Performance Free Skiing

[meput]

I ... do a couple of different drills at the top of the run, to get into my feet.

Is this what happens at the top of the lift when you tell your fellow skiers that we are going to the trail on the left but you ski to the right??

[midwif]

YES!!

Because, (as Jim will tell you) I am Directionally Challenged!

Unfortunately, not my strong suit.

L.

[Johnny2R]

Yes, I think that's a good idea to begin some runs with drills. I do throw in a few drills throughout the day, which is normally of benefit. I sometimes get a little bit ahead of my partner then do something like a couple of two-footed releases until she catches up. Mindfulness is a good term - most of the time when free skiing I am still thinking of how what I am doing relates to the various essentials.

[LivingProof]

The lunatic inside my brain drives me to improve technique. If I'm not thinking about how this is done, skiing gets reduced to turn left, turn right, repeat.

I dislike the term "drill" because it implies "work" and it never seems that I work when skiing.
It's always difficult to practice free skiing when skiing with others as PMTS is more about turning when most people, just go a lot straighter and faster. Harald's last secret is Never Stop Practicing, so, my thoughts are to find a skill improvement thought when skiing fast with others.

Two drills from the video come to mind as examples.

One is to keep pulling the free foot back to touch the stance leg boot. This is demonstrated in a powder run and is a basic from his second book. Gets the feet under the hips and provides a very centered stance.

The other is the "no swing pole plant" which when done properly provides really good counteracting.

But, for me, there is just a need to visit the green trails. Doing javalin turns teaches me my balance is too far aft.

Put these all together during the day, then, just let it go.. It's a entirely different feeling.....and so much fun.

[ToddW]

I ... do a couple of different drills at the top of the run, to get into my feet.

  ? Lynn, I sure underestimated your dedication to skiing ... that sounds like a painful way to start a run.? Do you wear the same feet on every run?? Or do you swap them out for variety as we do with skis?

[jim-ratliff]

I ... do a couple of different drills at the top of the run, to get into my feet.

? Lynn, I sure underestimated your dedication to skiing ... that sounds like a painful way to start a run.? Do you wear the same feet on every run?? Or do you swap them out for variety as we do with skis?

She keeps her feet in her ski boots.  As Ron and Gary (and especially Ed) will attest, getting her feet into or out of those boots was a challenge, much easier to just leave them in and then get into them when she skis.   

[midwif]

  ? Lynn, I sure underestimated your dedication to skiing ... that sounds like a painful way to start a run.? Do you wear the same feet on every run?? Or do you swap them out for variety as we do with skis?

Todd
Being a REAL woman, I have QUITE a few pair of extra "feet" in my foot wardrobe.
But, as you know, all foot wear needs breaking in.
Hence, the need to "get into" my feet at the beginning of a new day on skis.

[midwif]

I got a very nice gift this past week.

HH's new DVD.

And I will add my kudos to the rest.
Very well done with good production values, a less "stilted" Harald speaking, wonderful photography
and clear instruction, which is succinct.

Yes, ski **** for those want to improve on the entire mountain.

Best had in several sittings, with a fine wine to accompany, due the depth of material.
Yet simple to understand.

L.

[jbotti]

And if you watch closely you can see me in several shots (in the background)!!

[midwif]

Blue coat?
Gray ski pants??
Yes!

[LivingProof]

And if you watch closely you can see me in several shots (in the background)!!

We are not worthy!

JB - Somewhere around 18 minutes HH is seen skiing away from a much taller person, I thought that might be you.

Lynn

Never stop practicing drinking fine wine!

[jbotti]

I am not sure if I am wearing a Blue jacket in the DVD. LP, that is me standing with Harald. The other people on the DVD for brief moments are Max 501 and Diana. I think I was always in off white pants and either a Yellowish/Tan jacket or a Red jacket. Always with a Light and Dark Blue Helmet.

I am getting pumped about the next week of skiing. They are calling for snow in MT almost every day over the next 7-9 days. They got a foot last night so things are setting up nicely. I have my Shammy's waxed and reday to go!!

[Gary]

Should I be very afraid to ask what your "Shammy's" are? 

I mean can we even say "wax your shammy".....I mean I know this is going to get censored...

Hmmmm.....are we talking Icelantic Shammans you've affectionately nicknamed "Shammy"?

I am so misinformed.....I ask indulgence and forgiveness 

[jim-ratliff]

Should I be very afraid to ask what your "Shammy's" are??

I mean can we even say "wax your shammy".....I mean I know this is going to get censored...

Hmmmm.....are we talking Icelantic Shammans you've affectionately nicknamed "Shammy"?

I am so misinformed.....I ask indulgence and forgiveness?

Gary:  Minor typo.  I'm pretty sure he meant to spell it Chamois,


and is referring to his Icelantic Shamans.   

[jbotti]

Yes, shammy's are the Icelantic Shamans. Getting to see a different side of Gary who has found something R rated in my affectionate term for my skis. Yes, there is something funky deep inside every mind.