Stand taller, ski better

Posted by John Barr 13th February 2012

During my first two seasons in Austria my skiing improved beyond recognition. When the snow was perfect and the pitch of the slope just right, I almost felt as if I was in control and actually knew what I was doing. However, the next day I’d ski a steeper black run in icy conditions and all my poise and balance would be out of the window. It was back to survival mode. There is a vicious circle that affects many skiers. When conditions are more difficult we tend to lean back, which gives us less control, and it all goes to pot. I’m sure you’ve been there as well.

At the start of this season I noticed that my boots (new last season) were slightly loose and I could lift my heels. So I bought some wedges to fit under my heels, and now the boots fit perfectly. But a side effect of the wedge is that a quarter inch movement in my heel translates into a body position that is six inches further forward. So when things are going well my weight is on the ball of my foot, and when I panic and lean back my weight is still nicely poised over the centre of my feet. Result is, when I have an “Oh! Sh*t!” moment, I stay in control, and instead of things going from bad to worse, the additional control increases my confidence and makes it easier to lean further forward, which gives me even more control.

So if you want to improve your skiing, don’t go out and buy those new skis with the go faster stripes, get yourself a pair of heel wedges!
 

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