How To Win a Snowball Fight
It’s always winter on a ski holiday and, when you’re surrounded by snow, the only thing quite as exhilarating as skiing and snowboarding (or as potentially humiliating) is a good old-fashioned snowball fight. Whether you’re gearing up for battle against group ski trip rivals, cappuccino skier friends, or family away skiing with you, knowing the secrets of snowball warfare can mean the difference between triumphant glory and a face full of snow. Don’t be fooled by the apparent levity of this endeavour, this is serious business, so here’s our ultimate guide to how to win a snowball fight, every single time!
1. Preparation is Key
Scout Your Battlefield: Choose terrain wisely. Trees, bushes, walls, and parked cars can offer vital cover. Establish boundaries to avoid chasing or being chased into risky or off-limits areas, and don’t run onto the piste, or worse, the terrain park.
Gear Up Appropriately: Wear layers for warmth, waterproof gloves for effective snowball making, and sturdy boots to avoid slipping during critical moments. Ski clothing is perfect for fearlessly fighting with snowballs, but a helmet might be seen as overkill, so a good hat might shield you from sneak attacks and keep your head in the game, literally.
2. Crafting the Perfect Snowball
Snow Selection Matters: Fresh, slightly wet snow is your ideal ammo. Dry snow won’t stick, and overly wet snow becomes a hard ice ball, which is both painful and unsportsmanlike. Side-piste and off-piste are where to find the best fresh powder.
The Art of Making Snowballs: Scoop snow with both hands, press it firmly into a sphere, and smooth it out. Make batches ahead of time and keep them in your “ammunition station” (a strategically placed stash). Don’t do this on are at the side of the slopes, as focussing on making snowballs means you won’t spot dangers like skiers or snowboarders hurtling towards you.
3. Battle Strategies
Team Up Strategically: Organize your teammates with specific roles: attackers, defenders, and ammunition makers. Communication is critical, so agree some signals or code words help coordinate ambushes and retreats. We use ‘avalanche’ to launch a frenzied group attack, and ‘iglu’ to signal a retreat to cowering behind cover (or behind each other, when all valour is spent).
Establish High Ground: The higher ground is a natural advantage. You’ll have gravity working in your favour, increasing both the reach and speed of your snowball throws. Fortunately all ski resorts are built on slopes down the side of a mountain, so outflank your snowball fight opponents to get above them on the hill.
Employ Diversion Tactics: Create distractions to confuse opponents. One team member can draw fire while others execute surprise flank attacks from the sides or behind. We found having a non-combatant ski past while shouting their names is surprisingly effective.
4. Mastering Your Throwing Technique
Aim and Fire: Target larger areas of your opponent’s body, such as their torso. Faces are off-limits for safety and sportsmanship reasons, unless the snow is very soft and powdery. Aim slightly higher to account for gravity. A hit in the ski jacket is almost as satisfying as the rear of the salopettes – bum shots are always strangely hilarious.
Rapid-Fire Accuracy: Practice throwing quickly yet accurately. The key is balance: too slow, and you risk retaliation; too reckless, and your ammo runs out prematurely. Have your team practice quick-fire snowball making and throwing while out skiing during the day.
5. Defense and Survival
Use Your Environment: Build snow walls or bunkers for shelter or hide behind stashes that the piste-bashers have mounded. Move frequently between cover spots, staying unpredictable to opponents. Hiding behind trees is a winner, but watch out for the big dump to drop on you if you knock the trunk!
Counter-Attack Wisely: Timing your retaliation just after an opponent has thrown their snowball leaves them temporarily defenceless, but you will be exposed to their throw so hold your nerve – do not throw with your eyes closed!
6. Victory and Aftermath
Maintain Good Sportsmanship: Celebrate wins graciously. Remember, the goal of a snowball fight is fun, camaraderie, and friendly competition. Alternatively, dance around holding the thumb/finger loser sign to your ski goggles until they are goaded into starting to throw at you again.
Warm Up Properly: After your snowy triumph, head indoors to warm up with a well-earned hot chocolate, recounting the glory of your win. This is an opportunity to regale your friends with tales of their bravery, and further denigrate the opposition, who should also buy the first round if they lost.
Winning a snowball fight requires more than just good aim – it takes cunning, teamwork, and strategy. Arm yourself with these tips, and you’ll be a snowy victor of your next ski trip, earning respect and bragging rights throughout the winter ski season!
To book your ski holiday in the best destinations for both skiing and snowball fighting, read our guide to the world’s best ski resorts.
