Curious about PMTS...

[Ron]

brushed carving, you mean edge control; skidding or feathering (sliding your edges not washing your tails) your turns. that's a good start and a good intro into learing to ski off-piste and ungroomed conditions. This is more towards clendenan where you don't need to be constantly creating angle and using a lot of edge. that's good but when you get to really start playing on the mountain; along the edges, big bumps, trees and such you will have to push those rules and learn to adapt and go outside the box. Again, not knocking skidding is a a very useful tool. Skidding is a critical tool and moderating the time and intensity is key for speed control, emergency turns (like avoiding other skiers, downed trees or the dreaded snow snake .  Sounds like HH may be modifying his technique a bit, which is good.

[midwif]

Ron
Harb's technique has been classified by OTHERS as 'just carving'. Not into being part of the defense/offense this topic seems to generate, but two footed release, brushed carve has been in his books.
Though, HH himself does state that he continues to learn about skiing and wanting to share. The PMTS method is not stationary, it would seem.
I think you would have a blast at one of the clinics. You know a lot and have learned a lot from Gary and I think you would absolutely intensify your abilities with a clinic.

[Ron]

I like skiing with you guys but I think Gary would be the first to say he longer skis exclusively PMTS. I have been skiing with a lot of PMTS but a good amount of what I've been jumping into would not translate well. I think PMTS is a great technique on open groomed or loose snow but it has a lot of limitations in trees, deep pow, crud or viariable terrain. No offense. You just can't ski one one way all the time.

[jim-ratliff]

Unfortunately, Ron and Gary and Midwife have all seen me ski, so they are aware of my very real limitations.  I believe that PMTS provides the skills and tools to build a very good foundation. 

But it is interesting that:
1. John Clendenin (who is PMTS black certified) has a slightly different technique for skiing bumps; and
2. The DesLauriers (sp??) brothers are either PMTS certified or similar, but I have heard that they teach a little something more in their all-mountain camp; and
3. Gary Cassara, who has a PMTS patch on his jacket uses a little bit more/less/different than strictly PMTS in his skiing.

Now, I've never been to either of the camps above, but my conclusion is that knowing PMTS will make you a better skier; but it's also good to remember that our desire is to enjoy the skiing experience and for me that allows room for other techniques (or even poor technique while I learn).  I don't imagine I'll ever be able to ski bumps like either Harald or John (or Gary or Ron), but I can still enjoy getting outdoors and playing.

[Ron]

AND that's the whole enchilada right there! If you can't get out and enjoy it, its not worth anything! Good on ya' John. Loosen up and enjoy it. Too many people worrying about getting it perfect and not enjoying the ride!