Ask Bert, the Expert!
For
Intermediate Skiers
As a intermediate, you are experiencing the
thrill of skiing the More Difficult slopes. They
are steeper and sometimes challenge you with
moguls and difficult terrain. Your questions are
challenging as well and Bert has some answers!
Here are his latest FAQ's from Intermediate
skiers like you!
FAQ's:
When skiing in backcountry....?
How about
training programs for leg endurance...?
How
do I handle ICE... ?
How do I turn on a
mogul...?
How do I make consistent parallel
turns...?
How can I keep myself from sitting
back... ?
While cross country skiing, how can
I increase my stride...?
Q. When skiing the backcountry
where it is
allowed and even encouraged, what do skiers have
to know to take advantage of this new freedom
safely?
A: You might be able to handle
some steep trails, but try snowed over bike
paths and golf courses to test your abilities
first. Backcountry is skiing on ungroomed snow,
so you'll need your uphill traverse, kick turns
and downhill skills. Avoid creeks, ravines,
gorges and steeps. It helps to know the area so
go with a guide or an experienced friend. Your
equipment will be a hybrid, mixing the
advantages of alpine telemark with cross-country
skis and boots, so get your gear from a
competent ski shop. And don't forget to check
the avalanche reports for the area you intend to
explore: goto: www.csac.org, the Avalanche
Center for current conditions.
Q.
Good
afternoon Bert, I am writing to see if you could
recommend a specific program, video or training
to help build up my leg endurance. I have been
skiing at many short run resorts in the midwest
(maximum elevation of maybe 1500 feet). I am
looking forward to going to Utah to ski for the
first time ever in February. In between runs
that are 10X longer than what I am accustomed to
and the high altitude, thin air, I am concerned
about the endurance of my lungs and my legs. Any
tips you can give of a particular exercise
program / video that you could recommend would
be appreciated.
A. Good idea to
strengthen those leg muscles in preparation for
longer Utah runs, but don't forget the upper
body too. Here are some links that may help you.
The training I most recommend is that which you
do off season.....running, biking,
roller-blading and such, but if your off-season
workout didn't happen, be careful of the
"weekend warrior" effect----any radical increase
in your routine could strain muscles that may
not be ready for intense workout. But assuming
you have been working out regularly....check out
these websites for more info on training and
pre-season workouts:
learn from the cyclists:
http://www.ultracycling.com/training/training.html
Also read Bode Miller's pre-season workout at...
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/0511/sports/bode_miller2.html
Interesting product: Pro-skier Simulator:
http://www.ski-simulator.com/ski-training-beginners-competitors/
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Q.
How do I handle ICE? My
technique is great in ideal conditions, but on
ice, I panic!
A. Well, panic is a big
part of the problem as skiing is maybe 80%
mental. But even with the best attitude, hard
pack can seem almost impossible to negotiate. If
you don't learn to ski in all conditions,
though, you may find the days you are actually
able to ski are limited. The primary secret to
successful turning and edging in ice is having a
sharp edge to your skis. If you get into the
habit of sharpening your edges often, you will
always be ready for the challenge of ice. Your
equipment is also worth examining. A narrow,
stiff ski is best on hard pack. Rigid bindings
and boots will give you the control you need to
make the turn while reducing the strain on your
ankles. And finally, placing most of your weight
on your downhill ski will help you keep from
falling by allowing your body to lean away from
the hill while you press your knees into the
hill.
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Q.
How do I turn on
a mogul?
A. Moguls are those bumps,
grooves and holes in the snow that create what
looks like an obstacle to anyone but the
seasoned expert. Rhythm, speed control and
balance are keys to success. You'll find it much
easier to start a turn on the top of a mogul
rather than above or below it, but your mental
state is important too, as it can be a bit scary
up there on top. But skiing to the top of the
mogul will free up your tips and tails so you
can pivot and slide into your turn. Take your
time until you master the technique.
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Top
Q.
How do I make consistent parallel
turns?
A. Anticipate, anticipate,
anticipate. Whether you are a beginner at
parallel or an expert in this type of skiing
style, the position of your body in anticipating
the turn is important. Skis are parallel, of
course, and you extend and transfer your weight
and change edges in one fluid move. Uncoiling
your body and projecting your hips and upper
body into the turn happens at the same time you
begin steering both skis into the turn. Steering
is continuous and then you anticipate the next
turn.
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Q.
How do I keep
myself from sitting back on my skis?
A. Skiing in a position over the center of your
skis offers optimum balance and control.
Although some skiers can effectively use back
leverage, it's generally easier to do in softer
snow. Sitting back as a body position implying a
relaxed and even "lazy" sort of style is not
recommended at all. Back leverage is a technique
some use, but a more aggressive stance and
forward movement will make it easier for you to
turn.
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Q.
While
cross-country skiing, how can I increase my
stride for less exhausting touring?
A. There are several techniques used in
x-country skiing. The diagonal stride is
achieved with the alternate movement of arms and
legs, which is the same movement used in walking
but more exaggerated. You may be using the
skating technique, which takes more energy, uses
quick movements and is more physically
demanding. Try the diagonal stride for longer
gliding and less exhausting movement.
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