How to get better at skiing if you're already pretty good??

[Morwax]

Have someone film you hitting different lines and types of snow. Not that form is everything buuutt. All skiers have the same tendencies. Tired, move to the back seat. Ice is nice, just keep your edges sharp.:beer:

 

[abc]

people believing they have attained their ultimate performance stop being interested in trying new things.

That's not the problem the OP (and others on this thread) has. He only wonders where his next goal should be.

because there is nothing wrong with either approach,

Yes, there is.

"Lesson is a waste of money", say the self-taughter.

"Lesson is the fastest way to improve", say the lesson taker.

They're both right, FOR THEIR OWN SITUATION!

Those who have a lot of days tend to be favoring self-taught. After all, lessons cost money. If you're busy skiing, you're probably not too busy making money. So "ski more, you'll improve" is the only way they see it. Lesson is a waste of money they don't have.

Those who don't get to ski as much as they like to, tend NOT want to waste time (vacation) and money (lift ticket/gas/lodging cost) figuring out by trial and error the most efficient movement. They'd be more incline to pay for lessons to get them to the right technique/movement/tactics. So they can actually enjoy the skiing trees, bumps or ice rather than being frustrated by them.

The "right" strategy will be the wrong one for a different situation

 

[bdfreetuna]

After getting in some more skiing since starting this thread, I have some more perspectives to take into account regarding how I want to address this.

It seems the #1 factor holding me back is stamina/strength. I basically did squat for pre-season training this year. Coming out of this season I will make it a major goal of mine to get back into mountain biking again. It's a real shame to have a Specialized Enduro and let it go to waste anyway . This should have me in good shape and also cardio shape to start off the next season.

The other factor is fear of injuring myself. I believe if my stamina and strength are where I want them to be, I won't be as worried about losing control.

When I have better strength and stamina I believe I can use the old race team lessons I had 14 years ago to improve my technique on icy stuff. In other areas I am working on I hope to see continued improvement during the course of this season, and have increasingly more "good days out".

 

[kingdom-tele]

That's not the problem the OP (and others on this thread) has. He only wonders where his next goal should be.


Yes, there is.

"Lesson is a waste of money", say the self-taughter.

"Lesson is the fastest way to improve", say the lesson taker.

They're both right, FOR THEIR OWN SITUATION!

Those who have a lot of days tend to be favoring self-taught. After all, lessons cost money. If you're busy skiing, you're probably not too busy making money. So "ski more, you'll improve" is the only way they see it. Lesson is a waste of money they don't have.

Those who don't get to ski as much as they like to, tend NOT want to waste time (vacation) and money (lift ticket/gas/lodging cost) figuring out by trial and error the most efficient movement. They'd be more incline to pay for lessons to get them to the right technique/movement/tactics. So they can actually enjoy the skiing trees, bumps or ice rather than being frustrated by them.

The "right" strategy will be the wrong one for a different situation

I know what your sayin abc, it does seem that way more than often. But, I think its a misperception. Talk to people who ski those larger amounts. Listen to their perception of the turn, they can describe it when they think about it, they can simulate the previously used body positions they used for that moment and then reduce it to specific joints, muscles, synergies and immediately can know how to modify it more for better efficiency.

It is very difficult the other way around, it clarifies objectives but the lacking sensation equates to struggle.