and what I learned this ski season....

[Gary]

Thought I'd take a moment to ask you to post what you learned about anything having to do with skiing this season. Here's my short list:

Ski out west as much as possible....(duh)
I got excellent results concentrating on my ankles tipping inside the boot.
Create lower body angles by tipping the up hill ski and letting the uphill knee cap move up and away from the downhill ski.
Use the uphill ski baby toe edge when skiing powder, broken snow, ice.....that edge adds tons of stability in these conditions. (two footed release). Don't think about pounding the down hill edge.
Feel the pinch between the hip and ribs to create good upper body counter.
Be patient with the turn, rushing just gets the timing off and then it's play catch up in the balance department.
Keep the pole plant working...no reaching or flashy movement with the arms...keep the arms quiet and at right angles, shoulders and arms square and plant the pole, lightly or firm depending on snow conditions.
Ron's a great cook.....take him on your ski trips with you.
Make the shovels of the skis start the turns.....use good fore aft balance to use the entire ski in the turn.
When flying from Rochester to Toronto...take your luggage from the plane through customs otherwise it shows up the next day in Vancouver.
Ok..these are some things I want to take into next season....they helped me a ton with all the great snow conditions were were gifted with this season.

So what are you taking away from your ski season?

Gary

[jim-ratliff]

Ski as much as possible wherever you can (duhh).
Albeit done quietly, Gary gives good advice!!!
Getting the arms wider (Gary's cue that Harald looks for air under the armpits) and up has an amazing effect on balance and getting weight forward.
Midwif's suggestion that I was too upright and needed to bend more (get into Gary's attack position more) is right on target.  I'm still working on both of these.
Ron is a little bit crazy, but a ton of fun and wonderfully generous (how many guys would let you pee on their skis)??
Ed isn't quiet, just succinct.? As he said, he tries to answer all emails with one word or less!!!

Consider demoing skis even when you aren't looking to buy anything. 
I learned from Lynn's SteamBoat experience that on-mountain demo programs aren't expensive, are very convenient, and you never know what you might learn (and like or dislike).  And, besides, its fun to sit and talk to the guys and get their opinions of skis that they have experience and compare to the reviews and opinions on the RealSkiers pay site.

my motto:  If you can't ski well, then talk about skiing as much as possible.    

[Gary]

Nice Jim, and yes...never thought about Ron being generous in that way....
Man....already looking forward to our next ski outing.

Spot on regarding the demoing...makes so much sense. I might add not to be afraid to experiment with the binding placement on the demo skis. They can move them forward or rearword depending on your preference. Just pay attention to how much control you have over the shovels...sometimes a great ski can feel mediocre if it has your center mass to far in the back of the ski.
Best,
Gary

[Glenn]

I learned how much I missed after being out of it for years.

I remembered why I get so excited when it snows.

I learned that it can be very rewarding to watch my wife learn and just get better.  She's hooked now too. 

[Gary]

Well Glenn...nice to be back on track...and knowing that little kid feeling still burns within all of us here.

For sure nice having our ladies with us too...

Life is so good!

Gary

[Glenn]

Last night, she pulled out her skis and her boot bag...to get ready for Sunday. I was so happy! 

She really reallly has a good time. It's a great way for us to get away for a day, spend a lot of time outdoors and just enjoy ourselves.

[Gary]

Amen to that my friend!

Our bedroom still has our boot bags, helmets and ski clothing hanging out there just waiting for their call to arms.

yup....this weekend they're back on duty for sure!

Have a great one and cherish that snow time together....great memories building healthy, strong, and long term relationships.

Move over Dear Abby....I found my calling! 

G

[Glenn]

LOL! It really is true. It's some nice time together given the ride to and from the mountain, the chair lift ride, the time on the slope. It's a great activity.

My wife is a pretty good DJ with her Ipod too. Make the ride to VT and back go by faster. 

[Gary]

Please Glenn.....

Let's not forget the hot tub....SPWB!

skiparternswithbene fits!!

[Glenn]

HA! Good point! I'll have to remember to make sure if we rent a place for a weekend next summer, it has a hottub! 

[Ron]

learned a ton this season:
1- smoothed out my turns a little bit more, timing and countering.....than ks to the 1st ever, on-the-snow phone (phone jammed in the side of my helmet while skiing) ski lessons by Gary.....?
2- greatly improved my pow skiing and off-piste skills; learned to be more active and deliberate with poling.
3- improved on my bump skiing...still a long way to go but can get through just about anything.
4-Never let Cassara ski with your boards when he has to pee.....
5- Anyone can be turned into a gear-****, Just Ask Ed who now has new ski's, boots. jacket, pants, gloves. goggles.....
6- became comfortable taking 5' drops and stuff. Next years goal is a 10' drop.
7- Jackson Hole Rocks; even with groin issues!
8- You can't buy buck wheat pancake mix in Steamboat
9- Insulated jackets are really nice ( I now have two) especially when it's puking snow and 5 degrees with 20-30mph winds.....
10- Lime Green is my new color!
12- Icelantic Ski absolutley rock! www.icelanticboards .com Shamans..... 160-110-130. 173 twins (directional full tail)
13- I love skiing with you guys!
14- Watea brothers Rule!? ?
15- groomers suck....
16- Honor thy boot fitter? ?All hail Billy Kaplan, worlds greatest fitter and foot bed artist!!!!!
17- race boots suck in off-piste conditions....
18- Hotronic M4 boot heaters should be mandatory
19- Fat skis rule.....Long live Watea94's and Shamans.
20- Don't be afraid of the fatties. after a few minutes you won't even know they're wider than your 80's.

[Gary]

Ron...can I borrow your pretty blue skis? 

Cracking me up bud!

And yeah...what is up with the lack of Buckwheat Pancakes at Steamboat...packing some in next year...oh yeah...not in bricks of carefully wrapped plastic either Ron.

I'm coming equipped next year with a body airbag when we start taking those 10 foot drops.

Ron...we all know you'll never be a "one color pony"...you live for clothes!

Groomers with 6-12 of fresh morning snow.....Saweet!
Groomers with spring corn snow......Carvalisi ous!
Ok...that's it for groomers, cause otherwise I'm with ya!

Ridge Runners Rule!

Watea out!

[Ron]

Ron...can I borrow your pretty blue skis??

Cracking me up bud!

And yeah...what is up with the lack of Buckwheat Pancakes at Steamboat...packing some in next year...oh yeah...not in bricks of carefully wrapped plastic either Ron.

I'm coming equipped next year with a body airbag when we start taking those 10 foot drops.

Ron...we all know you'll never be a "one color pony"...you live for clothes!

Groomers with 6-12 of fresh morning snow.....Saweet!
Groomers with spring corn snow......Carvalisi ous!
Ok...that's it for groomers, cause otherwise I'm with ya!
Ridge Runners Rule!

Watea out!

If it's got freshies and broken, it ain't groomed.......Now we're, sympatico!

Regarding the pretty blue skis, yes, you can try but but only after you visit rendevous lodge first! The only other issue is that once you get on them, you won't give them back. Once bitten......

[Gary]

So how is it the astronauts stay in space without a privy?

ANd....if i like them that much 1) when we're out west skiing...I run out the door with your skis first or 2) I buy yours when you decided to change your color theme or 3) Pee on them so you won't want to every ride them again or 4) and last resort..American Express!

G

[Ron]

unfortunately, we have the same sole length settings! Remember, you promised I could still borrow your SS's!