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Name: Ed, Middle Village

Question:

Hi there,
7 years ago I puchased my first shaped skis, Salomon X-Sreams, 187 in length, and their X-Wave 10 boots. I ski these fantastic on the blues, yet on the blacks, I can not finish my turns on the steeps and keep falling. I am an advanced intermediate skier, 6'1" tall and my wieght varies between 190 and 210 in the winter. Could these skis be too long for me? Since they are shaped, I assume they should be much shorter? This is why I can not turn on the steeps? Also, since I stopped smoking, I now weight 235lbs. I am trying to get down to less than 200, but I doubt before winter. My boots have a flex rating of 110. Are they ok? The reason I am asking, is that I can not afford new skis and boots, especially that they will be well over $1100 for everything. And since I haven't skied in 3 years, and skied only twice yearly since I bought my gear, they are like new, expecially the boots. And, one more question. Could it be possible for me to learn to ski the steeper terrain, using my skis, by private lessons, which will cost $100 or $200, rather than $1300 for new gear? Especially since my old, straight skis were 208 in length and I was able to ski easy black diamond runs at one time?
Thanks,
Ed

Answer:

Ed,
Thanks for the question and your interest in Duofold Products. Rest assured, you are not alone with the problem you described. Many people struggle with speed control on steeper, black terrain. For most, its the archer, not the arrow. In otherwords, usually the skier can learn new movements or simple adjustments to current movement patters to solve the problem. First, with regard to your equipment, I see nothing wrong with the set-up you described. Certainly there have been tremendous advancements in equipment recently but always remember, what you have will continue to do what they were designed to do in the first place - make turns. You asked specifically about your boots - a 110 flex is perfect to an advanced intermediate. Before I move off your equipment though, I would recommend one thing - get your skis tuned and keep them tuned. This will help significantly especially on steeper terrain.

Now for technique. It sounds like you are struggling to complete the turn shape on steeper terrain. Turn shape is used to control speed. The steeper the terrain, the more pronounced the finish of the turn should be. In otherwords, on flatter slopes, the turn doesn't need to finish as much, keeping the skier facing more down the hill. When it gets steeper, there is a need to deepen the turn shape so the skis come across the hill more keeping your speed in check.

Typically the falls you described comes from the fact that the skis accelerated away from the skier which sounds like what you could be dealing with. Here's what I want you to do. Start on blue terrain. Feel how you need to stay in contact with the front of the ski boot shafts as you make your turn. The harder you press your legs into the boots and turn the skis, the more pronounced the turn gets. Take it on to black terrain and gradually go to steeper and steeper terrain. Expect to have to turn the skis across the hill more and do it. As you do this, feel your shins press into the ski boots as you tip your skis onto thier edge. This concept will keep you moving with the ski rather than having the ski run away from you. Its when you are balanced over the ski, you can control it, especially in the steep stuff. Give it a try and seek the expertise of a ski instructor to help dial these movements so your next day on the slopes is more enjoyable.

Best Regards,
Jeb Boyd
PSIA Alpine Team Member

Name: Cassie, Rapid City

Question:

Hello-
My group and I are students at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and we are researching ski equipment for beginner and intermediate skiers. This is for a Technical Communications project. If you could answer a few questions for us that would be great!

1) What materials are used in beginner skis vs. intermediate skis and what are advantages of using these materials.

2) What are the qualities of an intermediate ski?

Thanks so much,
Cassie Callahan, Cody Alsaker, and L.S.S.

Answer:

Hey Guys,
Thanks for your question and for your interest in Duofold products. Generally speaking, the materals used in all skis regardless of the manufacturer and the ability level are roughly the same. Its the blend of the materials that makes each model slightly different. Most skis cores are built out of foam, wood and or metal. the more foam, the softer, lighter and more forgiving the ski. The more wood in a ski and with the addition of metal, the stiffer and less forgiving it will be. Therefore, most beginner skis are made primarily with a foam core with maybe only a hint of wood for durability to make it easier for a beginner or novice skier to get good quick. These skis are usually shorter and have deep sidecuts which is the hour glass shape you see when you look along the length of the ski making it very maneuverable and easy to turn. As a skiers ability increases, the skis need to get stiffer to support a more agressive turn. Here, the skier can generally choose how much side cut they want and the length of the ski. Usually the deeper the side cut, or the turnier the ski, the shorter the ski is. Conversly, for bigger turns, typically a longer ski is used. With more intermediate to advanced skis, how the top ski merges with the side of the ski also can make a difference. There are two main types here - vertical side wall and cap construction. Cap construction is when the top skin of the ski curves down on the sides to meet the ski edge and is generally softer and more supple giving the skier more feel for the snow. Just as it sounds, the vertical side wall construction where the top skin of the ski meets a tapered vertical side or box construction generally provides a stiffer and more aggressive performance. I hope this helps and best of luck with your project.

Best Regards,
Jeb Boyd
PSIA Alpine Team Member

Name: Olivia, Manchester

Question:

Jeb, I heard that it's much easier to learn how to ski when you're younger versus when you're older. I'm in my late 20s and have always wanted to learn how to ski. I've attempted the bunny slopes, but have been very unsuccessful so far! What steps should I take to some day "graduate" to the bigger mountains?

Answer:

Hey Olivia,
Great question! You know, I don't think its any easier when you're younger to learn to ski. The only real difference is kids have no mortgages, car payments, history of injury, fear and all that other good stuff adults have collected over the years. Because of all our responsibilities, I think we as adults tend to be a little more cautious and aware of the consequenses of our actions much more than kids do. However, I do have good news for you. Today's modern equipment and modern PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) teaching methodology coupled with the vast improvements at many of the ski resorts around the country, learning to ski has never been easier. I recommend taking a private lesson with a PSIA Certified pro at your local ski area and make sure you tell them exactly what your goals are - to ski comfortably on the easier intermediate trails on the mountain. Although a private may cost a little more than a class lesson, the value far exceeds the cost as you will get a custom tailered experience geared around you and only you. What are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to get out there and enjoy the winter alpine environment. Best of luck in your endeavor and thanks for your interest in Duofold products.

Best Regards,
Jeb Boyd
PSIA Alpine Team Member

Name: David, Knoxville

Question:

Hi Jeb, I really enjoy skiing and am in need of some new gear. What's the best kind of boot to buy: overlapping shell or rear entry? Thanks!

Answer:

David,
Thank you for your question and for your interest in Duofold products. This is an interesting question since believe it or not, the ski boot is the most critical piece of equipment when it comes to skiing. I say this because the boot serves as a linkage between the skier and the ski. If there is a poor fit, foot movements inside the boot won't make it to the ski resulting in poor performance and control. I recommend front overlapping boots since they typically give a much closer fit and a more controlled flex which will improve your performance and make for a great day on the slopes.
With modern advancements, comfort is more easily attainable and I encourage you to use a reputable shop who can take the time to properly fit you and with a boot to match your ability and make the necessary customizations to ensure a comfortable snug fit. I wish you the best of luck and thanks again for your interest in Duofold products.

Best Regards,
Jeb Boyd
PSIA Alpine Team Member

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