Self evaluation

[Geoff]

My technique is largely unchanged from the late-1970's. I learned to ski at Austrian-dominated Stratton in the 1960's. I've adapted my turn to shaped skis but my stance is far too narrow by today's standards. I have fully torn ACLs in both knees so I have to keep a reasonable amount of angulation at all times or I have no stability. I was a bumper in the 1980's but I now tend to finesse them skiing against the grain. I pretty much look the same regardless of what terrain and condition I'm skiing on. Upright, centered, hands forward, moderate speed, skis always rolled up on an edge carving. I present the illusion of carving even if I'm skidding on boilerplate. I'm a pretty experienced powder skier. My biggest flaw that I fight all the time is bending at the waist when I'm out of my comfort zone. It's no big deal in the east but on true steeps, it's deadly.

I've been fighting a weight problem since my mid-30's. It got out of control in the mid-1990's and I took two years off and skied myself back to my correct weight. I ballooned up again a few years ago and I'm halfway through the process of getting back down to my correct weight. I've lost 50+ pounds since August 1. Like anybody, I ski much better when I'm fit than when I'm out of shape. At the moment, I'm still pretty slow going edge-to-edge so I'll often break out of a line and do a sweeping GS turn before getting back in the fall line again. It's sometimes a little troublesome in trees or on the very edge of the trail.

 

[dmc]

i hate to watch myself snowboard... most of the time...

 

[bvibert]

I'm a much better skier in my head than I am in reality...

 

[dmc]

I'm a much better skier in my head than I am in reality...

And - (for the most part) - thats all that really matters...

 

[WWF-VT]

You want to get better? Ski just beyond your ability level... often.

That sums up my skiing so far this season. Always been a confident, fast skiier on groomers and steeps. Lacked abiltity on other areas of the mountain. This year has been all about tougher terrain and improving my skills with lots of time spent on the natural snow trails, moguls and woods at Sugarbush. Challenging myself every time I'm out has improved my skills and I've had a hell of a lot of fun in the process.

 

[Brettski]

I consider it a good day when I leave the mountain...under my own power

 

[wa-loaf]

I was told the other day (by a woman) that I was a beautiful skier. That was little bit of an ego boost, but i was only skiing at Wachusett. I think I can handle just about anything on piste free skiing wise. Racing has really been tough and is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I'm stuck in silver+ land NASTAR wise and trying to figure out what I need to do to get faster. I also have a lot to learn in skiing powder and trees, neither of which I get to do enough of. Don't venture into the park and I'm not that interested in riding rails, but I do want to be more comfortable with air.

 

[JimG.]

I'm a much better skier in my head than I am in reality...

I think this applies to me as well and it's why I'm never satisfied with my effort.

I think I can always do better.

 

[severine]

I'm a much better skier in my head than I am in reality...

Actually, to an extent this is true for me as well. I seem to believe I can do more than I am physically capable of currently. Hence why I keep hurting myself. :lol: It'll all come, in good time...

 

[JD]

I suck and end up in the back seat too much.

 

[SIKSKIER]

It's all about me.Hey RiverCoil,next time your at Cannon look me up.I boot up at Peabody and ski out of the New Peabody lodge next to the bar of course.Look for the big(6-3 240 lb) blonde guy.I'm not in the woods too much but if you want to rip off some high speeders come see me.

 

[hammer]

I just look forward to the day when I don't feel awkward on skis...:roll:

 

[riverc0il]

It's all about me.Hey RiverCoil,next time your at Cannon look me up.I boot up at Peabody and ski out of the New Peabody lodge next to the bar of course.Look for the big(6-3 240 lb) blonde guy.I'm not in the woods too much but if you want to rip off some high speeders come see me.

Sounds good to me. Though I am not sure that is enough description to identify you, but I will ask around next to the bar next time I am at Cannon. Usually get there for opening bell or later?

 

[kingslug]

I suck and end up in the back seat too much.

"Doctor , it hurts when I do this"
"So don't do that"

 

[SIKSKIER]

Sounds good to me. Though I am not sure that is enough description to identify you, but I will ask around next to the bar next time I am at Cannon. Usually get there for opening bell or later?

I'm hard to miss.There are not too many big blonde guys there.I'm always there before 8 booting up right next to the bar by the door that the heads to the deck/lift.Ask for Big Blonde Bill.Most people will know.I will miss this weekend though.Uuugggghhh!Well maybe Sunday.

 

[JD]

"Doctor , it hurts when I do this"
"So don't do that"

well yea..........

 

[downhill04]

8 years ago when I was in college, skiing 3-4 days a week, I honestly felt like I was the best skier on the mountain every time I skied. I would spend the day ripping bumps, going huge in the terrain parks and pulling trick that most others could only dream of. There was only one day in which I honestly felt there was a better skier than myself. That day I happened to be skiing with Johnny Mosley. It was amazing to see how good he really was in person. I understand this sounds very conceited but that was how I truly felt every time I strapped skis to my feet.

Fast forward to my post college years. Now that I have a job, mortgage, car payments, a kid, etc… I can not get out nearly as much as I use to. When I do get out and watch others ripping it up, I sort of have the “glory days” flashing through my head. When I watch kids go huge and pull crazy tricks in the terrain park I always think “I use to be that good”. It is very humbling to know that I am past my prime when it comes to skiing. It took a while to get use to that feeling.

After seriously injuring my back this season I have finally come to the realization that I am not 20 anymore and need to ski a little less aggressive. Now instead of feeling the need to show off and impress others, I ski to make me happy. Instead of spending the day in a park/pipe or on bump run under a chairlift, I spend a lot of time in the woods. In the woods I feel free (if that makes sense). I can ski as hard or soft as I want. The only one I am trying to impress is me.

I will say even though I no longer think of myself as one of the best on the mountain, I am enjoying skiing more now than ever. While I still love to ski steeps, bumps, jumps and pipe with friends, I get more enjoyment out of skiing by cruising down green circles with my son. Who knows, when he gets a little older I may have to show him how to rip a 900 mute grab :wink: