Putting On Your Skis

1. Find a flat area. You may need to step up or down a bit to find that flat spot.
2. Place your skis parallel on the ground or across the slope. Don’t put your skis pointing down the hill or pointing uphill. If you do, you’ll start sliding as soon as you put your skis on. You don’t want to glide down right away. And more importantly, you don’t want to glide down backwards.
3. Position yourself with one leg below your downhill ski and the other leg between your skis. You’ll put your downhill ski on first. Hold your poles in each hand, pointing outside of the skis to help you balance.
4. Clear any snow from your boots and the bindings.
5. Align the toe of your boot with the toe piece of the binding.
6. Standing on your tiptoe, drop your heel into the binding until you hear a solid click.
7. Roll your downhill leg to dig into your uphill edges so that you can balance.
8. Put on the uphill ski.

You got it! Shake it off! Take a breath and take your time before you start skiing! Start strong!

I’m in the process of creating video tutorials for beginner skiers, including how to buckle your ski boots and recover from falls. Sign up below so that I can send you an invitation once the video tutorials are ready. Ski ya later!

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Buckling Your Boots

Start with your ski socks pulled up and only one layer inside your boots. Remember, less is more when it comes to socks in ski boots.

1. Position the tongue of the boot against your shin. Not the plastic side piece, but the cushy tongue of the boot is against your shin and two hard plastic side pieces are over the tongue of the boot.
2. Begin with the upper cuff buckle, ensuring it’s snug but not painful.
3. Secure the lower cuff buckle next.
4. Tighten the power strap at the top of the boot.
5. Fasten the buckles on top of your foot last. They are the least important. If you ever ski with me, pay attention to my foot buckles, they are barely buckled. 
6. Finally, secure the buckle at your toes, keeping it slightly looser than the others.

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Avoid wearing leggings inside your ski boots.
• Keep the tongue of the boot against your shin. Did I say it for the third time? Yes! Because I see new skiers put the plastic piece against their shin and end up with pain points often.
• Loosen toe buckles if your toes go numb.
• Ensure the power strap and cuff buckles are tight.
• Adjust buckles throughout the day, especially after breaks.

I’m in the process of creating video tutorials for beginner skiers including how to buckle your ski boots. Sign up here so that I can send you an invitation once the video tutorials are ready. Ski ya later!

The post How to Buckle Your Boots: A Beginner’s Guide appeared first on SkierTV.

Here are 3 steps to take off your skis:

1. Find a flat, secure spot away from the main ski traffic. Always stop where other skiers can see you!
2. Use your ski pole to press down firmly on the indentation of the rear binding OR bend down and press onto the rear binding. If you’re pressing to release the binding with your hands, make sure to have your gloves on.
3. You’ll hear a click sound. Lift your foot to the side and step out.

Here is a tip: Once you’re out of one ski, you can balance yourself with the poles and step onto the binding of the other ski.Voila! I wish the video tutorials were ready now, and I could have shown you how to take off your skis! Well… sign up below so that I can let you know when the tutorials are ready!

Voila! I wished the video tutorials were ready now and I could have shown you how to take off your skis! Well… sign up below so that I can let you know when the tutorials are ready!

The post How to Take Off Your Skis: A Beginner’s Guide appeared first on SkierTV.

The Power of Thoughts and Feelings

According to quantum theory, our thoughts shape our feelings, which in turn manifest our reality. Every thought has its own frequency or vibration. High-frequency emotions like joy, love, passion, peace, and gratitude can help us manifest our desires faster, while lower-frequency emotions like anger, guilt, fear or jealousy can hold us back.

As a perfectly imperfect human, I experience a range of emotions throughout the day. But I’ve learned that choosing to stay in love, joy, and gratefulness most of the time is a game-changer for manifesting generators like me! 

My Hourly Affirmation Technique

Here’s the technique that resonated with me: Hourly Affirmations. I set alarms from 9 am to 9 pm, and at each hour, I remind myself of a powerful affirmation. Here are some of my favorites:

– 10 am: I live from an elevated place.

– 11 am: I always know the next step to take.

– 3 pm: My giving and receiving portals are wide open.

– 5 pm: I don’t chase, I attract.

– 9 pm: I shit rainbows. (Yes, really!)

I update them every 2 weeks. Here are my upcoming affirmations: 

I know. 

I always know the next step to take.

I choose curiosity over judgment. 

I seek synchronicities. 

Hell yes is the only answer. 

I celebrate little and big successes. 

I lean into the unknown, surprises and life lessons. 

Rejection is redirection. 

Applying This to Skiing

Now, how does this relate to skiing? Many adult beginners struggle with fear-based mindsets like “I’m too old to start skiing” or “Skiing is dangerous.” To counter these, I’ve created ski-specific affirmations:

– I glide graciously on skis.

– I’m destined for the mountains.

– I dance with the mountains.

– Mother Earth welcomes me.

– I’m strong and balanced.

– I’m a fast learner.

– I celebrate big and small successes.

Your Turn to Try

I encourage you to try this technique. Start with my affirmations if you like, but don’t be afraid to create your own that resonate with you. Update them every couple of weeks to keep them fresh and aligned with your growth. 

Remember, our thoughts shape our reality. By consciously choosing positive, empowering thoughts, we can transform our skiing experience from one of fear to one of joy and confidence.

Ready to hit the slopes with a new mindset? Give these affirmations a try, and let me know how they work for you. Here’s to shredding the mountains with a positive attitude and open heart!

Ski ya on the slopes!

The post Upgrade Your Ski Mindset: Hourly Affirmations for Success on the Slopes appeared first on SkierTV.

Understanding Non-Attachment

Non-attachment isn’t about indifference. It’s about setting intentions, taking action, and remaining open to end result/desired outcome. It’s new and challenging to me because I’m all about setting goals and reaching goal on the expense of other parts of life falling apart. This new approach is applicable to various aspects of life, from romantic relationships to life projects and skiing adventures. It means:

– Setting intentions without fixating on specific results

– Taking steps towards goals while staying flexible

– Freeing yourself from fear and clinging to outcomes

– Adopting an open, adaptable approach to life and skiing

For me, non-attachment is a game-changer. I tend to get fixated on my wants and desires, but I’m upgrading myself to take simple steps towards my intentions while freeing myself from attachment to the desired outcome.

Applying Non-Attachment to Skiing

Here’s how non-attachment can transform your ski experience:

1. Set an Intention(not a strict goal): Maybe it’s improving your technique or tackling a new green run.

2. Take Small Steps: 

   – Sign up for our Snow 101 prep course

   – Show up at the slopes. Yes, as simple as showing up! 

   – Do your pre-ski workouts… squats and burpees

   – Book a lesson with a professional instructor

3. Release Expectations: Don’t fixate on skiing a black diamond by the end of the day. Instead, focus on the journey and your progress.

4. Enjoy the Process: Celebrate each small victory, from mastering a turn to conquering your fear of the lift.

5. Stay Open to Outcomes: You might not reach your initial goal, but you could discover unexpected joys and skills along the way.

The Power of Non-Attachment in Skiing

By adopting this mindset, you’ll likely experience:

– Reduced anxiety about performance. Just a friendly reminder, that you may be your highest critic after all. Drop it! 

– Increased enjoyment of the learning process

– Greater resilience when facing challenges. We’re all here for the journey!

– A more sustainable approach to skill development

Remember, the joy of skiing isn’t just in reaching the bottom of a difficult run – it’s in every turn, every breathtaking view, and every moment of growth along the way.

Ready to start your non-attached ski journey? Begin with a simple step: sign up for our Snow 101 prep course at SkierTV.com. It’s the perfect way to set your intention for an amazing ski season, without the pressure of rigid resolutions.

Embrace non-attachment, and let the slopes become your teacher. Happy skiing!

The post New Year Intentions: Embracing Non-Attachment on Your Ski Journey appeared first on SkierTV.

May I show you how to park your skis elegantly and according to skier etiquette?

Don’t leave your skis flat on the ground. It’s not nice. It’s an inconvenience for other skiers to go around your skis to reach the ski racks, and they might stumble.  Be considerate and park your skis at a ski rack. (Note: how about jabbing them into the snow if there’s no room? I do that.)

Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Put the skis back to back with the brakes hugging each other.
2. Lean the skis against the rack. 
3. Ski tips upwards. 
4. Put the pole straps over the ski tips. Voila.

Here’s a tip: Make sure to remember where and in which rack you parked them. And here’s a hack. If your skis are very expensive, park one with a friend’s skis, and park the two unmatched pairs in different racks. Thieves won’t take mismatched skis. 

To learn more pro hacks, join me in one of my ski retreats.

The post Where should I leave my skis during a break? appeared first on SkierTV.

I started backcountry skiing in 2020. The ski season ended abruptly when the Covid closed the resorts, but the gorgeous snow-covered mountains were still there. Backcountry skiing, also known as alpine touring or skinning up, requires a different set of equipment than that used when riding lifts. Here, I’ll give you a brief introduction to backcountry skiing. 

Backcountry skiing involves hiking up the hill before skiing down. Ski touring bindings allow you to have your heel free when climbing. Also “skins” are required. (See my skins’ link below!) One side of skins has one directional carpet-like fabric and the other side sticks to the base of your skis. The fabric allows you to slide forward while climbing but keeps you from slipping backward. You remove the skins when you’re ready to ski downhill. A 2-hour backcountry outing might only include one or two runs because you “earn your turns”. After climbing for an hour, skiing down might take only 5 minutes. 

The boots, bindings, and skis are slightly different from resort skis. Touring skis are lighter, thinner, wider, and longer which is especially helpful for “floatation” when skiing in powder snow. The bindings have two settings: (1) the heel of your foot is free while climbing (2) both your toe and heel are attached to the ski while skiing downhill. 

While climbing:

The heel binding is not attached as in this photo below. The skins are on, the boot buckles are loose, and my jacket and hat are in my backpack. All zippers are open because I’m sweating from the exertion of climbing. 

While skiing downhill: 

The skins are in my backpack. Both toe and heel bindings are attached, and my boots are buckled tight.

Here are the items I purchased and use for my inbound backcountry adventures

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I actually have and use all of the gear below.

• Skis – Blizzard Zero G 105 in 172 cm – Buy on Amazon
• Lange XT Free 110W low volume ski boots in 23.5 – Not available anymore. Lange retired my boots!
• Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC Ski Bindings – Buy now on Amazon Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 10 Ski Bindings Black Sz 110mm is also a good switch binding option, too.
• Black Diamond Ultralite Mix STS Climbing Skins in 110mm Dark Grey 110 – Buy now on Amazon

Regular fixed-length ski poles are OK, but adjustable, light-weight poles, like Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Foldable Poles, have advantages.

The backpack is helpful for carrying your skins, water, snacks and extra layers. When in the backcountry where avalanches are possible, a probe, shovel, and beacon are essential. 

Inbound versus backcountry

Inbound means that the skiers climb up and ski down within the borders of the resort. It’s a good place to learn because avalanche risk is low, there are facilities, and runs are monitored by the ski patrol and are usually groomed. 

Backcountry means an unmonitored area where there are no facilities, ski patrol, or ski lifts. Backcountry skiers operate at their own risk, and I’m not one of those…yet. Maybe next winter. I have done cat skiing and heliskiing. You can read about my adventures. LINK COMING

Backcountry skiing has been my savior and centering activity during the quarantine. I kept a good social distance and rarely saw 2 to 4 other other people all day. 

To me, being in the arms of Mother Nature is so empowering. Looking out on a mountain panorama makes me feel insignificant yet connected to the “big picture” at the same time. The minor troubles of my life seem to vanish. It’s easier to feel powerful and in control on the groomed runs of a resort. In the wild backcountry, I feel more humble and small. 

Would you like to join me on a ski retreat adventure? We offer custom trips in Chile and Park City, I’d be happy to discuss your wants and plan your upcoming memories together. Contact me for your custom ski/snowboard trips here.

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I’ll show you how to carry your skis so that they’re not dangling all over the place. With this technique, you’ll even have a free hand.

Follow the step-by-step instructions to carry your skis like a pro. This way you can even have a free hand to hold on to a railing, someone’s hand or even carry your coffee or boots. 

VIDEO LINK will be HERE

1. Put the ski bottoms back to back with the brakes “hugging” each other.
2. Skis go over your shoulder. Bindings behind your shoulder. (Note: the rear binding?)
3. This is how you balance them. See how my left-hand goes over the front side of the skis to balance.
4. Your left-hand holds the poles. See how the right hand is free?

I’ve lost count of how many ski-carrying “hot messes” I’ve seen. Don’t be my statistics. Follow this elegant way of carrying your skis. One caution: Don’t change your direction abruptly. You can poke out somebody’s eye. 

When you reach your destination, you put the poles on a rack. You put the skis on a rack. Here’s a link that shows how. VIDEO LINK HERE.

The post Don’t be a hot mess. Carry your skis elegantly. appeared first on SkierTV.

1. Shuffle or skate to get on to the green waiting line in the snow with your pole straps off your wrists so that if they tangle, you won’t be pulled down. 
2. Once the previous chair moves in front of you, shuffle to the red line in the snow to wait for the next chair.
3. Look over your shoulder and sit down when the chair touches your legs. 
4. Pull the bar down. Voila. Enjoy the ride. 

How to unload from the chairlift

The post No more faceplanting: Learn to ride a ski lift properly appeared first on SkierTV.

Follow this to a tee, and you’ll ski pain-free. 

A fellow ski instructor told me to work your boots like you’d work a woman: top to bottom. OMG! Did I just say that? So improper! But you get the idea. Start buckling from the strap, top buckle, ankle buckle, over the foot buckles. I like to keep the upper buckles tight and the bottom buckles lose. 

Your boots should be so comfy that they hug your feet like a second skin. 

Wear one pair of long socks pulled up without leaving any creases or, your feet will hurt. 

Pull gators over your boots and the tops of your pants over the boots. If you squish pants inside your ski boots, your legs will hurt. 

Check your children’s and friends’ boots if they complain about pain in their feet and rebuckle them. There should not be any pain. Boots should be an extension of your body and not cause any discomfort. That goes for rental boots, too. 

Ceylan, what kind of socks do you wear?

I’m glad you asked. I’m a big fan of compression socks. They’re thin so I feel any pressure points on my feet. The downside of thin compression socks is that they don’t keep you warm. Hey, I have boot warmers. You’ll buy a pair of boot warmers when you purchase your own ski boots. 

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