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FIS Sets Ski Radius Limits

Editor — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:43:43 +0000

With the start of the 2011-12 Alpine Ski World Cup just around the corner, there has been some controversy between the Federation Internationale de Ski (FIS) and athletes over proposed radius limits on various skis for the 2012-13 season. In line with this issue, the FIS Alpine Executive Committee has made the recommendation that the FIS Council permit an athlete to join the executive group.

The current controversy began in July when the FIS, the organization that governs the World Cup as well as European Cup races, brought forward a proposal to limit the radius of skis for super-G, slalom and grand slalom. The adjustments have been made for the safety of skiers. The main issue is carving skies. With this type of ski the skier’s grip on turns is affected by the degree of curvature along the length of the carving ski. Slalom racers have found that the carving skis require less energy and result in easier turning. On the downside it is placing immense pressure on athletes’ joints, increasing the risk of injury.

It is generally agreed that there should be a minimum radius on carving skis, though the argument comes in when deciding what that number should be. The limit that is attracting the most attention is that on grand-slalom skis, which have been set at 30 meters for women and 35 meters for men. A study was conducted by the University of Salzburg’s Institute for Sport Science, but many feel that the FIS has not examined the results carefully enough when setting the limits.

A number of ski racers have objected to the ski limits set by the FIS, with only Benjamin Raich of Austria fully supporting the changes. Many have criticized the FIS for not allowing athletes to assist in the processes related to safety decisions. Thus the FIS Alpine Executive Committee (AEC) decided to recommend that athletes are represented on the committee. The skier nominated to join the AEC must already be a member of the athletes commission, as well as a current participant in alpine racing events. There will be a meeting of the FIS Council in November, where the request by the AEC is likely to be approved.

Ski Amade

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Ski Amade in Austria is probably the biggest conglomeration of ski resorts you could find anywhere. It comprises not only five skiing regions but also five independent vacation regions with twenty-eight resorts. A new Ski Alliance Amade lift ticket covers the wide range of nearby resorts which gives a skier a fantastic range of choices.

Ski Amade covers a mind boggling 860 km of downhill slopes and 278 modern lift systems. The resorts are linked either by ski lifts or by free shuttle buses covering the journeys in less than twenty minutes each. The area keeps expanding every year but the main regions are Salzburger Sportwelt, Dachstein Tauern, Gastein, Hochkoenigs Winterreich and the Grossarl Valley.

It is obvious that with such a wide choice there is a right piste for every skier in Ski Amade. Each has its individual characteristic but ultimately there is a degree of similarity between the resorts. The resorts boast of gently sweeping downhill runs for beginners and young families. There are FIS slopes for more experienced skiers and plenty of slopes with deep snow and ski-touring routes for nature-loving adventurers and off-piste skiers. Night skiing on floodlit trails of Flachau and Schladming are available for those who cannot get enough of skiing during the day.

The region Dachstein-Tauern brings together everything that an alpine winter has to offer in the picturesque landscape between the Schladminger Tauern and the impressive limestone reef of the Dachstein. The region comprises of nine very individualistic villages. Many resorts are unchanged over the years and offer an old world ambience with picture postcard landscapes and powdery slopes. Enjoy a relaxed ski vacation of your dreams in Hochkonigs Winterreich.

The Grossarl Valley is filled with sunshine and offers accommodation in its inviting mountain huts. The pristine countryside offers undiluted skiing pleasure. The Hohe Tauern National Park offers skiing and snowboarding on 200 km of pistes in this pristine haven.

The Ski Amade resorts offer every imaginable type of après-ski from clubbing to family outings and wellness spas. The warm waters at the spas of Gastein are excellent for relaxation. Salzburger Sportwelt offers skiing and carving as well as night skiing. There is a 1.5 km long floodlit ski piste at the Achter Jet in Flachau.

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Les Deux Alps

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Les Deux Alpes means the two Alps and that is exactly where this lovely French ski vacation resort is located – where the Northern and Southern Alps meet. It is the main ski resort in the Dauphine region in the heart of the Oisans massif on the edge of the Ecrins National Park. Les Deux Alpes resort has slopes for all levels of skiing expertise and access to the largest glacier in Europe, where you can ski in the summer too.

The resort is a major free-riding, free-styling and carving spot as well as a boarders’ haven with its park, ‘Nitro’, and the October World Snowboarders’ Meeting. Beginners and intermediates have plenty of choice, although the beginners’ runs, with the exception of Le Jandri, are quite challenging too. There is only one easy run back to the resort. Do not miss the new snow-park and ski area with the “Slide” zones where you can safely discover all the new skiing activities such as ledges, waterfalls, canyons, gullies, and a 900 m-long boarder-cross.

Advanced skiers will find their challenges at La Fee with its deadly black runs and at nearby La Grave which offers some of the best off-piste around. La Grave, located at the foot of the Meije, can be reached by carrier, from the top of the Dome de la Lauze ski tow, and it offers the adrenaline pumping combination of backcountry skiing and 2,150 m of downhill excitement. La Grave has mind boggling views and the Glaciers de la Meije cabin lifts allow you to reach Ruillans pass. The houses here were built entirely out of stone in a terraced fashion, facing the mountain and they create an intricate maze of narrow, traditional alleyways.

Les Deux Alpes town is quite spread out and has a good range of shops and restaurants, and a lively nightlife. There are plenty of other activities like paragliding, sauna, an aquagym, swimming and ice gliders – bumping cars on ice! ‘Le Tanking Center’ is a ‘sensory deprivation experience’. Plenty of good accommodation in the form of hotels and apartments, such as the Cortina or Alpina Lodge, are conveniently close to the lifts and can be rented by the week!

Snow Carving Techniques

Editor — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 14:59:55 +0000

The growing enthusiasm surrounding snow carving or ski carving is growing rapidly every day. It is a style of skiing that takes practice and effort, but is thoroughly enjoyed once skiers have mastered their snow carving skills. To assist skiers with this new form of fun, snow carving skis have been developed along with specialized bindings. Ski carving can be practiced by following a few simple snow carving guidelines and exercises

Snow carving on ski surfaces such as groomed snow does not take much effort or skill, as carving a turn is done by many skiers. Skill and precision is needed on harder surfaces such as ice and hardpack. This is where problems occur with body positioning, breaking loose of ski tails and ending up on the back of your boots. Ski carving does need a little aggression and following snow carving guidelines and tips could be to your advantage. Snow carving is the art of riding on the arc of a ski, with the ski’s edge cutting into the snow surface, without skidding between turns.

By placing your skis in a parallel position before gaining speed is the start of an easy exercise. Once up to speed, turn your ski onto its edge, with the edge in the surface of the snow. This will automatically alter your direction. Keep on changing feet until you are comfortable with the exercise. To avoid falling, you can practice on a clear slope by leaning your body over, into a near-fall position, and keeping it there. Try not to move your feet when carving and let the ski do all the work. Also practice your hip movements, which are vital in carving. When you are ready, you can experiment with increasing the edge on your skis as soon as you start turning. By doing this, you will be able to carve an arc. Different snow textures will need more aggressive and powerful edging, but all the techniques in regard to carving come with practice.

Some skiers find that they end up skiing on the backs of their ski boots. To correct this, always ensure that your shins are lightly touching the tongues of the boots. Play around with leaning forward and backward until you have found your correct position. Stiff, straight legs can be corrected by bending your knees and touching the front of your boots. It is always important to remember when practicing snow carving, pressure and steering are essential, as you don’t want to loose your friends on the slopes and you also want to ensure a fun and safe run for all involved.

Asking for advice from other skiers can also be to your advantage, as you might just pick up on some advice or other snow carving guidelines that will make carving easier for you or can improve your skills. Never forget, you are not alone on the slopes and safety for yourself and others is your first priority. Always ensure that you practice on a clear, obstacle free slope until you have mastered your snow carving techniques.