The 'new technique' - compulsory?

Hello,

Here is the situation, I have returned to European skiing after living in the tropics for nearly 20yrs.

My old kit - Blizzard Firebirds 195 and Salomon boots (91E), have been retired, and a set of shiny K2 skis @ a length of 174 and Head Edge 11 boots purchased. I am 49, and for some strange reason my ski pants didn't fit either - they probably shrunk.

From what I am now reading it appears that my old style of skiing should be thrown out as well? I was fast on the reds, and could handle most blacks. Never much into off piste.

Is there a huge change in technique now, or will the old school style work with the new kit? I have easy access to a dry ski slope, would I benefit from a lesson?

Many thanks for any suggestions - and any advice from those that may have found themselves in a similar situation?

Skimac

style has changed a lot, throw out that bum bag. Seriously thought the "accepted" style now will be much different from what your used to, think feet shoulder width apart, not so much in the hips but more using the skis to turn!

Get a lesson 1 or 2 and you should be back ont rack.

Since when has livingin the tropics been an excuse not to ski? :wink:

Hi Skimac,

If you did ski fast on reds, and could comfortably handle blacks, so, what's different? Not the slopes. not the snow, not you, well, mebbe a bit creakier. Although from where I sit, you are a youngster.

For sure you will need a couple of weeks to get your muscles re-learning.

So then, if it works for you, do what you like doing. That can include regaining your existing technique. And then there is no reason why you cannot experiment with some other techniques, some are latter day. The skis are cut a bit differently, but you can still elect to ski totally on edge, as modern carvers do, or with controlled edge release as you probably do.

You can be confident about the skills that you have, and also build upon them.

Hey, ski well.

Oh,forgot to say, I also had a pair of Blizzard firebirds, (red & white diamond surface). I had them for 26 years, they were barely worn in, yet my OH FORCED me to trade them in for a pair of ....K2s.

I use the words "trade in" a tad loosely. I fear they may be appearing as an exhibit in the Breckenridge museum of skiing....

Wow firebirds go back a few years huh? i have a set that's oh uh 3 years old now, my sis is using them to learn on. Great skis, for me atleast

I went up to the attic for a rummage around and found my old (forgotten about) 201cm Blizzard thermos. What a change to the 179cm Salomon X-wing Furys i ski on now.

I only used them for one holiday to Soll in 1986 i think it was.
I still have my Dynastar 192cm 'Non Stop' Pintail Monoski and i still love skiing on it.

Rob

Thanks to all for the advice, I have two trips planned so I think the first one (2 days) will be a fast revision course! I was taught on the ice fields of Glenshee, so if these skis work better on edges - so be it! I was told that the new style of skis don't like running flat? The salesperson sold me K2 Apache Rangers, he said it was a good allrounder, but that I may wish to trade up in a couple of years - true our just looking for future business?

Thanks again,

Skimac

Sounds like a good ski to start off again. Depending on how quickly it all comes back, how aggressive you are, and the type of skiing you start to prefer, you may outgrow them quickly. On the other hand, for just cruising around, they may fit you needs for a long time.

Whenever I'm buying gear for a new (or in this case a changed) sport, I've learned to accept that I will end up buying different gear as I figure out what works for me. I've also learned that it is not worth messing around with gear you are not happy with. Just the way it is, if you are enthusiastic about anything.

Trencher