Mit höchtster Vorsicht durch Mutters Porzellankiste
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Meeting point for the days course was the valley cable car station in Saas-Grund. Having all met up we took the cable car to Hoh-Saas where we first enjoyed a hot drink in the restaurant together as Dominic explained the days proceedings.
With a weather report forecasting strong winds for the afternoon, we decided to try to do as much as possible before bad weather arrived. Firstly Dominic explained the theories of what to do, followed by practical exerciseson the pistes and then in the fresh, deep powder snow next too and in between the pistes, we tried to put this into practice. From Hoh-Saas down to Trift, back up in the cable car to Hoh-Saas, theory, practical exercises on the pistes, ski down to Trift trying to bring the theory and practical together in the powder snow. |
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| Repeat and repeat. After nervous beginnings and untidy turns the training started bringing improvements in all participants. Smoother, tighter, cleaner turns and more confidence being the most visible results.
After several hours of this and with the weather and visibility deteriorating, we decided to stop for lunch in restaurant Kreuzboden. Over an enjoyable meal we discussed the theories, tactics, safety aspects and equipment relative to the art of Freeriding. Upon leaving the restaurant the cable car from Kreuzboden to Hoh-Saas was closed due to strong winds and probably to the relief of several pairs of tired legs, we decided to finishfor the day with a last ski back down to Saas-Grund from where we departed back home. |
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| In the evening lay in bed with all the theoretical tips from Dominic still running through my mind like some kind of religious mantra, weight backwards to speed up, unload the weight on the skis commencing the turn, load them ending the turn, hands and arms forward ready to react, plant the ski poles to «feel» the snow conditions and to aid the turns etc,etc there was just time to reflect back on what had been a superb day of «learning by doing» before dropping off into the best nights sleep for a long time! | ||
| Heartfelt thanks to Dominic for the super instruction and thanks to all participants for their willingess to listen and learn and their eagerness to put that into practice and encourage each other with their efforts.
Thanks |
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