TWM

A novice, out of control straight-lining skier came within inches of hitting me from behind today. We were a fraction of a second from total mayhem. Also, I ordered a new carving jacket today.

Still got another month to go I expect. Uncrowded runs and firm morning snow make spring prime carving season.

This is so troubling to read. So many carvers are getting hit these days. May Martin see a fast and complete recovery.

One of the best and under appreciated ways to progress quickly is by simply watching and riding with great carvers. That fact, coupled with clinics, make a strong case for MCC.

Brings back memories. My first hip-dragging railing on an alpine hard-boot set up was in the summer of 1990; I was 16, and hooked. It was first on borrowed K2 prototypes, and then later on Nitro EFTs after they signed me up. I remember distinctly watching from the Palmer lift as US ski team coaches turned backs to their own race lanes to rubberneck the alpine riders, the MBSEF crew especially, laying down highly angulated pencil-thin rails on the brutal salted frozen morning cords. They’d never seen such turns, and skis got side-cut soon thereafter. There was hot debate that summer about the efficacy of asym tech. Most boards were asym. Some of us argued the opposite — that the heel side core profile, given body mechanics and boot leverage, should be shifted forward, not back. Then, prophetically, Rossignol’s first 173 and 183 VAS prototypes showed up in July. Allegedly designed by their race ski engineer, they boasted forward-shifted profiles that landed squarely on one side of the snowboarders’ asym debate. By all accounts, these boards railed harder - with better edge hold - than anything else to date.

They definitely do rip.

I’ve liked most of his analyses. Here, the analysis of forward drive of the rear knee on a toe turn is specific and astute. It’s why I use considerably more rear foot heel lift in my soft vs. hard boot set up.

That's certainly an important factor to consider in stance width. But then, why not ride a 10 inch stance? I just went through this exercise last week on a new-to-me and quite stiff board. A narrow stance was preventing body mechanics necessary to aggressively pressure and drive forward and laterally into the boot. And, by standing me up too tall, it limited me from getting the board higher on edge, into a deeper flex. A wider stance changed this with body mechanics that allowed powerful leverage through the boot and stability and balance to get the board higher on edge. So, for me, given other important variables to consider, widening my stance yielded deeper board flex.

I want more forward lean from my Deeluxe 325s, at least on my back foot. Is anyone modifying these boots to afford that, and if so, how? Rivets? (That’s how I used to lock boots into a desired lean position in my younger days.) Are there other boot models or brands that offer more forward lean than the 325s? Thanks In advance for insights.

Fun day, fun snow. I’m slowly getting to know this old Coiler, and it’s taking everything I dish out. Toe, heel.

It’s flair, but feels a bit faint hearted. I would prefer two or three hand circles presenting each new turn, like a magician or wizard.

It’s the tail.

I just watched the euro trip video. It’s remarkable to see how that new orange Donek wraps into the second half of a turn; from the apex to the end, it seems to flex deep into the rail but with no sign of folding, obviously damp, steady, and stable. Looks like it allows one to control speed beautifully.

Very sorry to read this. It’s what we all fear. Glad you’re on the mend and that it wasn’t worse. Tell us — which helmet?

(Rewriting a post I that I somehow adeptly deleted)…. I plan to attend MCC next season if for no reason other than to enjoy carving absent constant worry of being hit from uphill. Many other reasons to go, of course, but carving in a no pass environment is a big deal for me.