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Bumps for boomers

Codger

Booting up
Skier
Joined
Jan 28, 2018
Posts
70
I came across this specialty school at aspen but was curious about its technique.two days are spent on ski boards with the idea that the skills will translate to the next two days back on individuals regular skiis. I’m not sure if that theory works and was wondering if anyone had experience with that. The program director also recommends regular use of ski length way shorter(eg 150 or so)than anyone I know actually use.
 

Beartown

Chasing the dragon
Skier
Joined
Apr 24, 2017
Posts
292
Location
Minnesota
I've done B4B twice and had a great experience. Would definitely recommend it if you are intimidated by bumps, can't do them or just don't like them.

The purpose of the skiboards is to really dial in your fore-aft balance. With the limited length, you can't cheat at all and must have your weight over your feet at all times throughout the turn because if you're at all forward or back, you will fall over. It feels really unstable at first, but you get used to it pretty quickly. In my experience, the fore-aft balance stuck with me through the transition to normal skis. The course does recommend shorter skis for bumps (150's for most adult men), but you certainly don't have to go that short. I used 178's and 166's on the regular-ski days of my courses.

As far as the short-ski skills sticking with you on longer skis, the course gets a number of annual repeaters who use it to dial in their balance for the season. I had one of these guys in my group during a December session, and it was his eighth time through. I would probably do it annually if I had unlimited time and money. So at least some people find it really helpful.
 

Large Squirrel

a.k.a. guitar73
Skier
Joined
Jul 13, 2017
Posts
211
Location
Philly 'burbs
i came across the b4b videos on youtube a long time ago (re: line selection thru mogul field), and just by watching those clips helped my bump skiing a lot. i haven't taken the clinic, so i can't attest to anything else.
 

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