How To Ski Masterclass with Dan Cody

Riddle me this...
Why do professional ski instructors take dry land clinics?

When making turns in very deep, bottomless powder, do you

a) Tilt your skis more
b) Tilt your skis less
c) Tilt normally
d) Turns? Who makes turns?

Upon launching skyward over the knoll, time slowed. I imagined myself as Wile E. Coyote as my skis sailed seven feet over the crossed ski patrol poles that served as a warning to the bare spots and moguls below. Like the cartoon, my flight ended with a snow-muted thud and a yard sale.

This isn't what I'm suggesting you do. I wasn't at a familiar resort. I wasn't playing follow the leader with my instructor friends. I was fearless.

Fear keeps us alive, but it can also hold us back as skiers. Building confidence...and competence as skiers...requires that we push through fear, incrementally, and with purpose.

It's normal to stop at a steep section of piste and survey what's below. Do that as many times as it takes to familiarize yourself with the terrain.

Then, on the next run, don't stop. Slowing down is fine but continue skiing over the crest into the unknown.

What's unknown? You already know the slope. What's unknown are the sensations you'll feel as the slope tilts more and more. It's exhilarating skiing and a big learning opportunity.

What will you learn?

You'll feel more twisting in your mid section as you steer your skis into more compete turns. This is your body beginning to tell you "I've got this."

You may feel like you're in the backseat. This is your brain freaking out at your newfound gumption. It's ok to stop after a couple of turns. Look back at the crest, where other skiers are still standing.

Celebrate your accomplishment! You skied over the crest. This is a victory. Maybe it wasn't pretty as you'd like, but you did it. And, you learned to keep your weight centered as you ski over the crest next time.

You're growing as a skier. You'll know more about how to approach the drop off on your next run.

This is the inner game we all play as skiers. Knowing how to play the game boosts our competence and confidence.

Best of all, it boosts our sense of freedom on skis. Isn't that why we go to the mountains in winter?

Normally I would be writing about the freedom of skiing. Not today. Our capitol is under siege. So is our freedom.

DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU YOU'RE NOT A BADASS.

Controversy ensued this weekend when I suggested to a group of ski instructors that someone's body type influences what "perfect ski technique" is for them.

Having taught skiers with all kinds of physical issues on both U.S. coasts, I can tell you this...

You can ski.

Perfectly.

"Lean forward" means bend at the waist ...AND / OR... press on the front of the boot. More at How to Ski Advanced Steeps class online this Sunday.

Lest we forget the thrill of our first slides down a hill.

Merry Christmas, my friends.