Self Arrest Techniques?

[Janis Williams]

Just in case anyone is wondering - yes the two dots in the top right of that picture are people. The run top is not visible from there and the pic is maybe 2/3 of the way down to the rock band where you need to veer left quickly.

 

[Dianna]

Very interesting and thank you all for sharing

 

[mustski]

I must admit that I worry about the amount of strength needed to use a pole to arrest a slide. You have to climb that pole and get weight way on the top of the handle. However, just digging in a pole - even if holding it low near the basket - will spin you around so you are not sliding head first. It acts like a pivot point and your body will rotate around the pole.

 

[snow addict]

I must admit that I worry about the amount of strength needed to use a pole to arrest a slide. You have to climb that pole and get weight way on the top of the handle. However, just digging in a pole - even if holding it low near the basket - will spin you around so you are not sliding head first. It acts like a pivot point and your body will rotate around the pole.

This is if you still have your poles after the fall, that's why I don't understand when people don't use the loops. Basically everywhere where the ability to self-arrest can be critical your chances increase if your equipment is still attached to you.

 

[Ursula]

Just uploaded a short clip about self-arrest. Let me know if you have any questions,
Ursula

 

[Ursula]

And if you want to see some spectacular crashes, some with arresting, see Bob Barnes video on "Ragdoll"

Yes, the first one is me. It took me about four tries to finally come to a stop! Things happen fast when you go over on an over 40 degree slope. ;o)
Ursula

 

[mustski]

I love Bob Barnes videos! I have watched his instruction in self-arrest. I must admit that rag doll falls concern me the most. And... some of those skis stayed on WAY too long after the fall. My DH sets his DIN really high because his technique (or lack of finesse) causes him to pre-release on steep hard turns. I am glad to be a finesse skier. I can set my DIN low because I never pre-release.

 

[Skisailor]

And if you want to see some spectacular crashes, some with arresting, see Bob Barnes video on "Ragdoll"

Yes, the first one is me. It took me about four tries to finally come to a stop! Things happen fast when you go over on an over 40 degree slope. ;o)
Ursula

Bummer that you hit a rock up there! Still can't believe you emerged unhurt from that one Ursula! Phew.
Very cool to watch it right after the self arrest tutorial. It's apparent that you were using the exact moves from the demonstration video. Tx for posting those together.

 

[litterbug]

Thanks, Ursula! Somehow I'd never noticed that you need one hand at the top of the pole to make it work, which is probably why my brief efforts failed. One of these quiet weekdays I'm going to give the self arrest a try on softer snow at a moderate pitch. That might give me a fighting chance next time I start to slide on a hard surface. As for rolling, I think that might take more practice.

 

[Lori_K]

From the archives: https://www.theskidiva.com/forums/index.php?threads/i-had-to-self-arrest-yesterday.2704/#post-32076

Head first, on my back. Lost a ski, but managed to keep my poles and I don't use my pole straps.

 

[kiki]

Bumping, dug this out to read to hubby as he had a spectacular slide yesterday.
Any new feedback/experiences to share?

 

[snoWYmonkey]

Sure! I was doing a demonstration on how to self arrest with skis on and it was so steep that I couldn't set the edge without doing a sideways push up against the hill with my hands. It was a little freaky and embarrassing the practice makes perfect as long as it's a safe spot. Is hubby okay?

 

[echo_VT]

I have had to self arrest off Spankys ladder into ruby bowl. I flipped on my belly and dug into the slope with my arms and punched into the snow and dug my snowboard on the side of the slope. My arms punched in the snow plus my snowboard helped me to stop sliding. I only slid maybe 20 ft, but it happened so so fast. I couldn’t punch at first bc it was pure rock. But as soon as I got to the fluffy stuff, I punched away. It was scary!

If you lose your equipment use your boot to kick into the snow while on your belly to stop yourself from sliding.

If anything make sure you are not head first. Do what you can to get your equipment in front and perpendicular to the slope and then dig in to get yourself to stop. Belly first so you can use your hands to grab the slope or use your arms to punch thru the snow and stop yourself.

I agree you want to lose the poles ASAP. Preventing injury is the priority...!

 

[kiki]

@snoWYmonkey - yes, hubby is fine but the first time I've seen him rattled!

Nice tips @echo_NY

 

[Fluffy Kitty]

Last weekend, I tripped and fell onto my front side on a steep trail, with my head pointing downhill. At first, I was pretty relaxed about it. It was a bit icy, but I had a lot of contact on the ground. Surely, I thought, I would come to a stop soon enough.

However, about ten yards down, I realized I was actually picking up speed! My skis were still attached to my feet, uphill, but they sure were not contributing any friction. The poles were under me. Time to panic.

Out of desperation, I stuck both my thumbs into the snow. They were the only appendages over which I had any control. And, the snow had just softened enough that it actually worked! Well, another couple of yards later.

Total skiddage: 20+ yards...

Not anything I would recommend... more like a funny story. Thought of this thread immediately.

 

[liquidfeet]

I've been in that situation. I set a ski down on the snow above me and used its edge to get myself turned around so my head was uphill. Then I used both skis when they were below me to brake.

Glad your thumbs are OK! Good call. Sliding uncontrollably is certainly scary.

 

[TeleChica]

Here are some good close up pictures a friend of mine posted (ignore the trolling posts below the images):

https://www.timefortuckerman.com/fo...al-discussion-tux/276161-ski-pole-self-arrest

 

[VTsnowflower]

There is definitely a right and wrong way to use pole straps too, in terms of thumb safety. I've torn ligaments in my thumb before too until I learned how to put them on to keep my thumbs safe. (Basically - hand up and through the loop, then bring the hand down onto the grip so both straps are between your hand and the pole as you hold the grip. You let go, the pole drops around your wrist/hand.

We tell the kids - the rabbit comes up from the hole (hand through the strap loop from below) and grabs the carrot (the pole, with strap included.)

 

[Susan L]

I want to share this to remind everyone how important self arrest is! No one expects to fall but if you do, there really is no time to think about what to do! I am glad I read up on self arrest out of curiosity years ago and never thought it’d save my life. I was very lucky to have survived with no injuries.

 

[liquidfeet]

Somewhere on my computer I have a Word document with images showing how to do self-arrest with your poles on a steep slope once you fall and start sliding. My computer will not find it. Darn.

Here's the closest thing I can find online. It features a climber, no skis, with an ice axe. As a skier you can theoretically use a ski pole the same way, if you can grab it properly. There's the problem of course.

Let's say you are sliding on your back head first, feet in the air to keep those skis from hitting the snow and twisting your legs. Grab one pole at each end and grind the point into the snow at your waist. It should rotate you around so your head is uphill. Roll over onto your tummy. Then you can use your ski boots to stop your slide.

Of course this is in an idealized slide. Anyone here ever done any part of this successfully?