tell me stories about learning to ski bumps

[BlizzardBabe]

I'm learning g r a d u a l l y. I spent all day yesterday on the few bumps available. I channeled my lessons from last year - the key for me is looking to the next bump. I mean literally turning my head in the direction I want to go next from the bump I'm on or fast approaching. Something about the head turn engages the rest of my body. I don't know how it works but it does.

One problem w/skiing bumps where there are a lot of snowboarders -- the bumps just set up differently. I think it makes the experience even more challenging. It makes me want to go to Alta or Deer Valley and just do a week of bumps w/o having to worry about quirky spacing and odd/uneven shapes.

 

[MissySki]

I'm learning g r a d u a l l y. I spent all day yesterday on the few bumps available. I channeled my lessons from last year - the key for me is looking to the next bump. I mean literally turning my head in the direction I want to go next from the bump I'm on or fast approaching. Something about the head turn engages the rest of my body. I don't know how it works but it does.

One problem w/skiing bumps where there are a lot of snowboarders -- the bumps just set up differently. I think it makes the experience even more challenging. It makes me want to go to Alta or Deer Valley and just do a week of bumps w/o having to worry about quirky spacing and odd/uneven shapes.

You could also try Mad River Glen in Vermont, no snowboarders allowed there either and they run bump clinics multiple days per week. I haven't been yet, but thinking about doing a bump clinic there this season sometime.

 

[marzNC]

One problem w/skiing bumps where there are a lot of snowboarders -- the bumps just set up differently. I think it makes the experience even more challenging. It makes me want to go to Alta or Deer Valley and just do a week of bumps w/o having to worry about quirky spacing and odd/uneven shapes.

Even though there are a few snowboarders at Taos, I don't think it has that much of an impact on the bump shape. At least not on some of the black terrain. Of the places I've been out west in recent years, found it easiest to practice bumps at TSV because they are everywhere when the snow is deep. Ranging from easy to "looks impossible."

While Alta has plenty of ungroomed terrain, not really that many places that I consider a "bump run." I practice bumps the most on Lower Rustler when finishing up a run on the Collins side during my late season trips.

You could also try Mad River Glen in Vermont, no snowboarders allowed there either and they run bump clinics multiple days per week. I haven't been yet, but thinking about doing a bump clinic there this season sometime.

Keep in mind that the trails at MRG are classic New England trails, which means they are mostly pretty narrow.

Good place for a clinic though. Just not sure I would plan a trip that involves driving more than a couple hours to practice bumps without an instructor.

 

[marzNC]

Love love love the bit about using a flat ski! As @Ursula would say : "In the bumps, GET OFF YOUR FLIPPIN' EDGES!!!"
(Only she doesn't always use the word "flippin" ).

This from a woman who skied bumps in World Cup competition - so I tend to take her advice . . . .

Post #45 from 2016. For people who don't know, Ursula is one of the best instructors in the U.S. She and @Skisailor teach at Big Sky.

 

[MissySki]

Even though there are a few snowboarders at Taos, I don't think it has that much of an impact on the bump shape. At least not on some of the black terrain. Of the places I've been out west in recent years, found it easiest to practice bumps at TSV because they are everywhere when the snow is deep. Ranging from easy to "looks impossible."

While Alta has plenty of ungroomed terrain, not really that many places that I consider a "bump run." I practice bumps the most on Lower Rustler when finishing up a run on the Collins side during my late season trips.


Keep in mind that the trails at MRG are classic New England trails, which means they are mostly pretty narrow.

Good place for a clinic though. Just not sure I would plan a trip that involves driving more than a couple hours to practice bumps without an instructor.

Oh I agree, I'd be going for the clinic personally.

 

[ski diva]

You could also try Mad River Glen in Vermont, no snowboarders allowed there either and they run bump clinics multiple days per week. I haven't been yet, but thinking about doing a bump clinic there this season sometime.

@MissySki , I was just at their website and it looks really reasonable. Let me know if or when you decide to do it. I may just join you!

 

[MissySki]

@MissySki , I was just at their website and it looks really reasonable. Let me know if or when you decide to do it. I may just join you!

Will do, that would be fun!