Why Spring Skiing makes you a better skier !
Started by Pavelski in Ski Technique 21-Mar-2012 - 24 Replies
Pavelski posted Mar-2012
All progressed a quantum level at end of week !
I wondered why !
Then it came to me,,,the secret,,fast way to becoming a better skier!
In Spring skiing nothing is static.
The snow conditions change by the minute !
The sun position changes relative to slope and skier.
The slope changes every 30 minutes.
As a result the skier must change technique and attitude every 30 minutes!
In short,,,,,, a skier becomes "adaptive" and learns to pick best line, best snow, best technique for the conditions!
The "hard headed" skier who insists to ski one style,, one technique will soon be surprised that the new soft soft "cement" snow that separates the men from the boys will demand more!
That fast fast cruising "carving skier who can take a hard icy slope with ease,,,,now has to deal with cement/crud steep slopes! A new technique is required!
You either use it,,,or lose it in Spring conditions!
A case in point!
Teaching a great expert level skier who flies down a well groomed icy slope with ease!
Now he is in steep, soft wet/cement type snow and has to make short fast 2 meter wide SL type turns. He has to "throw his body" forward, before each turn down the steep slope!
That is not easy to do,,since initial reaction is to sit back ( afraid to fall down steep slope) !
Where before he would always be on edge,,,in this steep section he had to allow a brief second of "free fall" while changing edge sets!
Yes Spring skiing makes you a better skier! Just do not give up at 10 am and say, "Ha,,,,,, too hard,,,legs hurting,,,,"
Learn to change technique !
Hope this helps some of you,
Pavel
Snowb4ndit
reply to 'Why Spring Skiing makes you a better skier !' posted Mar-2012
We started out at 10 and finished at 4.45 there was a 45 minute break at about 2.30.
I feel like I have skied on many different surfaces throughout the day, the glue is always a suprise!
Our legs are a little tired now, but maybe that was the dancing that preceded the skiing - I don't know.
Tony_H
reply to 'Why Spring Skiing makes you a better skier !' posted Mar-2012
Boiler plate, powder, ice, slush, moguls, crud, gravel. All in one morning. Not to mention the fog, sun, shade, snow, wind.
Makes you think when you're out there.
Pavelski
reply to 'Why Spring Skiing makes you a better skier !' posted Mar-2012
One hint!
Drink a great deal of water or natural juices that have "natural sugar" !
Yes avoid those "energy drinks" like Red Bull !
I hide at least 4 liters all over the resort ( top and bottom) and sip constantly !
Trencher
reply to 'Why Spring Skiing makes you a better skier !' posted Mar-2012
Edited 2 times. Last update at 22-Mar-2012
Verbier_ski_bum
reply to 'Why Spring Skiing makes you a better skier !' posted Mar-2012
Twofish
reply to 'Why Spring Skiing makes you a better skier !' posted Mar-2012
Pavelski
reply to 'Why Spring Skiing makes you a better skier !' posted Mar-2012
Too "optimistic" in your competence evaluation and nature will tell you fast that IT is taking charge!
You learn to "read" what you can do !
If you do not do it correctly the level of safety gets very very narrow! No margin of error in Spring conditions!
That is why you see by 13h few skiers on top level runs !
Few in those narrow channels!
You learn to be honest in your evaluation at the top,,,,or else you pay the price on the way down !
Soon you will all be dreaming of the next snow!!!!!
Pavel
Topic last updated on 21-September-2012 at 11:55