Backs&Blacks@ChaletMargaritka

The latest in the series of tips from the BASS ski school in Morzine.

The February periods do mean slightly busier slopes, here is the first of two strategies to help you enjoy your skiing when there are more people around:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v02lj3vTQbw&feature=youtu.be

Use continuous and predictable movement so people can anticipate where you are going more easily. Easy to say when you are as well balanced and controlled as this top BASS instructor.

Visit the BASS Morzine Facebook page to view the second strategy next week (and to see more Top Tip videos, Slope reports, Competition Give-aways and many other pieces of interest)

Our friends at BASS Morzine are running their ‘Top Tips’ series again this Winter. The first is entitled ‘Harmony’ – being at one with your skis, your body’s natural athletic ability and the mountain to unlock your potential.

Please click on the link below to see the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz9-RHrgHFY&feature=youtu.be

Hope you will enjoy and benefit!!

”There are many ski instruction books on the market but this is one of the best;  
clear, concise and easy to read without too much jargon”.

”It is written by one of the best in the business and Hugh’s passion and knowledge
of skiing comes leaping out of the pages”.

Read this and put just some of it into practice and you will become a
better skier.” Read more here
 
James Cove,
ski journalist and content editor of PlanetSKI

Top Tips in Under a minute – Rhythm and movement. Click below

A study of short & medium radius skiing; ideal visualisation tool for aspiring and good level skiers.

Click here to see full-size video

Thought you all might be interested in a couple of great videos from BASS. The first is very instructive and talks about how to find the ‘holy grail’ of skiing – the sweet spot on your skis and why it is so important. The second shows some great views, wonderful conditions and just some fantastic skiing all put to beautifully subtle and appropriate giutar music – the reason we would all love to be proficient ‘powder hounds’.

Those of you who’ve had the privelege to ski with Hugh and BASS may recognise the shots of Hugh’s old office – The Mont Blanc Massif and some of his secret ‘back country’ trails on Mont Chery, Les Gets.

Check them out on BASS TV (You Tube) via the links below:

Thanks to Hugh, Jazz, Becci and the BASS team.

Some great action shots from the slopes over the last couple of years. For those who know me (Glyn that is) you’ll recognise my distinctive skiing style as I try to go around the gates. Yes, I had this wild idea I might be able to pass the French Test Technique so I opened my wallet (not easy for me) and coughed up some dosh to do some Slalom training with BASS Morzine. Even bought myself a pair of new super-duper very stiff and very fast, short Slalom skis. I think the first run I fell off them very hard. I should probably have taken the hint. Yes, you’ve guessed it – it remains a wild idea!!

Great experience though and marvelous training with BASS. These boys really know what they’re doing!! I can assure you if you want to improve your anticipation, balance and timing then spend a morning or two going around the gates. It’s amazing what it can do for your skiing.

You’ll also find some great shots of Skiing in the POWDER below as well, not to mention the BUMPS. Including some shots of the EXPERTS – BASS fully ISTD qualified instructors in action. Especially, look at the difference in their body angulation to mine as they go around the gates, glide through the powder or attack the bumps………..

All photographs courtesy of BASS Morzine. I’ve known them and ski’d with them for years – They’re top professionals and absolutely brilliant!! Please check out the link to their website in the side panel (Under Pages) on this BLOG.

Great new ski books coming soon … breaking news!!

An exciting new series of skiing articles from BASS Chamonix. Plus, the first physical edition of Ski Performance Breakthrough which we’ve previously publicised on this Blog as an e-book is now in preparation. A beautiful, high quality production, masterminded in conjunction with one of the UK’s finest printing houses, printers by appointment to Her Majesty the Queen.

For more information of how to get these excellent new books which can only help improve your skiing please contact the author’s direct or contact BASS:

BASS_Morzine@mail.vresp.com

You should also find some links below:

col du Galibier, June 2010

The British Alpine Ski School (BASS) has just published it’s latest Summer 2010 Newsletter. Please find an extract with a link to BASS TV. It’s worth a view with tips on how to improve your ski performance. 

……………………………………………………………….

Snowsports enthusiasts are active, energetic people. The BASS Summer e-newsletter is full of activities that we can all enjoy, while developing our snowsports performance, in preparation for next winter.

There are beautiful videos for you to enjoy, to remind you of your past adventures in the mountains and inspire you for the future.

Plus of course, watching great ski videos, plus using the BASS mp4 video training programme “Ski Performance Breakthrough” can improve your understanding and coordination through the Summer, as your mind and body use this information to restructure and rehearse your performance.

The BASS Network in conjunction with Chalet Margaritka wishes you an active and enjoyable Summer. To see the full newsletter please contact them directly at: action@britishskischool.com

173 pages, presenting the greatest secrets of ski performance in clear, simple language.
156 photographs, illustrating great skiers in action and highlighting the principles discussed.
22 illustrations, clarifying even the most subtle secrets.

The information in this book is presented clearly for experts and intermediate skiers alike.

“… filled with very direct, specific and well organised content.
 It has a clarity and value that is second to none.”
James Lamb, Director, BASS Morzine; Trainer, British Association of Snowsports Instructors

“….a detailed natural progression. A great job, well done.”
Andrew Lockerbie, Chairman, British Association of Snowsports Instructors
 
“I love the stuff on “pressure”. It really helps to clearly explain this area,
which is often the source of much confusion for good skiers and instructors alike …..very much appreciate your writing skills and knowledge.”
Derek Tate, Director, BASS Chamonix; Trainer, British Association of Snowsports Instructors

If you wish to get a copy please send an email to me; glyn@chaletmargaritka.com or contact Hugh, BASI or BASS directly.