J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by pavelski

Found another point in becoming an "effective skier" today !

Skiing for thae past three years with a tope level women skier who just had a cancer session ( yes the whole "recipe" ) !

Came back after 6 months away and on first day , first run noticed something!

She was going back to her old habits! Without realizing we seem to "fall back" into the old movements!

My new added point is; effective skiers never stop learning how to ski better. We always try to find better ways to ski. To ski easier. To ski with less effort. To ski with more elegance ( yes I know it is a "dated" word, but to me elegance = efficiency ) !

Next run down,,,she was back into her better form! It was as if her skiing brain was testing her !

In short take that warm up/learning run before the ski holiday, before that first ski day! Tell your brain,,,see I did not forget my better form!

An effective skier always demands better from him/herself !

2012 will be better year for all of you !

Dave Mac,
Wise "suggestions" !

I had a friend who got hit by another friend ( yes we were skiing trio) !

Fractured a bone just in wrist area! Physician told us after that if we had taken his gloves off, or moved 3mm to right,,it would result in major issue!

Yes do not move skier ( unless a must ) !

Now if I can move your heart Dave Mac,,,,,,,
Have a great skiing 2012 season. Think of "Orage" in 2012 !

If ever Heli-skiing comes into your dreams,,,,,,

Pavel

I will not give you a brand, but will tell you the many I have used!

I am here speaking of backpacks or rucksacs that you need to carry skis, boots food, etc,,for at least 2-3 hours and not to ski chalet!

The ones I love and use first have a "sleeve pocket" on the sides for you to slide ski tails into! Some have a closed system others have a open sleeve so that ski tails come out! I prefer the open system since it lowers skis on pack.

Look for straps near where ski bindings will rest! Large wide straps!

Look at a inner frame! A backbone which will give some support!

Look for Spreader system! What is this ! Visualize two skis on the sides of bag and then come to an apex ( see school geometry classes)! Like a tepee !

At top of rucksac ( not top of skis) you need a "spreader" an 20-30mm horizontal bar to keep skis apart, stable and tight! I made my own out of used carbon fiber ( my son works in aerospace industry )! You can use fiberglass, plastic, wood etc,,, Many great bags have built in systems!

Of course wide wide adjustable three way straps, at chest level and waist level and top!

If possible get an avalanche unit pocket, a probe sleeve, a shovel sleeve or anchor points.

Many do not have this,,so I sewed in a "reflective 3-4 " ribbon for those foggy, dark days !

regardless what model you get,,do not go cheap! It will last you a life time, give you much pleasure or grief !

Hope this helps you !

Pavel

Hope this helps you!

Oman,
Now about those Heads.

I have two Heads. The Head WC SL ! Amazing skis for the dynamic, technical carver who wants to ski on hard fast slopes!

The Supershape 177 cm. I have is an amazing ski that few skiers appreciate. It is 177 cm but has a radius of 14 meters! When you know that SL world Cup skis have a radius of 13 meters, you can appreciate the stability and carve potetial of this ski!

It is not marketing "hyperbole" that this skis is great!

If you are a fit skier ( not just a women ), with technical skiing skills get this ski!

Silky smooth turns, stable beyond speeds you will go and so gentle on fast fast long trails. You can close your eyes and put the skis on "auto-drive" !

Only for intermediate or expert skier!

Now just find the right price,,,,,,

Pavel
Proud owner of a HEAD SKI !

The question has nothing to do with gender.

It should be about;
where you ski
how you ski
competence level
etc,,,,

My wife ,,will refuse to ski on a "women's" ski ! That is her choice based on her type of skiing and desire to have a special skiing feeling! She loves SL skis !

As a skier,,,not as a women you should ask your self what you want from a ski and where you typically ski!

Then read up on types of skis in the market.

Then narrow it down to 3 types or models.

Try them. All serious ski shops have demos ( often for a free day or week) if they feel you will buy them! In my case I get them for one week free since I then recommend these models to skiers I know!
In my area many many shops will deduct the cost of demo days from purchase price !

One small hint many sales person and ski shop owners will not like me to pass along! There is a "good time" to buy and a bad time to buy ! I am preparing a post about issue!

In short do your homework as a smart consumer!

There is one "truth" about buying skis ! Never buy at a ski at a ski resort ( unless at end of season) ! My experience has been you are paying 30-40% over retail value compared to ski shops in city!
Now before all ski resort shops "attack" me let me point out that yes there are exceptions and that I have the "confidential price lists you the owner pay for the skis !

Be a happy smart skier,,,,,,shop wisely !

Pavel

You are all aware and have seen great travel videos of chest high powder skiers drinking wine near a sun filled slope !

This you will never see in any tourism sites!

As smart skiers use the net wisely!

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ski-resorts-20111230,0,6997330.story

Never make "arrangements" three months in advance,,,regardless what tour operators tell you !

Smart skiers = happy skiers

Pavel

Iceman,
Yes you are right,,to a point!
A child does think about walking,,,then as motion becomes repeated all sensory inputs go into a "unconscious" mode for the rest of life !

In skiing, that is the beauty of following an "instructor" or good skier! No thinking is required since the "leader" ;
-picks speed
-picks path
-pick when to turn

The follower ( learner) imitates , role plays, mimics the leader. No thinking about, where do I turn, how do I turn, what is ahead,,,,oh oh steep section !!!

Then actions become ,like child "automatic" with no conscious "intellectual" processing !

I often hear this from in experienced instructors,
"now place your hands at 90 degrees to body, angle your knees while bending this way, keep head up, wiggle toes and keep smiling etc,,,,

Too much information to process,,,,,under stress !

Focus on one element. Do it right then do another element !

It will all come together soon ! Voilà !

Hope this clears up my explaination !

Icemen,
Hope you are back from your walk!
A physiologist did a PHd thesis on the comparison between quick walking and running! Final conclusion walking overall is much better on knees, heart, mind !

No other comments needed !

Have a great skiing year Iceman,,as well as all others !

Pavel