A lot of good philosophical ski questions arising today! Here's my humble contribution: <BR>--> Where do we derive pleasure in the activity of skiing? <BR>Anonymous' question concerning the value of yo-yoing in early season skiing makes it obvious that the conditions (snow, terrain, crowd) themselves are not a prerequisite to us enjoying a ski day - though all will agree that they have the potential to be reasons for enjoyment. <BR> <BR>In fact, my most pleasurable experiences on skis include both the best and the worst of the situations we usually like. Big snowfalls + low crowds are of course reason enough for enjoyment, but I also remember very well all those post-rain days where almost nobody venture on the slopes because they are rock-solid - somehow, I had found a way to enjoy these days. This makes me consider that the pleasure of skiing can be derived from three main aspects, in addition to conditions: <BR>- people (the ones we share our ski days with, either in presence or in discussion, such as here) <BR>- remoteness (from everyday life, and by connecting with nature & the elements) <BR>- challenge (technical, physical and "achievement") <BR> <BR>In early season, challenge is definetly an element, as you have to "get back on your skis", so though you may not get an extensive remoteness feeling with the limited terrain and crowds, you'll always find something special in your first ski day(s). If, like on this board, you're connected to people who are interested in what you do as a skier, or if you have friends/family to ski with, being on skis early in season can be a great experience. <BR> <BR> <BR>--> Is there an observable, objective "best" way of skiing? <BR>My background as a CSIA ski instructor probably influences the way I think, but YES! <BR> <BR>Now before I go any further in my explanations, let me state clearly that I entirely respect people who are content with the way they ski, and completely agree with Jonny in that the basis of skiing is to have fun. Yet, I think that technique is not like your mom's spaghetti sauce, which will always be the best; your way is not THE way. <BR> <BR>That "best" technique is not, however, a formula that can be applied anytime anywhere, but rather a dynamic state that consists, like other sports, of coordinating the right body movements to the given set of conditions (terrain features, obstacles, physical ability, snow) for a given purpose (racing, freeskiing, recreation) according to personal tastes (radius of turns, inclusion of jumps in skiing, etc). <BR> <BR>But then, you'll ask, if the best way of skiing is dependent on so many variables, doesn't it generate millions of possibilities? How can you pretend that there is a best way of skiing when there are so many good ways, and especially when all these ways cannot be learned/taught? <BR> <BR>My answer to this question leads us to the beauty of skiing as a personal challenge: it is true that all possibilities cannot be taught, but the abilities supporting your capacity to react "correctly" in all given situations can be improved. In fact, we can develop some of these abilities, such as stance & balance or control of pressures, by ourselves to a certain point, even if you don't think about it. The abilities are what a skier focused on technique should work on to become a better skier. <BR> <BR>Doing so - and seeing the progress you make, it in itself a very rewarding experience, as long as it does not overwhelm the very experience of skiing down a mountain. <BR> <BR> <BR>--> What's with yo-yoing? <BR>My guess is that this mostly is a cultural phonomenon. We, North-Americans, are interested in performance and efficience, and I think it is reflected in the way we ski - yoyoing is, after all, the best way to maximize skiing over the alloted time. <BR> <BR>This is much different from the European culture, where more importance is attached to the "complements" of skiing. Even our fondness for extreme stuff is based in our risk-taking culture. The FTO features on Japan shows a much different culture with regards to trail choice. <BR> <BR>In the end, however, it's up to you to adopt or not the cultural model that is in place. Though it may feel "inapropriate" at first, you may find yourself more comfortable in adopting other practices. <BR> <BR> <BR>Allright! Enough said for tonight! <BR> <BR>P.S. Anonymous, may I suggest that you pick up a nickname for your posts (even if just "RandomGuy" or "NoName"), as we might mix you up with potential newcomers who would post as Anonymous? Thank you.
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