stuck in the backseat

[Marc]

I don't know if this has been posted yet, but what a fantastic article by our very own Steve, aka "the Riva Riv" aka Riverc0il-

Excerpt:

Few people would believe it, but only three major differences exist between an average skiers’ technique and that of an expert skier. Only three technical skills stand between limiting oneself to only skiing groomed trails and skiing any open trail on the mountain in any condition on any day. With a three year commitment and diligent practice, any skier with the desire and dedication can break through that invisible barrier separating the merely proficient skiers from those that define the grace and beauty inherent in a perfectly executed turn.
...
Easier said than done right? Wrong. Before I made a commitment to drastically improve and become what I refer to as an All Mountain Skier, I was a struggling Upper Intermediate skier. I had mastered the skid turn, could parallel very well, and even prided myself on surviving a few steep groomed double diamond trails. But I could not ski bumps, trees, or powder and felt limited regarding where I could ski on the mountain and under which conditions I could do so. I learned these three fundamental techniques through ski race training and they fundamentally altered how I ski and how much I enjoy doing so. In three short years, I became an All Mountain Skier that could ski any trail at any time in any condition. I went into the trees and soon after began looking off piste in the Back Country for fun and adventure because I was no longer challenged at ski areas.

Not sure if you are up for the challenge and commitment? Well know this before you condemn yourself to the ranks of the struggling Upper Intermediate for life: The better you get, the more you enjoy each and every turn. I know this for a fact.

Full article:
http://www.thesnowway.com/crossingover.htm

Simply fantastic writing! It rings true close to home for me because I think I am exactly the type of skier Steve is writing this about. I started my transition last year but didn't do it enough. Well tomorrow will be eight times out this year so I plan on working my ass off to be just the type of skier Steve has become.

:beer:

 

[catskills]

As a drill stand up straight and bend the knees a little. Now lean forward such that your nose is over the top of your ski tips. Now walk or skate around on a flat surfice. Now try skiing on intermediate trail, stand up straight, knees bent a little, leaning forward with nose over tips of skis, hands forward, and looking straight down hill at all times. This object of this exercise is to get your butt and shoulders forward.

Try these free online videos: video1 and video2

 

[Sky]

Is that 57" as in 4'9"? Just curious.

All the help offered above is good/great if you can get it all into a toolbox in your head and apply the techniques appropriately. All do-able..just probably not "one" single silver bullet.

Marc's quoting RC was great (agreed, nice writing).

My one piece of advice above and beyond the lessons, bent knees, hands in front, shoulders squared toward the downhill....Read "The All Mountain Skier". Paperback...about $16. Building blocks, drills to enhance the points in the books, tips on "how it feels", "how it looks". A very quick read and great help between lessons.

re: Lessons....to resolve a specific problem, fork out the cash for a private lesson.

Best of Luck! Keep us posted!

 

[thetrailboss]

Long time no see Sku...hope you've been out on the slopes! :beer:

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

...stuck in the backseat....go to the basics for the answer...

B A L A N C E

You will be able to fix this issue by balancing with your stance...start with FITTING YOUR BOOTS to YOU...proper fitting footbeds, boot cuff adjustment, forward lean setting, probable a degree or two of heel lift will give you the desired result...the correct B O O T F I T will move your skiing ability along further-faster…

To find a qualified bootfitter near you try: http://www.bootfitters.com/FIND_SHOP.htm

the cost will be the same as a lesson or two but the impact greater...

 

[Sky]

Long time no see Sku...hope you've been out on the slopes! :beer:

I got out once thas past week...Wed.

Love those Volkls pal. It was like a continuation of last year...nothing but pure carve.

We need to ski together again....something convenient for the both of us...Sunapee?