Ski Tips from the Devil

By Jonathan Lawson on December 29, 2009 8:18 PM | No Comments

Ski Lessons from the hot house. Some say, "No snowballs in Hades!" I beg to differ. I will sit upon your shoulder and tell you a few of my favorite shortcuts for skiing better. But first, allow me to share where I received my idea for this topic.

I was listening to Scott Fox's podcast with Jack Humphrey. Jack wrote a post "Blog Promotion Tips from the Devil". I found it to be an interesting approach to the subject.

Basically the opposite approach of many writers in getting a point across. What about the random ski tip in leu of ski lesson given by well meaning friends or family members?

Those who ski often may have heard of "The Intermediate Rut". This is a point in which the skier's current technique prevents them from skiing Advanced to Expert terrain without the "skill or grace" enjoyed on the blue terrain

As I listened to the podcast, it struck me that Ski Tips from the Devil would fit well in the realm of the ski & ride instructor. So often, well meaning friends give advice of which they know very little. Specifically, how to ski well. Usually these ski tips get passed down from person to person with their own little spin.

Prior to writing, I decided I should do some leg work and research the subject. Where to go to find those knowledgeable about the subject at 5:30pm? A local ski/ride instructor watering hole Quandary Grille in Breckenridge!

There were quite a few "devils" willing to share their stories. It was fun to knock one back and talk about a few war stories on the hill.

When reading over these, realize in many cases they are band-aids to a real underlying skill deficiency in one's skiing. In the case of equipment choices or off snow choices it is just listening what others have told them. Ignorance in it's most innocent sense.

Here are a few of our choice tips (6+6+6=18)

1) Push your shins into the front of the boot, and edge more to slow down

2) Just "duck the rope". The snow is better on the other side.

3) Turn your head and/or shoulders in the direction you want to go

4) Always lean back in powder, and lean forward when you ski

5) Use your poles to push away from the lift

6) Wear two pairs of socks to keep your feet warmer, and stuff your jeans into your boots

7) Place the metal snap on your snow cuff between your boot and shin as a positive reinforcement device.

8) Use the "Texas Tuck" to help you go faster across the flats

9) Impress your friends with jump tricks whenever possible

10) The "Texas Suitcase" or the "Houston Handbag" are the best methods to walk around with your skis and poles

11) Turn with your knees, and keep your feet close by attaching the boot's velcro straps together.

12) Let your friends "teach" you how to ski, and teach spouses and significant others whenever possible.

13) Once you "learn" how to turn and stop, you are ready to go to the top!

14) If one beer at lunch makes you ski better, two will make you ski GREAT!

15) Your instructor doesn't want a tip. "Cheers!" is reward enough

16) 1990's (faded) Neon will make you more attractive to the opposite sex.

17) Surprise your fellow chairlift riders by immediately pulling down the safety bar as the chair leaves the station.

18) If your legs are tired at the end of the day, lean against the rear boot cuff and take an extra run.