On Course at Mont Sainte Anne: Part 6b- Phil’s Summary

The past week has been a great experience.

We were lucky to have not only a fun group, but a talented one too.

For the first time I really understand our new learning methodology (AICRCv) and how it applies to different skiers who are at different stages of incorporating changes into their own skiing. I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned to our sessions at Alpine for the balance of this season and going forward.

I also felt that my own skiing improved this week and that I now have a clear view and path towards what I need to do to be successful on my level 4 exams.

In order to pass your level 4 skiing, you must pass 7 of 9 ski-off maneuvers. We have seen about one person a year in Ontario complete their level 4.

Before this week I couldn’t and didn’t know how to ski high speed GS turns in the moguls. Now I can do it with confidence.

Before this week I thought I was a great mogul skier – only to learn that the way I skied bumps required refinement. It’s one thing to absorb & react as you go down the moguls, it’s something else completely to get the sensation and freedom of carving or edging in them. My path down the mogul alley is no longer dictated solely by the zipper line.

My mother used to say that dogs have masters while cats have servants. I was a dog in the moguls, but after this week I am now a cat.

Before this week I hadn’t crashed & burned with any significance in years. On Thursday I loaded my skis up while doing dynamic turns and double ejected after making a sudden inside move in phase three in order to turn well above the group below. As Mark P said, it looked like I had bent my ski in half. The “rebound” of the un-bent ski resulted in a double ejection and  flight path of a good 30 feet down the hill on my chest.  I have the neck and should pain two days later to prove it.

Before this week week I thought my short radius turns on the steeps were my the weakest part of my skiing.  I’ve validated this point of view but have made a breakthrough in my stance and approach that will lead me to consistent and high performance short radius turns on the steepest terrain that any mountain has to offer.

Before this week I wasn’t sure if I had what it takes to pass my level 4. Now I know it’s within reach and will dedicate the balance of this season and all of next in order to get prepared to take the exams.