Question: What are your go to technical self-talk messages?

[bounceswoosh]

Ah, this requires what I would call the 'sideways slip' ie when I find an impossibly tiny gap between two trees, go through it with my upper body turned sideways and/or one ski lifted. Inevitably the larger person behind me ends up dancing with said tree. Whatever dude, pick your own line!

(note: not to be done at full speed!)

A few weeks ago, with snowpack having raised the "floor" of the tree runs considerably:
Me: How are those trees?
Fellow student: Bah, they're fine if you're YOUR height!
Me: But I AM "my height"!
Instructor: nearly falls over laughing.

 

[artistinsuburbia]

Ah, this requires what I would call the 'sideways slip' ie when I find an impossibly tiny gap between two trees, go through it with my upper body turned sideways and/or one ski lifted. Inevitably the larger person behind me ends up dancing with said tree. Whatever dude, pick your own line!

(note: not to be done at full speed!)

You sound like DH!!! he can ski passed it just fine!! LOL

 

[SkiBilly]

Part of the self talk is learning to silence my inner critic, and at least replace it with some good stuff.

As I've mentioned before, I read "The Inner Skier" and it really changed the way I ski. I was always criticizing my technique while skiing. Now, I don't do that anymore. I want to ski with my body, not my brain. I don't think much at all other than, "God this is beautiful/Look at the sparkles/Weeeee or Oh, sh!t"....etc, etc - you all know what I mean.

Though when it comes to the steep stuff I do think "Let's roll!" before taking off and while I'm trying to pick my fall line I think 'turn' (like.. I know you don't wanna turn, but you gotta - you know what do).

However, I think I will try and nip this in the bud because when I think back to when I am skiing those steeps I have a clear picture of my tips in my mind, so obviously I'm not looking up and ahead. I do spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about technique when I'm not skiing though - I recap and imagine doing an effortless run. Unfortunately, I'm a much better skier in my daydreams, haha.

 

[snoWYmonkey]

I am sure you have tried a myriad of approaches already, but a major speed check and then maybe not only looking at the swath of white in between, but even trying to look at the swath of white past the trees could help. Either way, it is nice to hear that you continue to approach it slowly enough that impact is minimal...

 

[DanniAB]

When speeds are beyond my comfort zone, I say: "commit to the turn & trust the equipment!"

 

[Needsalife]

ATTACK!

I tend to be a bit lazy, shifting weight and sitting back, taking easy lines. If I whisper ATTACK! right as I'm pushing off my form improves, I take more challenging lines and get more aggressive.

 

[ZealouslyB]

I'm a beginner, so currently "Breathe!" is top of my list!

I'm not a beginner and this is STILL at the top of my list! lol

 

[ski diva]

I like that; have to give it a try!

 

[ZealouslyB]

When I'm really excited or nervous I do tend to hold my breath. Noticed it back in my racing days- by the end of the course I was panting and my muscles ached- because I didn't breath during the darn run. Still gets that way when I explore new mountains or scary terrain.

Sometimes a good ol' "I got this" is all I need to get down the hill. Push out the self doubt, remind myself that I got skillz and just go for it. When all else fails- sing.
'She Likes to Move' by NERD is my theme song, pumps me right up.

 

[bounceswoosh]

Singing is how I do it! It distracts the brain and, not for nuthin, forces you to BREATHE.

 

[Midlifeaddiction]

Close the gap (meaning dorsi flexion or between ankle and foot), big toe to baby toe, slow down top of turn,