The Power of the Small Area
When I hear that people don’t ski in their local areas because they’re spoiled by skiing out West, I believe they’re missing something.
A lot of world class ski racers cut their teeth on areas that have less than 1000’ vertical. Lindsey Vonn and Kristina Koznick both were raised on Buck Hill in Minnesota, under the watchful eye of Erich Sailer. Erich is a world-renowned coach and has done an amazing job training ski racers on a hill with very little vertical drop. Similarly, the Cochran family in Vermont has a rich legacy of developing ski racing talent on smaller hills.
Seven Springs Resort, Pennsylvania
Recently, the PSIA pod cast, Chaos and Company, discussed the fact that there are many drills that can be utilized at smaller areas. Frank Andres, who coached racing at Seven Springs Resort (another <1000’ vertical hill) used to advise making as many small turns as possible.
Buck Hill trail map
My message is: wherever you ski, utilize the available terrain to advance your skiing skills. Here are some ways to do it:
- Use edging exercises such as garland drills, where you link edge and release traverses across the hill. They’re beneficial in helping you understand when and where to release and set edges during a turn. Many garlands can be made at smaller areas.
- Jump turns can be utilized along with short radius turns to make use of the terrain at smaller areas. See how many short radius turns or jump turns you can make in a contest with friends
- Blend short radius turns into medium radius turns and back again in a prescribed space to develop control.
- Pick an imaginary alley and make a series of short radius turns not allowing yourself to ski out of the alley. Mix it up by using the same imaginary alley and holding your poles in front of you to promote balance. Think of the poles like holding a tray and avoid spilling the drinks.
- Make your legs do all the work to eliminate rotation during a turn. If you’re not accustomed to this drill, start on a gentle slope or trail.
- NASTAR is often run at smaller areas and allows for repeated race turns against the clock.
- Skiing on one ski and switching back and forth can develop good individual leg coordination and can be utilized with ease at a smaller area.
Practice these exercises locally and you’ll get a lot more skiing out of a lot less vertical. That home hill homework will get you better prepared for that trip out West.
Finding a Senior Ski Buddy
Finding someone to play with was easy when we were kids. “Can Johnny come out and play?” But as seniors, it’s not easy to find someone to ski with. Ski friends drop out, move away, or go to the great beyond.
SeniorsSkiing.com is an amazing source of information. Here’s what happened recently: A skier emailed me saying: “I saw your stories in SeniorsSkiing.com and I want to connect with senior skiers in the Salt Lake area when I’m out there this winter. I’ve heard about Alta’s senior group called the Wild Old Bunch. How do I connect with them?”
The Wild Old Bunch meets daily at the only round table in Alf’s, mid-mountain at Alta. Photo Harriet Wallis
That was easy. I told her all about the Wild Old Bunch – the upbeat group of senior skiers who gather about 11- 11:30-ish weekdays for camaraderie and snacks at the only round table in Alf’s mid mountain restaurant. It might be a big group or maybe just a few. It just depends on who’s skiing that day. They talk about all kinds of things: golf, plumbing, road trips and more. You’ll likely meet someone who skis the way you like to ski.
Look for the WOB patch. Photo: Harriet Wallis
Enthusiastic WOB-er Bob Phillips said: We welcome anyone who shows up to join us at the round table. It’s a good way to find a ski buddy. And on the hill, look for the smiley face WOB patch that many wear on their jackets.
Bet you’re thinking: “I won’t be at Alta. How do I find ski buddies?”
Nationwide, the 70+ Ski Club is a senior club that typically has a handful of week-long trips to US and foreign destinations. Travels include everything: hotels, tickets, transportation, and of course cocktail parties and dinners together. It says: ”Since 1977, 70 Plus Ski Club members have enjoyed free and discounted skiing, developed lasting friendships, and skied together at resorts worldwide.”
Bet you’re still thinking: “I want to find ski buddies. How do I do it?”
Many areas have ski hosts who conduct mountain tours. The tours usually are a few hours, and participating in one may help you meet someone with comparable skills.
Another suggestion: Many older skiers read SeniorsSkiing.com, so let’s start a list of senior ski groups across the country. Just fill in the Leave a Reply message box following this story and we’ll get this going.
What ski area?
In what state?
Does the group have a name?
Where do they gather?
A certain day of the week? Daily?
What time?
Do they ski together? Ski with a guide? Other?
Please add everything else you’d like skiers to know.
SeniorsSkiing.com is an amazing source of information. Using the site to create a central registry of senior ski groups will benefit the entire community. Let’s do it!
New To Cross Country? These Nordic Centers are Great Places to Start.
If you’re among the many newcomers to XC skiing, I suggest that you take a lesson. XCSkiResorts.com recommends starting at one of the following locations:
Metropolitan Boston — Weston Ski Track, a county-owned golf course accessible by public transportation. Snowmaking guarantees good cover and lights allow for night skiing. A 75-minute session covers the basics (i.e. motion, turning and negotiating small hills). A package of rental gear, lesson, and trail access starts at $44 for kids and $64 for adults. There are well-priced multiple session packages, too.
New Hampshire — Great Glen Trails, Gorham, encourages booking on line because of capacity limits in its 75-minute group lessons. Coaching goes at a pace that is comfortable for the whole group to learn gliding, stopping, and getting up (just about everyone falls on the snow when they begin skiing). The views of Mt. Washington from Great Glen Trails are astounding.
Mt. Peg at Woodstock Nordic Center
Vermont — Trapp Family Lodge (the Sound of Music family), Stowe, starts newcomers by teaching basic techniques which help beginners get control (e.g. kick and glide motion, using poles, and stopping). They use soft skis, which make it easier to turn and stop. Woodstock Nordic Center, Woodstock Inn & Resort, offers a 20-minute “Mini Clinic” for first timers ona golf course behind the inn. It includes a lesson, trail pass, one hour equipment rental for $50.
New York — Lapland Lake Vacation Center in Northville customizes the introduction to XC skiing to the skier’s level of ability. There is terrain with a wide modest downhill and a run-out to make skiers feel more comfortable.
Michigan — Cross Country Ski Headquarters, Roscommon, offers free lessons on weekend mornings for beginners in classic or skate skiing. Their Winter Trails Day on January 8 provides free access and a lesson with a complimentary hot cocoa and hot dog cookout for only $9.
Minnesota — Maplelag Resort, Callaway, is a family-oriented operation that goes out of its way to make people comfortable with new adventures like XC skiing or snowshoeing so they’ll want to come back for more. Maplelag is a community-based experience and often, experienced guests provide extra attention to first time skiers.
Breckenridge Nordic Center lodge
Colorado — Breckenridge Nordic Center specializes in working with those who are first timers. The Center gives a 20% discount on group lessons booked on line. All resort staff are ambassadors who freely offer ski tips to all. As soon as the skier steps out the door, staff is available to help skiers put equipment on, review the trail map, talk about body balance, and provide other tips.
California — Tahoe Donner Cross Country has low cost opportunities to help people learn basic ski skills. The $87 member price is for a group lesson package that includes rental gear, trail pass, and a 75-minute lesson or tour with an instructor.
Washington – Located in eastern Washington, Methow Trails has one of the largest trail networks in the U.S. On January 21. It hosts Free Backyard Ski Day with free access to the trails, free rental gear, and free lessons available for beginners.
XC skiing delivers physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Spending time in a snowy landscape can be magical. Do yourself a favor and give it a try.
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