From: johnc@yuma.ACNS.ColoState.EDU (John Cooley)
Newsgroups: rec.skiing
Subject: Re: Question to more advanced skiers (bumps)
Summary: Bumps can be skiied slow or fast
Date: 28 Dec 92 18:14:04 GMT
Followup-To: rec.skiing
Organization: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO  80523

In article <Dec28.162315.53844@yuma.ACNS.ColoState.EDU> trzyna@CS.ColoState.EDU (wayne trzyna) writes:
>In article <JON.92Dec23150759@zeus.med.utah.edu> jon@zeus.med.utah.edu (Jonathan Byrd) writes:

>>I would advise you against spending too much time worrying about
>>methods of controlling your speed.  In my opinion, the phrase
>>"controlling your speed" is really a euphemism for fighting the
>>mountain.  Good skiers fight the mountain as little as possible by
>>skiing at the natural speed of the slope.  Thus, they tend to ski
>>steeper runs at higher speeds, regardless of the presence of
>>obstacles.  Their eyes can pick a route on the fly, and their bodies
>>can respond quickly because they aren't wasting effort "controlling
>>their speed."  Of course, this philosophy presupposes that people have
>>the sense to stay on slopes that they can handle.

>While it is true that good skiers ski quickly on steeps, and don't fight
>the mountain, they also have the capacity to stop on a dime at any point
>during their run.  I disagree that you should not worry about controlling
>your speed.  A practiced, reliable hocky-stop is a necessary prerequisite
>to serious bump skiing.  Note the term "necessary" does not imply sufficient,
>and that's where the stuff discussed above comes into play.  But the term
>"prerequistite" speaks for itself.  If you can't find the balance point
>on your skis and turn them horizontal to the fall line on demand, you're
>destined for unwanted acceleration.

Contrary to Mr. Byrd's opinion, good skiers can ski the bumps at any speed less
than or equal to the maximum of which they are capable and still avoid 
"fighting the mountain."  Just because some young hotshot pounds down
Derailleur at high speed on the tails of his skis doesn't mean that's the
natural speed of the slope.  It may be the "natural speed" of his/her style
and chosen line, but others will ski it differently, more slowly, and, perhaps,
a good deal more elegantly.

Beginning bump skiers commonly make several mistakes.

1.  Body position is _everything_.  If you ain't got it right on the groomed
    runs, than the bumps will come up and bite you.  You may even manage a
    parallel of sorts on the flats, but if you're driving from the back seat,
    you'll have great difficulty in the bumps.

2.  The assertion that you need some speed or that you need to "go for it" is
    incorrect.  Sure, good bump skiers usually ski them fast.  But a _really_
    good bump skier can demonstrate clearly, step by step, how to ski them
    slowly and easily.

3.  You don't have to hit the bumps hard.  It doesn't have to kill your knees.
    It's not even necessary to ski them with your skis parallel or together.
    Go back to basics.  A good wedge or wedge christie will get you down
    almost anything.  With good basic technique comes confidence and flow.

Take lessons and clinics.  Be prepared to invest time and money.  Drill.
Learn to really see how others ski.  Pick out the best ones.  Ignore the
posers.  A good instructor can help you see the difference.  Ski 30 days
a year.  Or more.  It's hard to get very good at something you only do 7 to
10 days per year.  30 isn't really enough, but it'll help you reach the
point where you want to commit to do more, and  it'll give you time for drills.

It's hard to "waste" that hard-earned lift ticket money on drills, when you'd
rather be out having fun.  Drilling, practicing, learning to distinguish who
skis well and who is just a groomed run cruiser, listening and watching those
who know how to teach - that's the only way you'll ever get applause from the
chair lift.  Commit.  Keep at it.  I was a slow learner, but these days, I do
OK.  If I did it, almost anyone can!

          John Cooley