Notes from the Coach

So I talked to Squatty today, I'm dyin' to get out there and make some turns with my powder guru, this is the man who taught me to ski powder and bumps in the same day, yeah, by skiing powdery bumps...

And he asked me how my first day on my face was, and what I need to work on.

First of all, I told him that I was having trouble making lane changes, going from a GS sized turn to a short turn, which is a really difficult task to begin with, but really essential. I told him that when I've done four or five large radius turns, and its time to change to short radius turns down the fall line, I feel like as I make the first turn I'm going to compress the ski and get thrown across the platform and rocketed into the chairlift.

Squatty asked me if I'd ever heard of "progressive edging"... yes... actually the first time I heard of this was at the last Academy where Andy Docken talked about coming on and off the edge in a 1, 2, 3 apex, 3, 2, 1 flat ski 1, 2, 3 apex kind of way. Click, DING! The light went on. Then I heard it again from Megan about "whack whack skiing", whack I'm up on my edge, whack, I throw my skis across and am on my other edge.

I feel when I am entering the short radius turn from a large radius turn that the forces build so fast that it is almost like I'm going from a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 count on one set to a 3 on the other set. That sudden force in the apex of the new turn is so strong that my body feels thrown forward, and I don't trust that the edge will hold.

Squatty reminded me that while the time is compressed, the edging is still progressive, so yes, you have a 1 -5 count on the one side, but still a 1 - 3 count on the short side. Stronger steering and progressive edge in the new short turn. I'm excited to get out there and try it.

We also talked about early season snow density, and while Bridger has had the luxury of 3 percent moisture in the last couple of days, the big early season storm we got was much much thicker than that. You have to have stronger steering, and a LOT more patience in thick, high moisture snow. Get aggressive, and click, boot out! (does this sound familiar?)

Other things we talked about were that you train for skiing by skiing, and I've been off my skis for about 8 weeks because of my car accident, and that the skiing I do all summer, while it builds strength and snow sensitivity, simply the number of turns made is much fewer when you are hiking for them then riding the lifts. Also, skiing spring and summer snow is really different as well.

So there are several "early season" factors that I like to think don't apply to me, because I skied all summer, but they still do: timing, rhythm, fitness, touch and sensitivity to snow all have their antenna turned down, so less aggressive, more listening, more patience, and back in the saddle we go!

Thanks, Squatty! Can't wait to get down there and make some turns with you!!

Squatty Schuler is a lead trainer at Aspen/Snowmass and my head coach. To book him for a lesson in Aspen, CALL AHEAD, I can't get in with him till the end of January or something like that.

Currently, the Aspen/Snowmass Ski School has six people, more then any other resort, on the national Demo Team. Snowmass is also home to the Colorado Instructor of the Year, David "Squatty" Schuler.

Go Time: Article #3 Whats In Your Bag?

from the book "Champions in Training" by Kate Howe copyright 1992, 1999, 2008

This article will be shortly updated for skiing, but for now, here is how we pack our skating bags to give you an idea. Live out of your bag for a few weeks before a major competition so that your bag feels like your home locker room.

What’s In My Bag?

Can you control what you have in your bag? Yes, you can!

Your bag should always be packed by you with the following items, and checked before you leave for the rink. This way, you always have peace of mind that everything you need is in your bag.

Some people may think that this is a big list, full of too much stuff. Let them say that. They can control what's in their bag. Your bag is well packed for any emergency.

Tip:
For items you buy at the store and will need to replenish, like athletic tape, pre wrap, instant ice, and protein bars (etc.) buy several, and keep them in a consistent place. When you use one, restock your bag. When you put the last one from the pantry into your bag, put it on the shopping list. This way you will never run out of your re-stockable items.

Skates (preferably 2 pair, one old comfortable pair, one that is in the process of being broken in.)

Skate blades should be sharp! (See A Note About Sharpening, p.xx)

Blister Kit (yes, even though you’ve had your skates for years and they don’t give you blisters. Wouldn’t you be sad if you suddenly got one after your warm up and before your program and you couldn’t just sit down and FIX it?)
Athletic Tape
Moleskin
Scissors
Small Dr. Scholl’s Foam Pad

Foam Cookies
Towel or shammy for drying skates thoroughly
Hard guards (for each pair)
Soft guards (for each pair)
Extra athletic tape and pre-wrap
Instant Ice
Heat Patches (therapy patches for old injuries)(small box)
Hot Hands and Hot Toes x4
Your program music (all of it)
Coaching binder
Pen
Ipod or disc player, headphones
CIT Relaxation CD
Your favorite music – an energizing mix and a relaxing, calming mix
Something recreational to read if you have to wait somewhere (something fun and non-stressful)
Warm Ups (jacket and pants that can zip over your skates)
2 pr. extra tights, or socks, which ever you wear under your skates
thermal or warm long sleeved shirt in case its really cold
mittens and a hat

water bottle full of water
a good snack (or more than one, if you will be out for more than four hours)
luna bars
cliff bars
kind bars
bananas
edamame (cold cooked, or dried)
beef jerky
cut fruit, grapes, etc.

Optional:
Your favorite tea! (Always nice to have in case you need to feel cared for or warmed up. Lots of places will have hot water for you)