J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dave Mac

Geez, that was interesting. All in control....

Reminded me of a certain young ski instructor, on the chairlift for the last run of the day, and nearing the top station. Seeing a group of his mates had just set off from the top, this young fellow, in his 20s, lifted the bar, twisted and lowered himself until he was hanging by one hand from the footrest, and then jumped the 10 ft fall, landed on his skis and nonchalantly joined in with his mates.

Just above, the chairlift rope was rocking up and down violently, and the liftman, old Hans,was looking down the slope, shaking his fist.

I would never behave like that.....

Ok here is the video. When you are teaching someone to carry out four different actions at the same time, the trick is to try and encapsulate a method which does not try to separate and then bring together the elements.

This was posted by a good friend who was British Speed Ski champion ~ he too still searches for the best description.

https://www.skicanada.org/tips-up-balance-on-skis/?utm_source=SnowOnline+subscribers&utm_campaign=473a2b3639-Tips_Up_Oct_910_9_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b2f88be4ac-473a2b3639-101196109

If the change point was the boots, then it may be possible that the boot may need to be set with a more forward cant. To check this take them back to your point of purchase or to a reputable boot fitter. (it is the fitter that is important, not the shop)

If you are in resort, and have the problem, then do not be afraid to rent a shorter ski, and one that is not too stiff. With your experience, I doubt that you will ski at excessive speeds, (over 100kph) Go for a carver ski.

Then technique. If due to your boot cant, if you are too upright, you will find it difficult to retain control, and your speed will increase. To avoid this, keep your hands and knees well forwards. This will pressure the ski into a carve.

I will look out a video I saw from Canada a couple of weeks back, and post it. It just gives an alternative way of thinking about our skiing ~ "searching for the bottom of the rectangle"

Andy, Tignes should be OK!

I just checked the 16 day Alps forecast, and it seems to offer little. That has determined my travel, in that I will hire a car from Munich, rather than travel by rail.

My only other decision, in resort, dependant on prevailing conditions, is to consider the Tirol conditions, and decide between a Kitzbuhel area or a Tirol card.

My room cost is fairly modest, less than £20/night, hence should I choose to stay over at a distant resort, it is a low financial hit. That is just a decision of travel time/cost/snow conditions/new area opportunity.

Most areas have good machine snow conditions, although it must be said that a fall of a few degrees in ground temp would make their job easier.

Hi Kelly, I would suggest Cairngorm for families, Glenshee also. With the train system, Cairngorm has family friendly access. I am just over an hour to Glenshee, and two and a half hours to Cairngorm. I normally ski both every year. This year, I plan to add the Nevis range.

However, unless things change, skiing between Xmas and New Year is looking unlikely. I'm off to climb some mountains in the Highlands.....

Keep an occasional eye on Winterhighlands website. This covers all the Scottish areas.

I have helicoptered in NZ, out of Taupo. Many years back though.

My worst was 1971. No snow in January, and it did not snow again until Easter.

Very good that your laddie is OK. We have had three concussions in our family, so this is close to my heart.

Before I go away, I always put the lift company phone number into my mobile. Yes, I know you can put in the Euro number, but they do not know the piste, nor do they know the conditions.