Sure wish I could ski better...

[Skier75]

03jeff, yep, I hear ya. That's about what happened to me New Year's day. Here I was with my new skis, feeling pretty confident and "watching" my form on an easy trail. But I think what happened with that fall was that I was overly confident and laxed too much on one leg letting my ski get away from me and down I went. Not sure how graceful it looked but I'm sure glad the helmet helped in this instance because I banged my head backwards and don't ask me how, but I also must've jammed my hand down to stop myself? I dunno, it all happened way too fast, but when I recovered my left arm was pretty sore and my right tumb from the way I had a hold of the pole??? Like I said it must've been a pretty graceful fall..... I'm still recovering my left shoulder from that. Lost the whole month of January to this, but went back at it and still a little cautious not to fall. But sorry I'm getting a little off topic here. Guess my point is I know if your gonna take a fall try not to save it, but sometimes you just don't see it coming.....but if you do, I know you should just take it, which I have plenty of times before and have come out alright.

 

[Greg]

Falls and injuries are just part of the game. I was hauling down the bottom of Rumble on a foot of powder last week. That stretch of the trail is pretty flat and easy. Came up on a partly melted out water bar that I didn't see. Dropped the 4 feet into the unfrozen water/mud, double ejected forward, taking the impact on my right knee. I then continued forward onto my head, did a break dance style head stand for a while before continuing over onto my back. Glad for the helmet that time. Didn't try to stop the fall in any way since it happened so quick so I was pretty relaxed. It's been over a week and the knee is still tender, but it's improving. My point is the bumps and bruises (and unfortunately sometimes worse) are simply part of the game.

 

[Vinny]

I don't think you ever answered what type of skis you use. My wife and I, 54 and 53, were pretty much in your exact boat. At our age, we're old enough to have equipment that is 2-3 technology generations old. We'd ski just about anything that was groomed, but when others were in heaven right after a huge dump, we were fighting our way through and not having any fun. Spring skiing through wet snow? Forget about it. We both were on very old, narrow skis and I was still using my old rear entry boots. We'd taken lessons, studied books, kept in pretty good shape, and always set time aside to practice. We got better but no really big breakthroughs.

Finally we broke down and demo'd a bunch of stuff with the intention of upgrading our equipment. I purchased Atomic Whiteouts and she bought Atomic Foxy Mama's....I told her it was appropriate ;>) Plus I bought new Technica boots.

With the new equipment, the decrease in our stress and the increase in our fun skiing non groomed stuff absolutely shocked us. I don't know if there is another sport where the market hype of changes in equipment actually turns out to be mostly true, but we found it to be the case here. We always loved skiing, but now we can ski much longer and over much more variable conditions while enjoying it more. The wider skis, surprisingly were still great in hardpack, so there was no downside other than cost. Soooo..if you're on old narrow skis and packed out boots, maybe a change in equipment is a good idea. It transformed the sport for us.

 

[campgottagopee]

Lots of good advise here, but I’m adding my 2 cents anyway because this is right in my wheelhouse. During my teaching days I was asked the same question you just asked repeatedly. To the point where it amazed me, and actually help me be a better instructor. Better in that it helped me understand what “most” skiers really wanted and that is confidence to ski various terrain. There’s no quick fix so please don’t look for one. Don’t look for DVD’s, magazines, cure all skis because they don’t exist. Kinda like if you’re having trouble putting don’t by a new putter because chances are it aint the arrow but more likely the Indian.
IMHO, the only way to accomplish what you’re looking for is MILAGE and a lot of it. Take lessons from an instructor you feel comfortable with and ski your butt off. I would recommend finding an instructor who fancies the KISS method. If you get someone filling your head with mumble jumble that’s what will come out. Yes, once you reach upper level classes that’s when the technical “stuff” can come out but isn’t needed where we are now. Something else that will help is to watch others ski from the lift and keep that mental image in your head while you’re skiing. Find peeps to ski with to keep it fun and hopefully one of them will be better than you so can watch and follow. The “follow me” way of teaching really works. I feel the main reason is because of speed. Most intermediate skiers are “stuck” due to the LACK of speed in there skiing. Speed HELPS in turning and turning effortlessly. Once you realize and can trust this is when you’ll see your skiing improve and require less effort, so get out there and ski!!!!!!

That’s all I got.

 

[Greg]

IMHO, the only way to accomplish what you’re looking for is MILAGE and a lot of it. Take lessons from an instructor you feel comfortable with and ski your butt off. I would recommend finding an instructor who fancies the KISS method. If you get someone filling your head with mumble jumble that’s what will come out. Yes, once you reach upper level classes that’s when the technical “stuff” can come out but isn’t needed where we are now. Something else that will help is to watch others ski from the lift and keep that mental image in your head while you’re skiing. Find peeps to ski with to keep it fun and hopefully one of them will be better than you so can watch and follow. The “follow me” way of teaching really works. I feel the main reason is because of speed. Most intermediate skiers are “stuck” due to the LACK of speed in there skiing. Speed HELPS in turning and turning effortlessly. Once you realize and can trust this is when you’ll see your skiing improve and require less effort, so get out there and ski!!!!!!

All good stuff. I made the decision to get serious about my skiing after trying to keep up with JimG. and his buddy Karl at Hunter back in December of 2004. I had thought I was a solid advanced level skier at the time, but they humbled me. I realized I was an upper intermediate at best. Jim had basic tips for me that day, but his overall suggestion was to just ski more. There really is no substitute. "More" for me meant more days and longer days.

 

[campgottagopee]

All good stuff. I made the decision to get serious about my skiing after trying to keep up with JimG. and his buddy Karl at Hunter back in December of 2004. I had thought I was a solid advanced level skier at the time, but they humbled me. I realized I was an upper intermediate at best. Jim had basic tips for me that day, but his overall suggestion was to just ski more. There really is no substitute. "More" for me meant more days and longer days.

Yeah, there really is no secret to it nor can you "buy" (meaning equiptment) good ski technique (meaning confidence). Longer days is important too, good point.

 

[campgottagopee]

Forgot that Jim G. is or was an instuctor---will be intesting to get his take on this.

 

[Skier75]

Oh, I hear you about the equipment won't be the "cure all", but having better equipment sure does help. Having better equipment helps the confidence that they'll actually do what you want them to do. And I hear you all about just gettting out more. We do as much as we can feasibly can, unfortunately something called work gets in the way, well sorta. It actually helps to be able to afford it too.

 

[Greg]

Oh, I hear you about the equipment won't be the "cure all", but having better equipment sure does help. Having better equipment helps the confidence that they'll actually do what you want them to do. And I hear you all about just gettting out more. We do as much as we can feasibly can, unfortunately something called work gets in the way, well sorta. It actually helps to be able to afford it too.

I do agree that at some level you need the right tool for the job. Even if the benefits of the correct equipment aren't immediately obvious, perhaps just having some new "toys" will be inspiration to ski more and that in and of itself is a benefit. I do think growing into new and more advanced equipment can help overall technique.

 

[campgottagopee]

Oh, I hear you about the equipment won't be the "cure all", but having better equipment sure does help. Having better equipment helps the confidence that they'll actually do what you want them to do. And I hear you all about just gettting out more. We do as much as we can feasibly can, unfortunately something called work gets in the way, well sorta. It actually helps to be able to afford it too.

IMO, all it does is speed up the learning curve just a little.

 

[ccskier]

Challenge yourself and ski with better skiers. I have been fortunate to have been skiing since I was about 10, now 30 and lived in a ski town for 5 years. Of course all of that has helped me to the level that I am today, but if it wasn't for skiing with better skiers I would be back a few steps. This season was the first that I can say skiing is kicking my ass. I have only skied about 15 days, 4 of which were in a row in Utah, but I just skied through the pain. I have not skied this little since middle school. If you don't ski enough, your skills are not forgotten, your body forgets what to do. I never got my ''ski legs'' this year. I had not skied since 3 weeks ago in Utah and yesterday I was at JAy, by myself fortunately and I could ski worth shat. Mentally I was there but my body wasn't. Just get out there as much as possible. The spring time is good to learn from the school of hard knocks with the softer snow, but can also be a dangerous time for knee injuries etc....

 

[polski]

Lots of great advice here. I'm in sort of the same boat though I feel I'm starting to break through. I'd elaborate on one point mentioned here, which is to challenge yourself. I tend to ski by myself or with my kids and on days when it's the former I make a point of trying to take at least a couple runs on ungroomed trails that are a little over my head or where I might not be 100% sure what I'm getting myself into. I'm confident I have enough skills and control to get down almost anything except bad ice, cliffs or very tight trees. So I'll throw myself into situations where at least a little bit of apprehension kicks in, if not all-out ohmygodwhatamidoinghere fear. I figure that at worst I'll make my way one turn at a time. In these circumstances my expectations are low and if I exceed them -- not just surviving but doing it with at least a little style -- it's a great confidence-booster. And confidence makes a huge difference, in skiing as in so many other facets of life.

One key to this is timing, hitting the more challenging stuff at the time of day when conditions are right (which in spring may mean not in the morning) but before I'm too pooped to make my legs do what they need to.

 

[MR. evil]

Get out and ski with people that are better than you are, as often as you can. The time Randi and I have spent skiing with Fellow AZer's much better than we are this past winter has really helped.

 

[MR. evil]

Here are a few things that perhaps may be worth your consideration and help you break out of the intermediate rut.

Weight loss and physical training.
First of all, if you say you could benefit from weight loss (30 lb ?), you are so right. This will make a HUGE difference. Even if you drop half of that and keep it off, you'll be much better off. Solid, advanced technique really rests on strong legs and really well conditioned core (back and abdominals).
I'm the same age as you are so I know for a fact that loss of strength is a problem. We lose muscle mass AND strenght as we hit late 40s and early 50s.
If you ski just weekends, you have to do some strenght training between ski sessions. Isometrics are ideal building up strenght (i.e sitting against the wall). Hitting the weights is just as important. Aerobics are good for your general health, but not quite as beneficial as strenght training. If you're short on time and have to choose, go for the lactic acid.
.

I have been wondering what I could do tp keep my legs in ski shape during the off season. I ussually do a allot of Mtn Biking the rest of the year. Should that alone be enough to keep the legs in ski shape?

 

[Warp Daddy]

All great advice here i didbn't start till i was 50 but was a serious XC skier for 15 yrs

I have been at it now almost 15 yrs BUT teh single BEST thing i did was to get myself involved with guys my age who were ex college racers and very strong 30 plus days /yr skiers for well over 3 decades ,

I had DESIRE and simply played followed the leader with them for years and learned how to ski by skiing non stop top to bottom runs with them for 5- 6 hrs a day . Roughly half my ski days a year now are still with this group of crazies -- damnn i luv these guys !! We have made memories for later on Each yr 30 of us hit Tremblant for a week it been a tradition for a LOOONG time

This strategy took me way out of my comfort zone ( greens and easy blues) and made a skier out of me . I'm certainly not as good as many here @ AZ ,but feel i can hold my own in damn near any situation and BTW good equipment does help.

Just got in from a great day skiing today @ Titus Mtn sunny 26 degrees deep snowpack --LIFE is Good !!

 

[OppositeGeorge]

I'm faaaaaar from a good powder skier, but one thing I do know, and this holds true for deep slushy spring snow, is you gotta just let them run a bit more. Making sharp turns almost slows you to a stop on all but the steepest terrain. Then you need to muscle the skis around through the deep powder or heavy spring snow to initiate the next turn. If you do this each turn you're going to fatigue quickly. Stay centered, relaxed and take a more direct line down the fall line. The snow is soft so don't worry about wiping out. Also, don't shy away from terrain that's steeper than you're accustomed to. It's easier to maintain forward momentum with a bit more pitch.

Amen. Not that I'm anywhere near good in the deep or slop either but if you feel you're jackassing the boards around in heavy or deep stuff, you're initiating the turns with your legs and this is what makes you tired. The trick is to turn the physics around and not try to move the skis through the heavy stuff -- you'll eventually lose that battle -- but rather let the heavy stuff move the skis around for you. Center of mass movement, which we covered in my last clinic, seems to be the key -- lead with the body and make sure the skis flatten as you approach the apex and they will follow your center of mass into the next turn. This can be a very scary feeling -- it feels like you're falling down the hill, which is really what you're doing -- until you get used to it. And it really requires a lot of faith to commit to the movement. But when you get it you'll find you get much, much less tired. And, I don't know, maybe it's simple for natural athletes but I'm a born klutz and no matter how many books I read on this I never got there except through the efforts of a good instructor, followed by lots of practice (I think I pissed him off with my continued requests for a magic pill so I could finally get it right.)

The other thing that's very important off the hardpack, good instruction helped a lot here too, is having a good sense of balance over your boards. When I'm doing it right my heels and toes have almost exactly the same amount of pressure on them and I feel the pressure somewhere around the arch and not the heel. It feels like surfing on top of the snow. And balance also seems, for me anyway, to be the key to consistent carving and controlled skidded turns (not the catastrophic side-slippers most of us pull out as a crutch when things get difficult.) Oh, and if you do need to bust out a quick pivot (in spite of what I said about letting the body lead the skis, you can't ski all day without at least a few pivot turns) it's much easier when the pressure is evenly distributed across the whole bottom of the ski, which is what happens when you're riding balanced. So even though deep and soft conditions amplify balance issues once you get a better understanding of them you'll realize how out-of-balance you've been on hardpack too (hardpack lets you get away with being a poorer skier, which is why most of us, when we plateau, tend to stick to groomers I think.)

Once you get these things down (again, somebody probably has to work with you to get you there) you'll find everything feels much more effortless and you'll be well on your way to becoming an expert skier. And it really does mean a lot less work in groomed or not -- I don't get tired now even when I go all day without a break.

 

[OppositeGeorge]

Oh, and the speed Greg talked about in the heavy stuff helps because when you let the snow move the skis around for you it pushes harder on them when you're going faster. Simple as a pimple.

 

[Mildcat]

I do think growing into new and more advanced equipment can help overall technique.

Beginner and intermediate gear are designed to compensate for bad habits that beginners and intermediates have. It works well on easier terrain but won't work in tougher conditions.

I agree that new equipment shouldn't be used as a crutch but if you feel you want to step up, the right equipment might help you pinpoint some of the mistakes your old gear was covering up.

 

[billski]

I second all of what camp is saying.

- Take a lesson, private if you can afford it. Nothing beats an objective eye to give you a good critique. Try to "take away" one or two things (no more) that you can focus on improving. That quality 1-1 time is critical.

- "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice!"

Lots of good advise here, but I’m adding my 2 cents anyway because this is right in my wheelhouse. During my teaching days I was asked the same question you just asked repeatedly. To the point where it amazed me, and actually help me be a better instructor. Better in that it helped me understand what “most” skiers really wanted and that is confidence to ski various terrain. There’s no quick fix so please don’t look for one. Don’t look for DVD’s, magazines, cure all skis because they don’t exist. Kinda like if you’re having trouble putting don’t by a new putter because chances are it aint the arrow but more likely the Indian.
IMHO, the only way to accomplish what you’re looking for is MILAGE and a lot of it. Take lessons from an instructor you feel comfortable with and ski your butt off. I would recommend finding an instructor who fancies the KISS method. If you get someone filling your head with mumble jumble that’s what will come out. Yes, once you reach upper level classes that’s when the technical “stuff” can come out but isn’t needed where we are now. Something else that will help is to watch others ski from the lift and keep that mental image in your head while you’re skiing. Find peeps to ski with to keep it fun and hopefully one of them will be better than you so can watch and follow. The “follow me” way of teaching really works. I feel the main reason is because of speed. Most intermediate skiers are “stuck” due to the LACK of speed in there skiing. Speed HELPS in turning and turning effortlessly. Once you realize and can trust this is when you’ll see your skiing improve and require less effort, so get out there and ski!!!!!!

That’s all I got.

 

[kimmie01485]

So I have read through all the posts, but I will still put in my two cents. I can tell you what has helped me this season, which I started as an ordinary intermediate level skier. Practice, practice and more practice. I skied my bum off as much as I could starting right around thanksgiving. Previous years I only skied about 5-6 days but this year I am already over 30. Also, challenge yourself! It is the best way to get better because if you don't challenge yourself you can't get out of your comfort zone. I would ski blacks before, but not if the terrain was challenging, now I can do anything because I challenged myself every time the conditions changed this season.

Another thing is def with the gear, I upgraded this year from my beginner skis to advanced skis and they make all the difference. My beginners would buckle at fast speeds and couldn't handle powder, ice or crud. But my new skis can handle everything (powder, ice, hard packed, slush) on all levels of trails and make all the difference in the world. I would recommend an all mountain ski, def best for handling the changing conditions we face in the east. Having the right equipment also helps with confidence, which is a big thing in advancing your skiing.

Lastly, just go for it! Don't hold back, a little speed def helps with turning and your skis will push through anything a lot better. And yes, spring conditions can be really hard to work through, but the harder the conditions the better you will get

Good luck! I hope all this advice on the thread will help you out and get you into advanced glee!