Month: December 2015

Frank, Leanne, Arianna, Alexandria – early church, sore muscles from the 2.3 mile nonstop run the day before, video on bumps, $0.75 for lunch (one of the best yet) – hummus, crackers, guacamole, orange chocolate, hot coco and coffee. Leanne and Alexandria working on short radius turns in PM, more turn shape, early edge change, rhythm, rotation and shaping with leg steering, more speed down the mountain (which does not mean faster skis, just continuous turns with less breaking on every turn), Happy New Year!

Frank, Andrew, Airanna – early church (Dukes, Rounders, Horseshoe Bowl – better than two cups of coffee), tons of bumps (literally), non stop run from top of Imperial to bottom of Colorado lift – 2.3 miles/13 minutes/2500 feet vertical – now that was a bit of a leg burner. Some  words on differential leg lengths, tip inside ski and flex to let hip drop into the hill, lots of follow the leader (you are getting good at this Airanna when you lead), check turns at top of bump to help bring feet back under hips and kill any excess speed. Word has it Alexandria wants to learn bumps … would like to hear that myself and see some enthusiasm toward that goal. Good skiing day!

Frank, Andrew, Arianna, Alexandria – church at 8:30 (Dukes and Rounders) right to the bumps, what a wake up call … this family is skiing strong and offensive. Tactics, more on how arms/shoulders/hips are tied to keep alignment, early edge engagement (don’t think it an get too early) then pressure both skis into the next bump flank, ok to skid in bumps to adjust line … big day for Alexandria, she is starting the separate the upper and lower body and be more consistent with arms (out and wide vs. in and narrow), staying off the hard edge on the outside ski is allowing more shaping and greater speed down the mountain. The whole clan can now hold similar speed down the mountain on groomed blacks (well, similar enough to make skiing as a group work … most fun).

Frank, Leanne, Andrew, Arianna, Alexandria (the whole kitten cabootle) … first day we all skied together all day, this was a long time (maybe 7 years) in the making … and it was much fun. Worked on a few things but mainly just enjoying the day … everyone skiing well (don’t know who is more proud, them or me).

Steven, Cindy, Wesley, Lindsey – Atlanta – level 6 & 7 … cold but sunny, no wind (almost reluctant to write that). More active use of inside ski, leg rotation, softer edge angle for skidding and shaping, arm position, bump tactics (picking a line, where to turn, where to avoid) … good job to all, no problem getting back in the groove after two years off. Enjoy the vacation!

Danielle & Sarah  – a very good day for both … Sarah’s first black runs (twice down Centennial) and Danielle discovered the magic of the inside ski … and chocolate for lunch. Skidding, shaping, inside ski initiation, using both skis, alignment, snow/ski friction, a little bit of ungroomed stuff. Merry Christmas ladies – thank you for sharing some of your life and enthusiasm for this sport.

Logan & Eli, brothers, Chicago (except Logan who is in college in Portland), first day out, afternoon a cold one with periods of heavy snow, snow good. Somewhat same as morning focus, transform ineffective arms/hands into a more aligned and functional position (Logan a classic ‘park rat’ upper body), skis working together, balance along the whole foot, turns more ‘C’ shape than ‘Z’ shape, athlete arms to enable a stabilizing pole plant (especially in the bumps). Good skiing with you ‘dudes’ … enjoy your stay … keep the hips and upper body more ‘open’ to down the mountain could be worth more than a new iPone/video game/or whatever.

Danielle, Sarah – Pointe Verde Beach – dynamic mother/daughter team. Balance more on two skis through all phases of turn, both skis/feet moving together, upper/lower body separation, pole balance drill, follow the leader, turn shape to control speed (you are good at this Sarah), patience with turn initiation. Delightful morning ladies, thank you!