Need advice on skis

[mckay]

Thanks so much. Looks like I'll be setting up a good time for a lesson or two.

[ajl50]

Yea...lessons are totally worth it. Great for building confidence. Also take the lesson at the start of any ski trip so that you can practice your improvements.

[Edd]

Some good suggestions but don't always blame yourself for skidding on the steeps. Sometimes controlled skids are necessary when it's scratchy. Steeper pitches tend to scratch up quicker simply because snow falls down the hill. There are skiers skilled at making skids look like carves.

[JimG.]

Originally Posted by Edd

Some good suggestions but don't always blame yourself for skidding on the steeps. Sometimes controlled skids are necessary when it's scratchy. Steeper pitches tend to scratch up quicker simply because snow falls down the hill. There are skiers skilled at making skids look like carves.

Yup...no such thing as a perfect carve either. There's always a bit of skid in there.

Ever make turns on a ski that has been poorly tuned and is base low/edge high or "railed"?
Damned unpleasant feeling, like you can't get off your old turn and start the new one. That's alot like what a "perfect" carve would feel like, like you're stuck on railroad tracks and can't get off.

[mckay]

I think a lesson would be good if for no other reason than to find out where I'm at. I did just start last year, but I did also go over 20 times. This first time I went this year I was trying to keep my torso pointed downhill, someone was just telling me how important that is, and I thought it made a big difference. I felt more in control.

[YardSaleDad]

I started the season before and got out last season a little over 20 times. I also had at least half a dozen group lessons at Belleayre @ $25 a lesson + tips. Made a world of difference in my progression, confidence, and enjoyment. YMMV. Reading posts here, didn't hurt either

[bigbog]

Ditto on JimG's post...
It's always great to have another pair of eyes analyzing you from a different angle. That's why the video-thing is terrific as well, not just another resort-gimic.

[KevinF]

Originally Posted by mckay

I went to a bootfitter last year and my boots fit great. My heel is snug right in there, my toes are right up against the end when I stand up straight, and they are so comfortable I don't need to unbuckle when I'm in the lodge. I couldn't be happier with the boots.

What did the bootfitter do to check your fit? The boots being comfy on your feet is a great start, but there's a lot more to a great fit then just comfort. i.e., if you're bow-legged or knock-kneed, then good performance skiing can be nearly impossible -- unless your boots are setup to compensate for how your legs are naturally aligned. If the forward lean of your boots is not compatible with the geometry of your legs, then you can be in the back seat (or way too far forward) from the moment you click in, and you'll be fighting that with every turn you make. If your bootfitter checked your alignment -- awesome, you are miles ahead of the game. If not, and you are truly serious about getting better, get your boots aligned. It's not necessarily cheap, but it'll do far more for your skiing then any lesson or any new pair of skis will.

Originally Posted by mckay

I think the boots are a 60 or 70 stiffness Solomon.

The stiffness rating of boots doesn't mean a whole lot. i.e., 70-stiff Solomon's are different from 70-stiff Lange's, which are different from 70-stiff Dolomite's, etc. It's comparable within the same manufacturer, but it's pretty meaningless otherwise.

Originally Posted by mckay

Also, I just had my skis tuned. I paid for a mid-level tune. $45. I don't think sharpness is the problem.

Be aware that with typical New England conditions (i.e., hardpack), skis won't stay sharp for long.

[koreshot]

One word: Bros!


ok, maybe not...

[uphillklimber]

Be aware that with typical New England conditions (i.e., hardpack), skis won't stay sharp for long.

I gotta second that. Some of us are a bit more OCD about sharp skiis.If you learn how to sharpen skiis and detune them(Very easy), you'll do it between every trip. To me, it's more important than waxing.