J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by scapula

pavelski wrote:Ice,,,,that word brings "shivers" to some skier yet it is easier to ski on this type of condition that snow! Really!

Here are some hints!

1. First make sure your skis are well tuned. If possible by hand! Best is 3 degrees vertical and .5 base!

2. Your mental state is vital when skiing ICE! There are two types of contexts. The hidden patch of ICE among snow slopes! That is called the MINE ICE ! ready to catch you as you set an edge.
You must at all times set a soft edge and be ready to transfer your weigh to other ski if you hit such a patch! DO NOT dig in or set your edges harder on ice! In fact on patch of ice it is best to let edges go,,,pass ice patch,,then set edges again on soft snow!
Of course if you do body rotation turns on ice you will wipe out, so another reason why not to do body rotation turns ( ski turns are done with knees,,,,not body)!

3. The easiest skiing is when slope is all ice! Really! Ice is more consistent than snow, is faster and is so much more "exciting" ! The key is to pretend you are skiing on eggs! Soft edges! The secret is the line you take! Too much rotation,,,,you will spin too much! You must have confidence in your technique and never but never turn too much too fast!

4. Of course never ,,,but never sit back on ice!

Hope this helps you!

Respectfully,
Pavel