Feeling the Fear...

[Cyprissa]

Welcome!

Well, in contrast to what you and @snowski/swimmouse posted, I had an ego-negative day... Got stuck on a hill, and a ski patrol person helped me get over to the next trail over. Part of it was the quality of snow; I could not even glide across the hill without getting stuck. Part of it was that, after falling a few times, I had completely lost my nerve. Ah, well.

I am a master at side slipping after wandering onto a giantLy steep GS course in the Alps. At least now I don't worry about getting stuck, just looking like a fool. Practice side slipping and then you have the confidence to get yourself down anything. That makes a huge difference. Also, some days rock and some don't. There are tons of variables.

 

[bounceswoosh]

I'm sure that you're quite right @volkgrl, and I greatly appreciate your help, but I think what I feel instead of "Rush" is "Panic"!

Is it possible for you to go to a less steep run so that it feels more like a rush? Or do the mellowest runs still induce a bit of panic?

 

[newboots]

I am a master at side slipping after wandering onto a giantLy steep GS course in the Alps. At least now I don't worry about getting stuck, just looking like a fool. Practice side slipping and then you have the confidence to get yourself down anything.

A couple of weeks ago, arrived at the top of the lift only to find the trail we wanted was closed, and the only choice was a truly icy black race trail. And I mean icy, the whole mountain was icy, but this was Zamboni-ready. My friend tried to get me to side-slip, but I haven't really learned it yet and I couldn't get it to work. I made a quick, short turn to try to side-slip on the other side, and found that I could do that turn well enough and stop (to my amazement). I crept down with a half-dozen of those turns, then skied down the slope. Terrifying, yes, but for the first time, my terror didn't stop my legs from working! That was a rush. I did need a gin and tonic later, though.

 

[bounceswoosh]

A couple of weeks ago, arrived at the top of the lift only to find the trail we wanted was closed, and the only choice was a truly icy black race trail. And I mean icy, the whole mountain was icy, but this was Zamboni-ready. My friend tried to get me to side-slip, but I haven't really learned it yet and I couldn't get it to work. I made a quick, short turn to try to side-slip on the other side, and found that I could do that turn well enough and stop (to my amazement). I crept down with a half-dozen of those turns, then skied down the slope. Terrifying, yes, but for the first time, my terror didn't stop my legs from working! That was a rush. I did need a gin and tonic later, though.

Side slipping is *the* tool you need for confidence everywhere. Well, side slipping and hockey stops.

Side slipping is a form of edge control. If you can control your ski enough to flatten your edges, you can also control your skis enough to choose how much "bite" you want to use in a turn.

For hockey stops, make sure you practice stopping in *both* directions. Not just the easy direction. I had an instructor *mumble* years ago who would insist on stopping on alternating sides of the trail, always just *after* it got steeper. It forced us all to learn to stop in both directions and to gain confidence that it would work on steeper terrain.

 

[Hsinski]

Welcome!

Well, in contrast to what you and @snowski/swimmouse posted, I had an ego-negative day... Got stuck on a hill, and a ski patrol person helped me get over to the next trail over. Part of it was the quality of snow; I could not even glide across the hill without getting stuck. Part of it was that, after falling a few times, I had completely lost my nerve. Ah, well.

Lol! I think we all have one of those days... I once decided to just sit on my butt and slide down a steep powdery slope with my skis in my arms. Not my proudest moment.

 

[snowski/swimmouse]

Is it possible for you to go to a less steep run so that it feels more like a rush? Or do the mellowest runs still induce a bit of panic?

Oh yes, steep IS the issue; I'm afraid of heights to begin with. If I know I can stop immediately, I'm fine. It's those heights where a fall will send you a long way uncontrolled....

Lol! I think we all have one of those days... I once decided to just sit on my butt and slide down a steep powdery slope with my skis in my arms. Not my proudest moment.

Two years ago I was on a 4 mountain scavenger hunt at Snowmass/Aspen. I did find the "objective" at Aspen, but it was IN the woods. When I looked out at the closest trail, all I could see were moguls (didn't see the bailout lane beyond them). So, I committed to going through the woods in the other direction. What I encountered was the steepest longest mogul field that I've ever laid eyes on!!!!! I, too, sat on my butt and slid down. It took about two hours... : (

I did need a gin and tonic later, though.

Good idea! : )

 

[newboots]

Side slipping is *the* tool you need for confidence everywhere. Well, side slipping and hockey stops.

Side slipping is a form of edge control. If you can control your ski enough to flatten your edges, you can also control your skis enough to choose how much "bite" you want to use in a turn.

For hockey stops, make sure you practice stopping in *both* directions. Not just the easy direction. I had an instructor *mumble* years ago who would insist on stopping on alternating sides of the trail, always just *after* it got steeper. It forced us all to learn to stop in both directions and to gain confidence that it would work on steeper terrain.

I'd better get busy and learn both of these, then. Although I was proud of my super-short turns. I'm sure they weren't pretty but I made it down without broken bones or torn ligaments.

 

[snowski/swimmouse]

I'd better get busy and learn both of these, then. Although I was proud of my super-short turns. I'm sure they weren't pretty but I made it down without broken bones or torn ligaments.

Major + , @newboots!

 

[Tennessee]

Welcome!

Well, in contrast to what you and @snowski/swimmouse posted, I had an ego-negative day... Got stuck on a hill, and a ski patrol person helped me get over to the next trail over. Part of it was the quality of snow; I could not even glide across the hill without getting stuck. Part of it was that, after falling a few times, I had completely lost my nerve. Ah, well.

Been there! Done that. And rescued too thank god!

 

[bounceswoosh]

I'd better get busy and learn both of these, then. Although I was proud of my super-short turns. I'm sure they weren't pretty but I made it down without broken bones or torn ligaments.

You did great. It's always good to have more tools for your toolbox.

 

[LaPetiteMaimai]

Completely agree with the side stops and hockey stops in both directions. I learned both techniques during ski class today and still need to work on these new skills... but what a game changer to feel in control when washed over in fear!