes shut. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the air time while it lasts.

Landing

Depending on the snow conditions, you'll need to adjust weight and balance positions. If the landing is soft, compensate with a slight backward lean to avoid digging your ski tips into the snow, surely setting off a series of somersaults. If landing is going to be hard, stay more centered and prepare to quickly handle the speed you'll pick up on impact. Stay strong and tense through your thighs and lower back on impact, trying to quickly pop back into an aggressive, forward stance as soon as possible. Last but not least, and probably most important, is your attitude and mindset. Never give up on a huck at any point. Many bad landings are solely the result of wavering confidence. The huck isn't complete until you've stuck the landing and skied away, so follow through and be strong through the entire process.

Build up slowly and be safe!