Tag Archives: Mount Crescent

Get Fit to Ski! – 12 Week Pre-Season Fitness Program

3-weeks to snowmaking at Loveland Ski Area in Colorado!!! Mt. Crescent is prepared to make snow and open the first week of December, weather permitting…..

Here is a 12 week pre-season fitness prep schedule that prepares our body specifically for the athletic needs of our sport of skiing: Legs, Core and Cardio.

September 1st is my starting date…. just after our morning opening dove hunt in Nebraska (sorry PETA members), I begin the regime…. try it this year and let me know how it worked for you!

See the “Get Ski Fit” tab on the top of the website for all of the details for each of the workout modes. Each week, I will add the details of the new week (I will keep two weeks ahead)

Schedule

This 12-week plan is a good preparation for the beginning of the ski season or leading up to a planned ski trip. The week of your skiing is “week 0”, while week 31 on the schedule is the week before your trip. If you don’t have 12 weeks to prepare, start at week 12 and progress from there — don’t skip ahead to a more advanced week.

Week…..Workouts…………………………………Notes
12……….3x bike……………………………………30-45 min each – enjoy
11……….3x bike……………………………………30-45 min each – enjoy
10……….2x bike, 1x bike interval
9…………1x bike, 1x bike interval, 1x circuit1…Go easy on circuit1
8…………1x bike, 1x bike interval, 1x circuit1
7…………1x bike, 1x bike interval, 2x circuit1
6…………1x bike, 1x bike interval, 2x circuit1
5…………1x bike, 1x bike interval, 2x circuit2
4…………1x bike, 1x bike interval, 2x circuit2
3…………1x bike, 1x bike interval, 2x circuit3
2…………2x bike, 1x circuit3, 1x plyos
1…………2x bike, 1x circuit3, 1x plyos

(Source: Harald Harb – PMTS)
 

What is “Rocker” Design in Modern Skis

Rocker Guide – What is “Rocker” and why does it matter? (evo.com)

In 2003, we had one rockered option available – the beloved Volant Spatula. Now we offer hundreds of various rockered models in our rocker skis and rocker snowboards categories for every level of rider. We’ve been amped for years on the concept and can’t wait for everyone to experience a rockered ride. The time is now!

This article describes exactly what rocker is and what type is best suited for your riding style and terrain. There are many terms for rocker out there, like reverse camber, early rise, and mustache (mustache?). That is why we are here to break it down in more general terms. Tune in as we break it down real simple.  Read on

It’s July and I’m already thinking about the new ski season

It must be something in the human genome that I begin thinking of winter this time of year…..its only July 13!  Our early ancestors had to prepare early for the upcoming winter by repairing and building shelter, planning their storehouses of food and firewood and ensuring that they had a plan to gather the proper provisions for the winter.  July 4th has always been that “peak” of summer for me, hence July 5th is the beginning of prep time for the journey to winter…..

It is at this time of year that my thoughts turn toward my ski equipment, clothing, my season’s pass, preparing teaching curriculum for this season, my training clinics which will keep me up to date on the latest skiing methods and teaching methods, and toward how much work I am going to have to do to get into the proper physical shape which I will need to be in this winter.

Physical fitness is my big battle this year for two reasons…. one, I will be 52 by the time the snow arrives….  my body seems to get “out of shape” quicker these days and it takes longer for me to get “into shape”…..two, I was not able to waterski and swim this summer as I have for the past 10 years….

So, my fitness plan begins with my mountain bike….  I just bought a new pair of shoes and toe clips for my bike…. they are based on a ski binding design.  I’m going to spend time hill climbing around town. This should strengthen my legs and address cardio at the same time….

Stay tuned between now and the opening day of ski season as I am going to be writing equipment reviews, clothing reviews, pre-season exercise ideas, information on our local ski shops, our local ski clubs’ happenings and the preparations for the season at Mt. Crescent Ski Area.

 

Buying Ski Boots – Boot Fit

I just received a question regarding the type of boots I use and boot fit… here is how I replied…

“My boots were purchased in 1992 and are called Raichle Comp.  This brand and model is so popular by skiers that even though Raichle does not produce them any more, the mold was sold to a couple of companies. The current company owning the mold is called Full Tilt.  It is a 3 piece, 3 buckle design boot.

 

Full Tilt Classic

Full Tilt Classic

These boots are comfortable whether I am teaching lessons at Mt. Crescent, teaching lessons in Vail, skiing powder at Beaver Creek, skiing the double black diamonds in the Rockies or racing through the slalom course…

I highly recommend the Full Tilt boot because of the shell design… for the new skiing techniques, the shell gives a perfect ankle flex (forward flex). That’s why I recently spent $700.00 to buy new boot liners (Zip Fit), foot beds, cants and shims…. for the shell that I bought in 1992!  If I break the shell, I can buy a new Full Tilt Classic boot model for $450.00 and use all of the guts of my current boot. If I break buckles or components of my boot, I can still buy those parts online.

My street shoe is 8 1/2 to 9 medium and my boot is a 25-25.5 or size 7-7 1/2…  So, with my boot, which is the 99mm forefoot, (as opposed to the 102mm forefoot) I am at least one to one and a half full shoe size smaller….  Below is how I recommend finding the right size of boot….

1. When you put your foot in the boot, your toes should touch or almost touch the front. When you bend your knee forward, flexing your ankle, (or wacking the heel piece against the floor at a 30-45 degree angle) your toe then comes off the front and your heel seats itself snuggly in the back of the boot… this is the proper way to determine the length of the boot….

2. As for the width, the boot must fit snuggly around the instep and ankle. You do not want ANY slop at all in these areas. Compare this to the steering wheel in your car. When driving, you want the wheels to respond immediately to your steering.  Your feet steer and edge your skis, so you want a tight “connection” of your feet to your boots. I generally recommend the 99mm forefoot, unless you have a particularly wide foot.

3. Once you determine the proper size, a custom foot bed gives you the perfect fit… I go to Harald Harb’s shop in Downieville, CO….exit 234 off of I-70 past Idaho Springs to have them fit my footbeds. Surefoot in Breckenridge is another option. Harb’s footbed is more flexible than Surefoot’s. Since our technique calls for flex, I use Harb’s….

The boot is a critical component to good skiing, so take time and consult a fitting expert before purchasing boots.

Before the season begins, I’ll write a post on retrofitting older boots with a new liner and footbed to prepare you for the upcoming ski season.

Spring Clinic at Mt Crescent-Get Ready for Your Trip to the Mountains

“Using the techniques you taught me, for the first time ever I felt confident skiing steeper runs. I used to feel that my skis slipped and that I had no control, but now my edges seem to hold better. Thank you for helping me!”

“I can now control my speed better on my favorite runs.  I like to ski the beginner and intermediate runs, but seems to go faster and faster and would get scared.  What you taught me in one ski lesson has helped me ski at a constant speed and feel safe. I’m not scared anymore.”

These are the comments I hear from former clinic participants.  Join us in this years clinic, taught by Hugh Finerty, veteran ski instructor, to prepare yourself for the best ski trip to the mountains that you have ever had!  Please find details below:

TUNE-UP YOUR SKI TECHNIQUE AT MT CRESCENT SKI AREA FOR YOUR SPRING TRIP TO THE MOUNTAINS!

  • DO YOU GET FATIGUED DURING YOUR DAY ON THE MOUNTAIN?
  • DO YOU LOSE CONTROL ON THE ICY PATCHES?
  • IS THERE A SKI RUN AT YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAIN THAT YOU ARE AFRAID TO TACKLE?
  • DO YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING YOUR SPEED ON STEEPER SLOPES?
  • DO THE MOGULS INTIMIDATE YOU?
  • WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A REFRESHER ON MODERN TECHNIQUE TO GUIDE YOUR CHILDREN AS THEY DEVELOP THEIR SKIING SKILLS?

IF YOU ANSWERED “YES” TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS, JOIN ME, HUGH FINERTY, FOR A SPECIAL 2-HOUR CLINIC TO PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR TRIP TO THE MOUNTAINS.

I WILL TEACH YOU THE SYSTEM THAT WILL GIVE YOU THE CONFIDENCE TO SKI A WIDER VARIETY OF SKI RUNS, A WIDER VARIETY OF TERRAIN AND IN MORE CONTROL THAN YOU HAVE EVER SKIED BEFORE!

THE 2013 CLINIC DATES AND TIMES ARE:

-SATURDAY FEBRUARY 16TH AT 7:00 PM

-FRIDAY FEBRUARY 22ND AT 6:00 PM

-SATURDAY FEBRUARY 23RD AT 3:00 PM

THE COST OF EACH 2-HOUR CLINIC IS $39.00 PER PERSON

SPACE IS LIMITED, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL MT CRESCENT TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE IN THE CLINIC. 712-545-3850 or skischool@skicrescent.com     REFER TO THE “TUNE-UP CLINIC WITH HUGH FINERTY

EMAIL ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS: hugh@skiwithhugh.com

 

Ski Boot Rental Tips for Mt Crescent

How to determine the right size and style of rental boot available at Mt Crescent, by Hugh Finerty, veteran ski instructor at Mt Crescent.

The fit of the ski boot is essential for two reasons. First, is that the boot is what transfers the pressure from the foot, ankle and leg to the skis. If the boot is too loose, then the skis will not respond and you will feel that you lack control.

Second, an improperly fit boot may become very uncomfortable throughout the day and could result in blisters and sore feet and legs.

It is worth taking extra time to find the proper size and style. Mt Crescent has 3 styles of the ski boots in the rental shop during the 2012-2013 season. Each style will provide a slightly different fit.

Not only is finding the right style a trial and error process, but determining the right size is just as important.

I wrote a blog post recently about ski socks in the “My Favorite Gear Series” noting the difference between women’s and men’s feet. Women’s feet are anatomically different than men’s. Statistically, women have thicker ankles and calves, higher arches, narrower heals, and women’s ankles are about a quarter of an inch closer to the ground than the man’s ankle of the same size. A man’s foot size of 9, is comparable to a woman’s foot size of 8 (1 whole size smaller).

When sizing ski boots for men, the proper size of ski boot is between 1 and 2 shoe sizes smaller than their street shoe size. My street shoe size is between 8.5-9.0. My ski boot is a size 7. I wear a SmartWool PhD Medium Ski Sock.

Screen shot 2013-02-11 at 9.19.54 AM  At the time I am writing this, Backwoods has the Men’s sock on sale for 12.98 per pair, usually 25.95, Click Here for details.

When sizing boots for women, remember that the Mt Crescent rental shop’s boots use men’s sizing. Therefore, you will want to start 1-1/2 to 2 1/2 sizes smaller than your street shoe size. A thick or thin sock will have a slight effect on sizing. Since there are a variety of boot styles at Mt Crescent, both men and women will be able to find a good fit.

There are mainly 3 styles of boots in the Mt Crescent rental shop during the 2012-2013 season.
1) Standard 3 buckle boot – fits most feet. Don’t choose these if you have large calves
2) Rear Entry with Ankle/Instep adjustment (has the red lever on the back). Fits most feet.
3) Rear Entry with forefoot adjustment and boot top buckle. This boot works well for people with large ankles and/or insteps.

First, determine the size with which you begin. Then, visually inspect your foot to determine with which style you wish to start. This is trial and error… be prepared to try on 3-4 different boots….

Second, put on one boot and kick the back of your heel into the floor to set the foot/heel “back” in the boot. If your toe is touching the front of the boot after putting your heel to the back of the boot, the boot is too small and move 1/2 size larger.

Ensure the foot remains set into the back of the boot, begin tightening the buckle on the instep, then the toe buckle, then the calf buckles (lowest first).

Be sure that only the sock and thin base layer are inside the boot. Do not have pants, snow gator etc stuffed into the cuff of the boot. Stuffing clothing into the cuff of the boot will cut-off circulation and cause chaffing.

The toes should wiggle, the forefoot should “fit like a glove”, the ankle should be snug with no side-to-side movement. The heel can lift up to 1/2″. The calf should be comfortable (don’t cut off circulation here). The boot should be snug without cutting off circulation or “pressure points”. If these are not achieved, try a different size or style of boot.

If your are between sizes, then you can make some adjustments with thicker or thinner socks.

You will be in these boots all day, so make sure that there are not pressure points or points that “hurt” before leaving the rental shop at the beginning of the day. Take your time and ask questions.  The staff in the rental department at Mt Crescent are very helpful and understand the need for a proper boot fit.

And remember to always take a lesson at Mt Crescent when learning to ski. They offer a quick 45 minute introductory lesson on weekends called Station Rotation Lessons.  They also offer Private and Semi-Private Lessons daily.  To book a lesson or to find out more information on lessons, please click on this Book a Lesson link.

Ski Socks: My Favorite Ski Gear Series

For most of my skiing career I used the standard white cotton sweat socks. I had never had problems with cold feet or wet feet. Beginning a couple of years ago though, my feet began to get cold.  I guess that is just the aging process.

My brother, Heath, had recently received a pair of the socks made with SmartWool.  This was a new technology that utilizes a wool blend for it’s warmth to weight ratio and it’s ability to “wick” moisture away from the body.

The company that created SmartWool also treated the fabric with an anti-itching treatment and an odor-reducing, anti-microbial treatment.

The SmartWool Sock comes in a number of styles.  After trying a number of different styles, I settled on the over-the-calf, PhD Medium Ski Sock.  The light and ultra-light sock did not “fill” my boot cavity properly. The other styles did not have the “cushion” zones placed as strategically as the PhD Medium Ski Sock.

The PhD Medium Ski Sock rises nicely above the boot cuff, so that you don’t have the sock band digging a crease into your shin during the ski day. This sock has a really nice cushion zone along the shin.  It also is cushioned nicely around the foot.

The cushioning seems to be the perfect amount to keep me comfortable during the day, but not too thick that it slops around between my inner boot and my foot. I have had a couple of pairs of these socks for two seasons and they look like they will last for many seasons to come.

As for the sizing, they are true to size.  If you are a man and have a size 8.5 foot, don’t buy the large, which is size 9-11.5.  Be sure to buy the medium, which is sized 6-8.5.

I really like the fact that they make both men’s and women’s socks.  This is not just a color distinction.  Women’s feet are anatomically different than men’s. Statistically, women have thicker ankles and calves, higher arches, narrower heals, and women’s ankles are about a quarter of an inch closer to the ground than the man’s foot of the same size.

I buy many of my accessories from Backwoods.  They usually have a wide variety of styles and sizes. Click on the Backwoods link below and search their selection of SmartWool socks. The men’s sock is currently on sale for $18.17, regularly $25.95.