realskiers

It's somewhat ironic that the participants in this discussion are all technique centered skiers in that "how" each skis is important to the individual. I've skied with Gary and Todd - we could talk technique all day. JB and Max are two of Harald's finest examples of both writing and skiing PMTS. Lynn and Jim are PMTS proponents. Sometime I'd very much look forward to a day with Liam. We are all on the same side of the aisle.

My take on wide skis is limited as I don't get to ski the conditions where "wider works better" that frequently. I've written previously that using my 88 waist skis is detrimental to my technique in that stem. Friends tell me that I actually ski better on them as I just let it go a little more. I don't try to change movements, it just happens.
 
At the Gathering last spring, one day I brought my Supershapes to A-basin, in part because Geoffda and JDM from the PMTS forum were there and I wanted to make some PMTS turns with them. Eventually, we did leave groomed trails and tackled the non-light, skied out, windblown crud. Took me less than 3 turns to know I was on the wrong skis. A better skier, such as JB or Max, would have done much better. Confidence rules in such situations, and, when it goes, get back to groomers. The 'Shapes were retired for the rest of the trip in favor of wider skis.

My view of a "tool" is that it's a piece of equipment, i.e. a hammer. While we can buy tools, we can't buy the skills to use same. I truly enjoy watching a craftsman perform his trade and marvel at the ease they employ their skills. I am driven to become technically competent. I've learned to accept that many who ski simply want to have fun. If a wider ski lets them do it without paying the price of developing skills, so be it. I shake my head while watching many ski....and many of the same outperform me on the mountain.

At day's end, I just want to be smiling from the enjoyment of skiing with friends. But on every turn, there will be some fascinating, technical aspect running through my brain.