I finally have time to sit down and comment further on what I learned in the camp. Part of this is for the board but mostly it just helps me think things out and record them when they are fresh. I sometimes go back and rediscover some "secret" that I discovered before. I do the same thing in golf.........but I digress.
As Lynn has mentioned, one of the big differences of CSM is that there is an up move, or "up unweighting, up release" rather than flexion in the Harb PMTS. For me that was a big hurtle and here is why. When I was learning the PMTS, I had an up move like 99% of the skiing world and it took a lot of hard work to undo it. I got to the point where when skiing groomers the flexion and "using the force" as HH say was a great and very cool, efficient and effective way to ski. So it seemed like a big deal. I skied so bad the 1st day that I decided to give it a try.
The CSM up move is very gentle and subtle and did help me immediately move my center of mass down the mountain and feel the initiation of my new inside ski at the high (early) point of the turn. I could feel the edgeless moment and the engagement of the LTE of my inside ski higher in the turn than previously. Whether this was all CSM, or it was just time for me to make this progression, who knows for sure, but I honestly do think that being open and trusting John, and believing what he was teaching, really made some radical improvements in my skiing. My speed control, ability to ski bumps, tactics for bump skiing, and confidence in other of piste skiing all really jumped up a notch.
Here is the best part. When I ski groomers, the flexion move is still there any time I want it. I don't think HH would say that I have mastered it, but I have it good enough to use it well and get it's benefits. So, if you are new to PMTS and are really working on flexion, and find it difficult to do it without thinking about it, perhaps a CMS camp is not for you. You might be better off working on the flexion until you can do it naturally, if being able to ski the PMTS method is important to you.
Lynn's comments regarding the difference (mostly much less emphasis) on counterbalance and countering are also right on the money. These really help to create edge angles which are not as helpful in bump skiing. John's method gives greater emphasis on a consciousness of the feelings on the bottom of your feet, and a more intuitive gradual engagement of the edges. This actually works for me and my learning style. If I become to technique focused, my skiing becomes less natural. Again, it takes time to learn any new technique and at first it feels wooden and over worked and too self conscious. Then, with work, what was mechanical, becomes natural....a sweet sensation in any sport.
To put it simply, for me at least, the CSM was able to give me tools to ski the whole mountain in 2 days that are immediately accessible to me. Much of that is do to the sound fundamentals I gained from PMTS. I now have both methods to pull from and look forward to using both on the mountain. They are certainly not mutually exclusive and just as I have slightly different technique for my drive and my bunker play in golf, I have two good methods with which to enjoy the whole mountain.
Perry
LAWYER DISCLAIMER - the CMS method has rarely been shown to cause increased desire to buy new skis. People who feel the compulsion to buy new skis should consult their credit rating and credit card balances prior to buying. CMS will not be held liable for any impulsive purchases made.
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