The function and correct use of our poles can seem as ambiguous as a politician’s speech. Good pole usage complements and aids upper body movements in dynamic skiing. Missing pole plants, poorly timed pole plants or directionally inappropriate pole swings can create dysfunctional elements in your skill set. Diverse terrain requires attention to rhythm and strong core movements that are directed down the fall line. The pole swing is timed with an extension move at the start of th turn, this aids in directing your momentum toward the apex of the turn. As the pole is planted it helps stabilize your body as you change from the uphill set of edges to the downhill set of edges. The pole swing should originate from the wrist and not the elbow. As your turn shape changes, the direction and timing of your pole swing adjusts accordingly. When skiing steep terrain and bumps your pole swing will directed more towards the fall line rather than the apex of your turn, your pole plant will happen as you pull away from the fall line and the skis turn across the hill. Next time you are out on the hill think about the timing and directionality of your pole swing and plant and what it does to your rhythm and stabilization of the upper body.
Tag: ski training Portillo
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Freeski Training Center in La Parva, Chile
From The Ski Channel: http://www.theskichannel.com/news/skinews/20110414/World-class-freeski-training-center-to-be-built-in-La-Parva-Chile
“With the latest announcement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approving men’s and women’s Ski Halfpipe for the 2014 Olympics, La Parva is on the forefront of building the ultimate training facility to be ready June 2012.
It’s location in the heart of the Andes mountains and provides excellent snow conditions from June through October, creating an ideal off season training destination for Northern Hemisphere athletes. The resort has begun the process with the addition of the new high speed “Fabres” chairlift that gives access to five new on piste runs and will be fully operational by 2012. This sector is the prospective location for the new halfpipe and freestyle training area.
In addition to on snow training facilities La Parva expects to build an exclusive “Athlete Lodge,” that encompasses all aspects and needs of today’s elite athletes. Dry land training area, media rooms where teams can review footage of training runs, and cafeterias for team meals. This facility will be a complete on and off snow destination where teams can harness the skills they need to be the best in their sport.”
It is great that the South American resorts are stepping up and starting to stake a bigger claim in the snowsports industry. An investment of this sort is also proof of the growing global popularity of skiing and snowboarding. Events like the X-games and Olympics are offering these sports and athletes some global exposure. It is also making skiing and snowboarding more attractive to younger generations as it provides them with an outlet for creative expression.
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Winter season wind down
The sun sits higher in the sky, the air is warmer, birds are chirping and the snow around town is melting really fast. These are all the signs that Spring is definitely here and Winter is on its way out. In previous years, most people would already start wearing flip flops and shorts but this year Mother Nature is keeping us guessing. One day it’s sunny and warm and the next day looks and feels like a mid-winter storm. After a delightful winter season filled with almost innumerable powder days, most people are exhausted with skiing. It’s understandable when the Spring temps climb and the snow gets extremely mushy by 1:00pm, the idea of sweeping off the deck and firing the barbecue is more inviting then fighting that stop and go feeling when you’re skiing the afternoon slush. Though, a day spent with good friends and great snow conditions can re-energize one’s mind toward skiing. Spring is a great time to reel things in and focus on your technique and spend some time re-working those basic skiing fundamentals. There is hardly anyone out there and you are no longer charging for those big lines like you did when there was pow on the ground which gives you more time, patience and focus. You don’t need to spend the whole day out there just a few hours is all you need. If you are wondering how to afford skiing a few hours – take advantage of the Spring pass deals that the resorts are offering. Alpine Meadows has one of the greatest deal $99 Spring pass followed by Squaw Valley with a $199 Spring pass. We are lucky this season to have such a solid snowpack that the conditions on the slopes are excellent, there are no melt through spots, rocks are still covered by the 500 inches of snow that sit on top of them. Sometimes Spring skiing can be depressing because all the brown spots start appearing and the run keep shrinking but not this year. Take advantage of the warm weather and the great snow to get some focused practice in before you hang your skis up for the summer.