Author: bbooker99

Lyle, Dibyadyuti – Chicago & Indiana. Addressing the hard edge set and getting out of the infernal wedge (why do we ever teach that, like a bad drug), how to release both ski simultaneously, tip the inside ski to the uphill side to get it ‘unstuck’, what is ‘position of strength’, let the photographer see the zippers, slide skis sequentially then simultaneous, long slides with shaping, how to get more pressure on inside ski (this one not easy, huh), can’t slide in a wedge-so don’t, leg rotation (think of it as feet steering if you like), speed control with turn contour and lots of friction, don’t rush things (big moves mean big balance issues), body counterbalance at edge change, change the edges first THEM begin to smear all the way around the turn. Good job Dibya on the inside foot/ski starting to work – good job Lyle coming off the big edge with a hip drop and being more patient with the skid. Maybe see you guys again some day … this was a good one.

Anna Paula, Gutstavo, Emillio, Anna Kristina – Mexico. Three level 6s and one level 2, start to an interesting day. Some wedge slides, wedge turns, riding the Poma, matching on the traverse, softer edges, more sliding and skidding, use both skis (they are there for a purpose), tipping the inside ski to help matching, speed control with friction and turn shape, be a skier that wants to ‘go, not one that always wants to ‘stop’, stopping is no fun-going is a lot of fun. Ana Paula you have a great family, take pride. Bring your family back again someday and let’s ski.

Marilou (Indy), Jim (Orland), Tracy (Columbus) – day not quite as nice as yesterday, some high clouds, some wind, but warm and no crowds. Many ‘things’ addressed today: more pressure on inside ski, keep both skis on snow, initiate turn with new inside ski, be patient (I hope you guys hear this in your sleep because it’s that important), tip to new edges then add steering with the legs, stabilize the upper body and arms (another sleep aid), pole balance, hands on knees, traverse on uphill ski, ski poles as flashlights, less edge more skidding that facilitates turn shaping, what controls speed (direction of travel and friction), position of strength, more flexion in the ankles and knees, not so tall … ok, that should be enough for several years. Good getting to know you guys (‘guys’ includes you also Marilou)!

Marilou, Indiana. What a great ski day – the four factors that hardly ever arrive together: new snow, warm, no wind, no crowds … take that while we can get it. More pressure on inside ski (let it be a player), hockey slides/stops, shuffle turns (looks easy but isn’t), keep both skis on snow (ALL THE TIME), stabilize the upper body to reduce twist, more lower body flex/extend to pressure and release the edges, sometimes wider turns/sometimes shorter radius, ski like you are 25yrs old – show some aggression. See you tomorrow, we’ll continue this elusive game of perfection.

Grace – UK. Light bulb day, it’s clicking. Some hockey stop kind of things to generate more ski/snow pressure, turns/slides over berm, more extension at transition (this one worked well) to release edge pressure and allow the ski to change edge and direction, less upper body rotation/more hips and shoulders down the mountain, hands on knees to feel the balance with flexed ankles. Colorado Super Chair and Springmeire, first piece of a blue run, was no problem. Take care Grace, enjoy this vacation, I enjoyed our skiing, you are a good student because you listen and try.

Grace (UK), Fred (Denver). Start on the magic carpet, graduate from their in less than an hour, up Rip’s Ride to the platter, wedge glides, wedge turns, matching during the traverse, how to skid, tipping the inside ski early to aid in matching, some weight on inside ski, speed control (friction and turning – both happen together). . Chair 5 to finish out the day. Amazing progress guys, well done.

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!