On Course at Mont Sainte Anne: Part 6a- Sasha’s Summary

Our day, and course, finished on the ‘S;’ a gnarly, steep bump run covered in fluffy snow down skiers right on the south face of the mountain.  As a group we charged down the run, all feeling super confident and charged at the end.

Again today we were guided by Emerson Brooks.  His relaxed, efficient style was even more evident today.  He kicked off our day with a top to bottom cruiser; today there was no messing around!  It was going to be a maximum vertical day.

Known as the rogue group, I think we were the only ones who had yet to reach the ultimate point of fatigue.  We managed to get through all 9 ski-off runs of the exams quite quickly.  But again the theme of progression was threaded through the day.  Start with short radius turns and then next run, head to the bumps, and then follow that up with some mixed radius turns.  And then take a step back, go from snow plow turns, to basic/intermediate parallel turns and then into a dynamic/advanced parallel turns. 

Overall the experience this week was excellent.  I think everyone in our group improved their skiing and teaching techniques.  What I think stands out the most for me, and what I will use soon when coaching, is having a gradual progression to my lessons.  Not only does it minimize fatigue, but it also helps keep a group focused (which isn’t always easy with a group of 13 year olds).  I cannot wait to try out some of the new drills I learned with my group.

I also personally think my skiing improved.  Growing up as a racer in southern Ontario, slalom race training was much of my focus.  Typically I ski with a short radius turn that sometimes feels impulsive and rushed.  If patience is a skill while skiing, than I think that is what I most identify with.  When I think about being patient while pressuring the ski to increase edge angle, not only do I get more ski performance, but it is also far more efficient.

I cannot wait to go on a course like this again.  Over the next week I’m going to synthesize all the information and tactics I gained and make a decision as to whether to go on exams in March.  No matter what my decision, I will continue to train, by working both on my skiing and my instructing style.