How we control this pressure is by flex adjustments of the lower body and upper body coordinated together. Thus a stiff skier has little outcome on controlling the pressure on his skis. Movement into the turn and angulation of the body are paramount in controlling pressure. The ski can also enhance the way we distribute pressure. A ski that is too stiff to flex in soft snow will not adhere to a specified turn shape easily.
Stiff skis are more suited for hard snow or race courses.
Convesely, soft skis are better suited for soft snow. The width of a ski can also improve balance in very deep snow. By skiing a wider ski we have more surface area to support our weight which enables the skier to stay a little higher on the snow and eases turn initiation. However, a narrower ski under foot is better for hard pack conditions because the edge is closer to the inside of the foot enabling a better feel and quicker control of pressure to the edge. A narrower cut on the ski also decreases the chance for deflection and vibration which can upset balance.