Economy class

At first glance, alpine skiing is not much of a sport if it is practiced very leisurely, mostly on groomed runs and without pushing the envelope. Then, as soon as soon as you get into irregular snow and crud, steep and bumpy runs or deep powder, what used to be next-to-nothing can suddenly becomes hard work and before you know it, you can come home exhausted just after a half-day skiing! This is when it becomes critical to be very economical with your resources when you ski hard. Here are a few tips that I have incorporated into my way of skiing.

1. Think “feather-light”
At the start of a run, make a concerted effort to think that you'll ski “light”, in other words, don't put too much weight on the snow; instead, “caress” its surface with your skis; no harsh edging or brutal movements.
2. Follow your skis
Skis are fantastic tools; just let them design nice round curves on the snow; will they cleanly carve a path? You should not really care, simply don’t force them into a curve; instead, follow them. This may sound like a tiny detail but I’m always “pushed” by my skis and the low binding settings (DIN 7) I’ve been using for as long as I can remember attest to that.
3. Use the terrain to its fullest
The terrain should always determine where you'll turn. If you ski slowly, pick a convex spot, conversely, if you want deceleration or need speed control, let your skis spring flat against a concave surface and use both the centrifugal force and the skis own spring energy to slow you down.
4. Maintain a smooth rhythm
Smooth and regular, that rhythm accompanies me from top to bottom. Never attempt to be to harsh and keep in mind that what matters is a succession of improvised turns that will best wrap the hill and use the terrain to its utmost variations. As importantly and when you can help it, never stop in between; ski non-stop.
5. Do very little else with the body
Try to stay very quiet, just using your extended arms and poles as ways to stay balanced. Just feet and legs are supposed work.

This in a few words is my concept of “economy class” skiing; of course, I’m talking in terms of energy only. When successful, the end result becomes “first class” skiing!