Cam & John's Ski Tips

Have you had your Winter Tune-Up?

Watch for Winter Tune-Up specials!
 
Start with the easy stuff first:
 
Tune your bindings:
You can get them tested / calibrated.A torque tester will tell you if your bindings set at "6" release at "6".
 
Tune your skis:
Well tuned skis mean comfort and control. Sharp edges mean it is safer and there is better performance because you can hold. Waxed skis make it safer and less tiring because they are easy to turn and you don't have to push across the flats.
 
Tune your boots:
Inspect your soles. If the toes and heels are rounded then confirm with a shop that they are still safe. Replace your heel pieces and your toe pieces if you need to. Rounded soles may negatively impact binding release.
 
Tune your poles:
Check your baskets for cracks. If your basket fails it could cause the pole to go all the way in and result in injury.
 
Tune yourself:
Eat less, exercise more and stretch.
 
Tuning up is the best insurance for your best ski season.

CORNICE JUMPING 101

Start small and take little steps. Build your confidence where it's easy. As you approach the drop stretch your arms forwards towards the tips of your skis. This will round your back and keep you centered for your landing.

As you approach the drop - retract the landing gear. Bend down low so that your upper body is as close to your boots as possible. Remember to keep your arms forward to avoid sitting back.

As your skis clear the cornice and the earth falls away, stretch your legs to the ground to minimize your impact. Be supple, land on the balls of your feet, bend and turn slowly.

CORNICE JUMPING 101 TUTORIAL

Great strategies include:

* Choose a day when there is a lot of deep, soft snow.
* The steeper the landing the more gentle it will be.
* Pick your own spot to jump - avoid landing in someone else's crater.
* Make sure you are only going off where the patrol have been and make sure there is no cornice debris. Never jump near or ski near cornice debris.

CORNICE JUMPING 501

First class marks in Cornice Jumping 101, 201, 301, and 401 are a prerequisite for Cornice Jumping 501.

* Make sure the landing is very steep, the snow is very deep and the patrol were there before you were.
* Also, make sure your medical is paid up.
* How you huck is not as important as how you land.
* Landing is everything. Land centered and use your whole body to absorb the impact. If you like your teeth and you don't want to keep them in a jar beside your bed - make sure your knees are apart for your landing. If the impact is big your head might go between your knees and your chest might hit your knees. If this happens, the cornice was probably too high and / or the landing not soft enough.

Until next month, stay centered!!!