Introduction
Hey there! I’m Kevin Jordan, a member of the PSIA National Team, and I’m thrilled to share some insights with you from my recent skiing adventures in Aspen, Colorado. Today, we are going to delve into the exhilarating experience of skiing in the trees.
Key Points
Benefits of Skiing in the Trees
What do I love about skiing in the trees? It’s all about the freedom, the ability to choose your path, and the flow that comes with navigating through the trees.
Readiness for Tree Skiing
Before jumping into the trees, ask yourself if you can confidently make parallel turns on groomed slopes and stop when and where you want. Safety is crucial when skiing in the trees due to the stationary nature of trees.
Preparation and Safety Measures
Prior to entering the trees, ensure your body is warmed up for quick decision-making and maneuvering. Remove pole straps, wear goggles for protection, ski with a buddy for safety in numbers, and establish communication signals.
Technique Practice: Hockey Stops
Practice hockey stops on groomed slopes to swiftly come to a halt, crucial for navigating around obstacles in the trees. Focus on stopping quickly and efficiently to enhance control and safety.
Transition to Tree Skiing
Once comfortable with hockey stops, transition to ungroomed terrain to simulate tree skiing scenarios. Practice quick stops and swift movements to adapt to the varied conditions in the trees.
Improving Line Choice
Enhance your line selection by analyzing different zones in the trees. Opt for more open spaces initially to build confidence and gradually progress to tighter areas. Ski the gaps, not the trees themselves.
Thriving in the Trees
Advance your tree skiing skills by focusing on turn shape roundness. Utilize the corridor drill to practice rounded turns and improve your flow through the trees. Continuous practice and feedback are key to mastering this technique.
Conclusion
By following these tips and techniques, you can boost your confidence and skills in skiing through the trees. Remember, practice makes perfect, so take your time, enjoy the process, and soon you’ll be thriving in the beautiful, untouched terrain of the trees!
Related Questions
1. How can warming up before skiing in the trees enhance your performance?
Warming up prepares your muscles for quick decision-making and rapid movements required in tree skiing, improving your overall agility and responsiveness.
2. Why is it essential to ski with a buddy when venturing into the trees?
Skiing with a friend provides safety in numbers, allowing for assistance in case of separation and enabling communication through signals like whistles or yodels.
3. What role does line choice play in skiing through the trees?
Effective line choice in the trees involves selecting open spaces to navigate through gaps rather than focusing on individual trees. This strategic approach enhances flow and minimizes obstacles.
4. How can the corridor drill help improve your skiing technique in tree terrain?
The corridor drill focuses on creating rounded turns and smooth transitions through the trees, emphasizing control, rhythm, and flow. Practice with this drill can enhance your overall performance in tree skiing.
5. What are the key benefits of mastering turn shape roundness in tree skiing?
By mastering turn shape roundness, skiers can effortlessly navigate through trees, explore various routes, and enjoy a seamless skiing experience. This skill enhances control and adaptability in challenging terrains.
