Winter Sports World

Discussion in 'Outdoor World' started by spwath, Dec 28, 2018.

  1. Failed Engineer

    Failed Engineer Friend

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    This is a newbie's question, but I have to ask. Any fool proof tips about getting off a ski lift? My wife, kids and I went for the first time last year for a week in Santa Fe for spring break and we are returning again next week.

    I was able to progress from the magic carpet to slowly traversing some easier blacks by the end of the week with lessons, but I was a total trainwreck getting off lifts. My wife was doing all the greens comfortably but she was even worse off the lifts. Basically sitting down coming right off the lift. No instructors tips helped either one of us.

    Of course the kids were zipping around and handling the lifts like champs and laughing at mom and dad.
     
  2. earnmyturns

    earnmyturns Smartest friend

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    I've not been a beginner in many decades, but I did start skiing as an adult, and I've since observed many ski lift exit crashes. The main problem is psychological, as are most problems in learning to ski as an adult. From the sitting on the lift position, the exit ramp looks a lot steeper than it actually is. Several consequences: 1) instinctive recoiling from standing up and pushing hands and hips forward; 2) worry that you won't be able to stop at the end of the ramp; 3) going into a wide wedge that tangles into the skis of the other skiers on that chair. So, the first thing to do, as the skis start contacting the snow before the exit point (and after the safety bar is up, of course) is to posture the upper body more forward, away from the back of the chair. Then, as you are just about reaching the unload point, push your hips up and forward, maybe helping with one hand on the seat or seat arm. Move your hands forward at the same time. Don't bother to mess with pole straps, you'll have time to deal with that when you get to the bottom of the ramp and stop to meet your group before starting you run. In fact, don't bother with poles at all, just hold them on one hand so that you can push off the seat with the other, if you can. Getting your hands and hips forward so that your center of mass pushes your lower leg against the front of the boot is the key "secret" for skiing in control, including on the lift ramp. Oh, and please don't wedge (much) on the ramp or you'll tangle with the other unloading skiers, just let the skis run until the ramp flattens and turn to stop there.

    Have fun, you'll eventually get it :)
     
  3. penguins

    penguins Friend, formerly known as fp627

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    Don't know if this counts as a "sport" but is anyone here into snowmobiles? Used to snowboard, would like to try skiing... but for as long as I can remember the snowmobile looked like the ultimate form of snow fun to me.
     
  4. Failed Engineer

    Failed Engineer Friend

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    earnmyturns - Thank you for your detailed reply! The basics of the techniques you describe are the same as those of the ski instructors, but the picture you paint about how to push the hips up and out with the assistance of the hands is helpful and as I read it a sort of revelation. I’ll use your technique tomorrow for our first day of the week on the slopes!

    Thank you very much!
     
  5. earnmyturns

    earnmyturns Smartest friend

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    What's most interesting about that picture is that it is relevant for all skiing, not just getting off the lift. It's one of the main things that very experienced instructors focus on to help more advanced skiers ski steeps and bumps in control.
     
  6. Failed Engineer

    Failed Engineer Friend

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    I cannot express how helpful this sentence was this week! Had 5 days of skiing in Santa Fe (Pajarito and Ski Santa Fe) with no lift stumbles for myself, wife, and kids!

    Furthermore, applying this stance along with technique reinforcements via lessons the first three days I was able to confidently handle every blue trail at each ski area. Last year I was managing my way down. This year I was in control of the slope as I skied downhill. The secret was the stance. I stopped fighting my body as long as I stayed in stance (turning became easier and a more natural movement). In turn, I enjoyed it a lot more and I told my wife what a high it was to be flying down but remaining in total control and ability to stop whenever I wanted. Next stop blacks!

    My wife also was skiing blues by the end of the week, which is great progress for her. One of my twins was doing about half the blues with me by the last day. I won't say much about the other twin :).

    Thank you for your input.
     
  7. earnmyturns

    earnmyturns Smartest friend

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    Excellent, just passing on what I learned from two great instructors that really got me to the next level. Modern skis are designed to help you turn with just the forward pressure from a forward center of mass. Turns just happen without any muscling around. The same recipe applies to much gnarlier terrain than blues when you practice enough to feel ready :cool:
     
  8. iFi audio

    iFi audio MOT iFi Audio

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    OK, this seems just the place to say that I ride snowboard and this season bought Burtons Step On bindings plus Swath boots. Getting off the lift never was this easy :cool:
     

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