Total Newbie question re. bindings

[gardenmary]

Hello all, I know you guys won't laugh at me for asking what is probably a very basic question!

I skiied on my own last week up at Snow Summit in SoCal. A little different from Utah powder! I am a beginner, and was having trouble executing clean turns to the left. After consulting later with my husband and showing him what I had been doing, he noticed I was leaning on the downhill edge of my uphill ski (due to being flat-footed). So I'll have to keep an eye on that.

However, on the lift the 2nd afternoon, I noticed that the release mechanism on my right ski binding - the two little "tail" things on either side of the ski that flip up when you lock the boot in - were sitting slightly below the bottom of the ski. DH said this didn't sound right at all, and was likely contributing to my problems. What do you guys think?

I didn't have this problem in Utah, where the rental shop put me on Volkls. This past week I was on Rossignols and they were 150cm which seems kind of short after I look at the posts here.

Just trying to figure out what I should be asking for at the rental shop - thanks very much!!

 

[altagirl]

Wow - that's no good! Sounds like the brakes were dragging? They should definitely be up on top of the ski, not anywhere where they're touching the snow unless your boot isn't in the binding.

And if you're having trouble getting your skis on edge - sounds like you need an orthotic in your boot (maybe just better fitting boots?).

If you know what length skis you've been on and feel comfortable on them, I'd just ask for that for now. If you went up a bit - say 156 or 158, you could see if they feel better and gradually go up. You can always bring rental skis back in and have them swap them out for you (for free), so experiment away!

That - and if you ever notice the brakes dragging or the binding not seeming to work like it should - definitely go back in and ask them to fix it.

 

[SueNJ]

If they were slightly below the bottom of the ski when you had your boot locked into the binding, it sounds like the ski brakes may have been dragging, if I'm understanding your description correctly--I guess these were rentals? When your boot is locked into the binding, the brakes should lift above the level of the bottom of the ski so they don't interfere with the movement of the ski. When you snap the boot out of the binding, the brakes should drop down, preventing your ski from sliding down the hill away from you if your ski comes off on the hill.

As far as the ski length, the rental shop will most likely give you a particular length based on your height, weight, and skiing ability.

If you're struggling with turns (most people are stronger in one direction than in the other), why not take a lesson? The ski instructors can help to make sure your technique is correct and they're trained to troubleshoot problems you're having. Do you have your own boots, or are you renting? Poorly fitting boots can cause a whole myriad of problems, from painful feet to skiing technique that's "off" and difficulty getting the skis to do what you want them to do. Unfortunately, rental boots are notorious for fitting poorly because of all the different shapes of feet that have been in them, and the rental shop employee just asks you for your street shoe size, which is not the way to determine a person's correct ski boot size. If you're finding that you love skiing and want to take it to the next level, a pair of good-fitting ski boots should be your first purchase, and you should buy them from a reputable shop with a skilled bootfitter. You'll be amazed at how much better even rental skis will behave!

 

[veggielasagna]

Ahh turning left...reminds me of Zoolander. I couldn't turn left for quite some time. I took a lesson, we did some drills and it gradually started coming around like the other side. So if you can I would say start out with a 1 hr. private lesson. Tell the instructor you have trouble turning left and would like to work on it..make that the focus of the lesson. The same trails will be so much easier when you can go both directions on it...things that seemed steep before will be a breeze. I'll never forget the day I turned left
Sounds like a good footbed and pair of boots would help considerably too. Skiing will be more enjoyable and easier on those muscles without straining to keep your foot in place in the boot. Then you can focus on SKIING! Definitely try out longer skis at this point, you have to find out what you like and what gives you the confidence to progress.

-veggielasagna

 

[Robyn]

Everybody here has given good tips but I did want to clarify something for you. You called the metal parts that come up the "release mecanism" but they actually haven nothing to do with the release, they are actually brakes (so that if you do loose your ski they don't go flying down the mountain like missiles). Having them sticking into the snow would definitely give issues but I agree you probably need to look at better boots and a lesson or two.

 

[gardenmary]

This board is the best! Thanks guys!

Good, now I know what to call them, they're brakes. It sure seemed to me like they shouldn't drag.

These are brand-new boots, first time out. They are very, very comfortable, but I did find a couple of pressure points. I also had to adjust them as they started to pack out. I will make sure to mention the turning issue to my bootfitter when I go see her next week. My street-shoes orthotics were in the boot, but I will ask her to double-check everything. She definitely said to come back in after the first time out with the boots, as they would need adjusting.

I actually did take lessons each morning, and I ran into trouble the 2nd afternoon, so perhaps it's more related to the equipment and me being tired. I was doing ok both mornings and the 1st afternoon. But I think that's a great idea, to concentrate on the left turn at my next lesson. It may not be until we get back up to Snowbasin, but I'll e-mail my instructors beforehand and tell them what I want to do. They are awesome up there.

I did make good progress over the 2 days. I was getting better and better at the low intermediate slope, and made it down the regular intermediate slope the 2nd morning on my lesson.

They were definitely rental skis. I really don't know enough about alpine skis to merit purchasing them yet. I'm still in the "oh, those look pretty" phase which of course is a lousy way to buy almost anything!

DH is just thrilled that I am enjoying this. He is so excited that I am working my way up, he says he needs someone to ski with when DS goes to college in a few years. I figure if I can start alpine skiing at 47 and get down the hill safely, it's all good!

Thanks again!! LOVE this board!!

 

[SueNJ]

I actually did take lessons each morning, and I ran into trouble the 2nd afternoon, so perhaps it's more related to the equipment and me being tired. I was doing ok both mornings and the 1st afternoon.

HA! My form goes to hell when I'm tired--that could have been part of it. Glad to know you got yourself in a decent pair of boots, and that you're working with a bootfitter. (maybe a stupid question...) Did she fit you in the boots with the street-shoe orthotics in the boots?

Loved Snowbasin--we were there a couple of weeks ago on vacation. What an awesome place!

 

[gardenmary]

HA! My form goes to hell when I'm tired--that could have been part of it. Glad to know you got yourself in a decent pair of boots, and that you're working with a bootfitter. (maybe a stupid question...) Did she fit you in the boots with the street-shoe orthotics in the boots?

Loved Snowbasin--we were there a couple of weeks ago on vacation. What an awesome place!

Yes, because I paid a lot of money for the orthotics, LOL! But we'll look at the situation now and see if something else would work better. Also, by the 2nd afternoon it was getting awfully slushy up there; the temp was nearing 60 degrees, for heaven's sake! There were people skiing in shorts and halter tops, which I suppose is fine if you never fall.

Snowbasin is just great, isn't it? They have plans to build an overnight lodge, though the timeline is uncertain. It's owned by the Holdings, who own Sun Valley in Idaho, and they are very quality and environment conscious. Until then, for us it's either the Red Moose Lodge in Eden or condo rentals.

We rented a unit at the Lakeside condos in February and LOVED it - there's something grand about being able to come home to a pot roast in the slow cooker, and not have to get cleaned up to go out for dinner!

And of course, finish the evening in the hot tub with a glass of wine, watching the cats groom the slopes up on the mountain. That's why I work insane hours!

 

[Quiver Queen]

Glad you think we're helpful! Do you get the idea we are champions of properly fitted boots? A couple more thoughts......
Canting (creating an angle within the boot to improve lower leg alignment and edge control) might be considered by your boot fitter. But before canting, maybe you could rethink using your street shoe orthotics in your ski boots--my Podiatrist absolutely forbade me to use mine, explaining walking in street shoes and skiing in boots are two completely different functions of the feet with vastly different dynamics and vastly different demands. He has custom footbeds for his ski boots and separate orthotics for his street shoes, as do I. Custom footbeds are spendy, but when I got them they paid for themselves the very first day in improved performance, and they can last thru several pair of boots.

 

[SueNJ]

Yes, because I paid a lot of money for the orthotics, LOL! But we'll look at the situation now and see if something else would work better. Also, by the 2nd afternoon it was getting awfully slushy up there; the temp was nearing 60 degrees, for heaven's sake! There were people skiing in shorts and halter tops, which I suppose is fine if you never fall.

Snowbasin is just great, isn't it? They have plans to build an overnight lodge, though the timeline is uncertain. It's owned by the Holdings, who own Sun Valley in Idaho, and they are very quality and environment conscious. Until then, for us it's either the Red Moose Lodge in Eden or condo rentals.

We rented a unit at the Lakeside condos in February and LOVED it - there's something grand about being able to come home to a pot roast in the slow cooker, and not have to get cleaned up to go out for dinner!

And of course, finish the evening in the hot tub with a glass of wine, watching the cats groom the slopes up on the mountain. That's why I work insane hours!

My question about your orthotics was based on what Quiver Queen said--ski orthotics are specific to ski boots.

We also stayed in a condo (Wolf Lodge) which was centrally located between Snowbasin and Powder Mountain. So in less than about 15 minutes, we could be at either resort. Boy, did we get spoiled! We also liked the idea of going back to the condo, getting dinner going, and heading over to the hot tub for a therapeutic soak before dinner. We also liked not having to hustle out to a restaurant for breakfast. Staying in a condo is definitely the way to go.

 

[sleddog]

The reason street shoe orthotics aren't the best in ski boots is because they're made for a foot that can articulate. In a ski boot your foot is held firmly, no chance to bend at the toes, and so the footbeds are different. The shoe orthotics are also usually half length, and getting them to stay put in the boot when sliding your foot in could be an issue. If custom footbeds are too expensive, you might try a "trim to fit" which is around $35. Either Superfeet or Shock Doctors are pretty good for an aftermarket footbed. If you're dragging your inside edge, your boots may be too big or you may be in need of some canting- hard to say without actually seeing you ski.

Rental skis are notorious for having bent brakes from all the use - if your ski brake is dragging then get back to the shop for either a different pair, or to have the brake bent back to retract under foot.

 

[gardenmary]

My question about your orthotics was based on what Quiver Queen said--ski orthotics are specific to ski boots.

We also stayed in a condo (Wolf Lodge) which was centrally located between Snowbasin and Powder Mountain. So in less than about 15 minutes, we could be at either resort. Boy, did we get spoiled! We also liked the idea of going back to the condo, getting dinner going, and heading over to the hot tub for a therapeutic soak before dinner. We also liked not having to hustle out to a restaurant for breakfast. Staying in a condo is definitely the way to go.

OK, now I see what you mean. I know they have the SuperFeet at the shop, so I will ask her.

I noticed Snowbasin just got another 18" of snow. Wish I lived closer!

 

[gardenmary]

The reason street shoe orthotics aren't the best in ski boots is because they're made for a foot that can articulate. In a ski boot your foot is held firmly, no chance to bend at the toes, and so the footbeds are different. The shoe orthotics are also usually half length, and getting them to stay put in the boot when sliding your foot in could be an issue. If custom footbeds are too expensive, you might try a "trim to fit" which is around $35. Either Superfeet or Shock Doctors are pretty good for an aftermarket footbed. If you're dragging your inside edge, your boots may be too big or you may be in need of some canting- hard to say without actually seeing you ski.

Rental skis are notorious for having bent brakes from all the use - if your ski brake is dragging then get back to the shop for either a different pair, or to have the brake bent back to retract under foot.

Thanks very much! The bootfitter said pretty much the same thing about the orthotic, but since my feet are SO flat to give it a try. I will bring the "laundry list" of issues in when I go for the re-fit. The boots don't seem to be too big, but we'll see what the bootfitter says.

I completely agree that the best fit possible is critical. The first time I tried to alpine ski, the boots were messing with my circulation so that my feet felt like they were on fire. That plus being scared of the hill made for a bad experience! My very patient instructor suggested I try cross-country first, which was an excellent idea. Once I mastered the advanced XC trails at Snowbasin, my instructor told me I should try alpine again but get my gear at another shop.

And now I'm hooked! I have webcams going from different resorts on my work computer, and keep trying to figure out how I can run away for just one more day on the slopes!

I can't tell you all how much I appreciate your advice! Thanks!!