Month: March 2017

Ben & Jack – brothers, and they really get along. The mission today was get Jack out of the wedge – no problem, done … get Ben to have more pressure on the inside ski and then use both skis to shape with some skidding – done. Pole balance to keep the upper body from twisting, hands on knees to get more flexion in the ankles and knees, hop turns, shuffle turns, pulling the feet back to regain balance, some moguls, lifting one ski, turns with lots of pressure on the inside ski to see what will happen, 360s (these are hard now but will get better, keep practicing). The most disparaging event of the day – those two slices of pizza you guys bought for lunch – not so sure spongy eggplant would not have been better. Good day guys, have fun the next couple of days.

Dave and Andrew – Vienna, VA. Good to see you guys again, we didn’t talk guitar this time, just as well because where I was last year is just about where I still am. Warm, no wind, some sun and a few snow showers. Alignment (this does seem to show up on every post), staying open with the hips to the outside of the turn, not closing with the downhill arm, more ankle flex to help keep hips over feet (base of support), early edge and less rotation right at transition, less hard edge at finish with more skidding and shaping, side slips in bumps (not that easy, huh). All about balance!! Was a good day with changes!

John – Hudson, OH. To our surprise there was some powder lurking around, what a change a night will bring. Mountain tour and some technique. More flexion at ankles and knees, lower the CM for stability, elements of alignment, stay open to the mountain, counterbalance at edge change, less rotation and more tipping to initiate, standing tall with a straight downhill leg creates ‘issues’. Hope our wife and kids had as much fun as we did.

Elisa & Monica – Miami (that would be Florida). Not sure if I won the whiskey or not, can’t remember exactly the details of the bet, but think I was close. For Elisa: strong pressure on the shins with ankle and knee flexion, not breaking at only the knees which puts the center of mass too far back. For Monica: becoming comfortable with the gliding wedge, some direction changes, less rigid with the upper body, relax, not dropping the hips back. Good job ladies … my guess there will be a few vodka & soda rounds tonight.

Lee & Georgia, Exton PA. Getting out of the wedge!! That thing has to go sometime and today was as good as any. Well done Georgia – you are learning to be less dependent on the hard edge and more receptive to skidding and shaping. Turns and friction – think you have the concept. Some thoughts with Lee and early edge change, less rotary at initiation, alignment of feet/knees/hips, where does the nose drip, circular turns, pole balance and hands on knees. Delightful day … thank you for lunch … enjoy your father/daughter time.

Frank, Leanne, Areanna, Alexandria – last day of season for the Latudas, bring on summer. It was a good day, about 1″ new snow (not quite the 12 predicted), some frozen stuff, some just right, some slush. Not a lot of instruction today, time to let everyone play with their own focuses. A little bit of arm stuff, some early pressure of new outside ski stuff, some follow the leader stuff, some bump stuff. Don’t be too frustrated Leanne, you might not see the path right now, but it will reveal itself … think of your voice students. Have a great summer guys … what a delightful winter it has been, nine years now – wow.

Frank, Leanne, Areanna & Alex – St. Louis. One would think with the lack of snow, clouds, warm temps that the skiing would be … how shall I say it, horrid – but not the case, let’s call it challenging. More flexion in the knees and ankles, connecting turns with rhythm, pressuring the early edge, hands on knees drill, bicycle drill (kind of), counterbalance at initiation, static counterbalance and hip rotation (in a door frame), first time Rustler for Alex (let’s call that ‘an experience’), Leanne showing some hip rotation to the outside of the early arc (yeah I know, it’s confusing), Areanna riding the arc and getting the hips lower and more inside (likes speed, would expect no less), Frank finding the inside edge of the new outside ski early in the turn (like almost instantly) with less inclination and more angulation creating higher edge angles in the second half of the turn while staying in balance. Sorry about the cup at lunch … how easily distracted.

Frank, Leanne, Areanna, Alex – St. Louis. A little different today without Andrew, changes the dynamics a bit I suppose … he was sitting in class (maybe) and we were skiing and having a good time. Early edge change and how to do it, counter balance during the edge change, balancing on the inside edge of the new outside ski, larger radius turns to feel less ‘twist’ at turn initiation, balance in the bumps, pole touch/plant (there was a time thought this would never happen), let the pole touch initiate the CM crossover and coming on to the new edges. Way to go Alex – bumps, who would have thunk it.