Crossing Corduroy

[JohnE]

Corduroy "grain" goes up and down the slope (generally).

Assume you are carving on a wide, relatively flat (not level) slope that has been groomed. When you are traversing the slope, your edge is crossing the corduroy at right angles. Edge penetration of the snow is at a maximum. As you approach the edge of the run and the apex of your turn, your board is heading down the slope an parallel to the cord. At this point, your turn radius is at a minimum and edge pressure is near maximum. 

I'm guessing that at this point, edge penetration is minimal and if you slide your turn at all, your edge hops from groove to groove. 

It would be a different experience (not necessarily better) if the cord grain went side-to-side so that your edge was perpendicular to the cord at the apex of your turn and your traverses were parallel to the grain.

 

[softbootsurfer]

Resistance and Consistency plus the Arc of continually being IN the turn…make the cords direction irrelevant IMHO the smaller grooves of the modern Groom however can create Holes and Slick compressed sections that are especially prevalent in Spring with freeze thaw conditions reducing consistency 

[Odd Job]

Probably easier to drive up a hill and back down in passes vs side to side anyways.

[CB Utah]

I was waiting for someone to say that, @Odd Job.  Interesting to ponder, a bit more difficult to implement the side to side.  On a side note, Sparky the F2 stomp pad fan would totally do it if he was allowed to drive the Piston Bully…

But to be serious for a minute, @JohnE, could this be tested in effect by finding a wide, even groomed slope that is relatively level, straight lining for a bit to build speed then turn sharply against the slope to try some quick turns perpendicular to the fall line?  I seem to recall some slopes at Beaver Creek that were really wide and potentially good for this experiment.

Edited April 8, 2023 by CB Utah