Ted Ligety wins his third GS in a row! It all started at Beaver Creek.

It was amazing how on the Beaver Creek course almost every top racer gave up on "skivoting" because it's slow. Also, the perfect PMTS transitions were obvious. Flex and relax the long outside leg and then retract the leg, then tip and bend it to the little toe edge side, and continue. Continue flexing the inside leg to set up the stance side of the body, with counter balance and a stretched outside leg. Increase your counter acting to hold the edge, until the next release brings the whole process back, to start it again for the other side. Can't be more simple than that.

My years as an international Racer, Canadian Ski Team 1971

I'm on the left side, the 5th one from the bottom, next to the white sweater.



Click on photo to enlarge.

Marcel Hirscher wins Slalom!

Showing off the incredible talent he displayed as a junior he is beginning to hit his stride.

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Tale of Two Skiers: Extension and uncontrolled rotation hurts in bumps!

In this video you will see "Counteracting" described!

Notice the solutions to the big mistakes in skiing right here.

Biggest Skier Mistakes!

I always watch skiers on the slopes from the chair lifts. In Harb Ski Systems ski camps, 40% of new skiers are everyday regular skiers with old or traditional techniques. There are frequently seen movements, I observe from the chairlift, made by regular (non-PMTS skiers).

Examples:

1. Starting turns with the upper body. Effect: no tipping of the skis, mostly leaning, poor control.

2. Finishing turns with a rotation of the torso and upper body. Effect: Can't develop a rhyme, turns never connect, interrupted movements. Disaster in Powder.

3. Up movements or extension. Results: Late on edge, poor turn control, and poor edge hold.

These are not subtle differences between PMTS and traditional skiing. They are major problems; if you want to move forward with your skiing, this needs to change.

Next installment, Corrects for examples of the major errors described here.

Mistakes: Extension and pivoting
ex:3

Below in the last 3 posts, is a series of tips and examples of modern ski technique used by the best World Cup skiers.

And for the latest in ski technique discussion and other news follow the PMTS Ski Forum.

here: http://www.pmts.org/pmtsforum/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=8a2db4fc698d4cc5fb67e4f85a777e1c

Harald Harb, Ski Practice 9, Expert Short Turns and Carving, "flexing in...

It is never to late to bring your skiing up to modern standards. At Harb Ski Systems we use only the best and most current ski techniques. Flexing or retracting into and out of turns gives you a faster transition and makes you quicker from edge to edge, for bump skiing and powder turns on steeps.

Sign up for a Harb ski training camp on snow or order my books and videos from www.harbskisysems.com if you want to revolutionize your skiing.

A transition with retraction and flexing. The way of modern GS technique by the best and the brave..

Marcel Hirscher, Austrian Ski Team

Fully flexed and retracted in transition to the new edges.
On new edges, without an extension. If you watch the video of this run I posted earlier, you will see this is a consistent pattern of movement used by the best skiers not only in slalom but also in Giant Slalom.

Compare Lindsey Vonn to Maria Riesch in the same course

Lindsey Vonn (below)

Severe, weak "A" frame alignment.

Maria Riesch (below) Strong, straight alignment of the boots and knee.

Lindsey Vonn, (below) Severe "A" framed knee, a weak position

Maria Riesch, (below) Strong straight leg

Vonn, weak knee, poor boot set up, poor alignment.
Vonn has already had a knee injury in training this year in Colorado. It is no wonder this is occurring. Her knees cannot last with this kind of boot set up. It's amazing her coaches (US Ski Team) and boot technicians cannot see this problem or do anything about it.

Marcel Hischer Magic, at Soelden, Austria, GS 1st run.

Marcel Hirscher
This clearly is the most exciting skier on the World Cup and he has the best chance to dominate slalom and GS in the future. He uses the flexing technique to release the turn, called "Retraction".

This is the future of skiing and the fastest way to the new edges. He also skis the straightest and most carved line of all the skiers. At 18, he was the World Junior Champion in slalom and GS. He also was top three on a world cup podium that year. Rarely if ever accomplished in ski racing.


Stop this video at the point where he is changing edges, you will see some phenomenal action.

Super Fast Masters

How to keep ski racing in the right perspective!


http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/7760145/

This URL doesn't seem to want to connect, but if you copy it and paste it in your address bar, it should work.
If you have a Mac, right click, and highlight open or connect URL and it works, go figure?

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/7760145/

iSUPERSHAPE SW SP13 - Ski - HEAD.com

iSUPERSHAPE SW SP13 - Ski - HEAD.com

One of the best skis of all time and a must have in any quiver.

Dodge Ski Boots

If you want to see the Future of skiing now, check out this product!

Harald Says: "If You Are Not On Board, You are Behind".
http://dodgeskiboots.com/about_us.htm

Limit arm movements in slalom

It's best to keep your upper body from rotating by arm swinging, as it has an effect on your ski control. So use an inside block in flushes and hairpins. This will keep you headed downhill and positioned over your skis.

Great time of year to be in Colorado! The air is crisp and clear, the sun keeps you warm even at 12,00ft.

Top of Berthoud Pass


The Continental Divide is in the background; Winter Park is just around he corner.


Ski season is only a few weeks away and the weather is still like summer. The nights at 10,000ft are cold enough for snowmaking, so Loveland is hard at it.

Hirscher Slalom Training

No Pivoting, skivoting, just lower body tipping. Of course if you begin your turns with upper body leaning you need to work on Counter balancing, but Hirscher starts everything with his feet legs. This is the best skiing I have seen, till now, in the history of skiing.

Climbing with Hermann

This is Hermann and me at Rifle Colorado. Rifle is a world renowned climbing area; some of the best climbers come here to train and tune up. The most difficult climb here is a 5.14d, which is definitely world class.


HH on Cold cuts 5.11a

Hermann on Pumperama a 5.13a

We are climbing with Hermann about three days a week, at Rifle, it's harb climbing and after a day you are wiped put, so you need a recovery day. Climbing the 5.10 range is still moderate climbing for most people who are in good shape. Once you get into the 5.11 range it gets tough, so you have to start training like for any other sport.

The 5.12 ranges are already fairly extreme therefore strength and experience with climbing techniques are required. This is especially true at Rifle, as it is limestone, very slippery rock, and mostly overhanging. Challenging yes, but great fun. Climbing with Hermann is a real treat, as he is a top climber even at 67 years old. He's climbed up to the 5.13d level at Rifle and that is very hard and it's extreme. I love climbing because for me it's still an area in which I can grow.

I didn't start climbing until late into my 50ies, although I've been friends with Herman for 40 years, he has always been a great climber. Climbing with Hermann is an accelerated learning course, he pushes hard, so you want to push hard as well. He is always there to give you a tip or beta about the climb or about your technique, so if you are in good shape, and strong, you can learn very quickly with him around. Diana is climbing really strongly this summer. She is ready to break through into the 5.12 range. With about four weeks of Rifle climbing under your belt, you can climb most 5.12's in other climbing areas.

Harrison's training weeks in Colorado

Harrison was here in Colorado for altitude training in late June.

Update: Harrison placed 3rd in a Pro,1,2 race in Maine, since his Colorado training.

How to know you are getting angles

Look at the angle of the skis to the snow, then look at the angle of the inside shin to the snow. If it is less than 45 degrees, you are rocking.

Ski Magazines: Harald Harb Articles

Here is a list of articles I did for "Snow Country" magazine and "Skiing" magazines, more than ten years ago. The articles are still valid, yet the ski industry still has yet to change.

Click Here:
http://www.skiersynergy.com/cms/blog-ski-instruction-pmts-harb-carvers/115-old-magazine-articles-.html?layout=default

Bixie-Bob cats

I heard yesterday that our cat breeder, where we got our two Pixie-Bob cats, died in February. Some of you have seen and know our cats; Flash and Nicky. She leaves behind a Breeding business with live Pixie-Bob cats. They are settling the estate, in Durango, Colorado, but there is no one to take over the business. Julie Welter, used to work with Pat, she is taking care of the cats about 24 total, some are high quality, award winning, breeding cats, some are pets. They are looking for homes for these cats.
Pixie-Bobs are the most intelligent cats I have ever encountered. Flash, is an absolute joy every minute of the day. He is interactive with humans, friendly with everyone, and very intelligent. He comes on command, he's trainable, and responds immediately to the command "No", as do most Pixie-Bob cats. They are beautiful cats with amazing markings and colors, you could call them Bobcat look-a-likes, but very friendly house cats.

The cats are human friendly and need contact or they get nervous. They have been living alone now for 4 months, it's sad situation. I am asking, if anyone wants a great pet or knows someone who needs a great pet, here's your opportunity.
Julie Welter is taking care of the cats, if you are interested please call or e=mail her. 970-946-7865, dexman0102aol.com

I had the pleasure to meet Miguel DuHamel

Miguel is the second most winning racer in AMA history. His father was also a great motorcycle racer, who I saw race in Quebec, back when I was a boy. Miguel is a truly nice guy, he spend at least an hour with us answering questions and chatting about the Super bike race.

World Super Bike Races in Salt Lake City

A fun weekend of entertainment and exciting motorcycle racing.



Stunt riding is a major attraction, amazing riders with exception balance and mastery of the bike.

Don't you wish to be a better skier, take the steps to ensure your success!

Harb Ski Systems, The Leader in Modern Ski Technique and Ski instruction


With "Harb Ski Systems" as your coach, partner and consultant, your skiing success is assured.


Harb Ski Systems is the only ski industry company that offers every step in the process of becoming a successful skier.

- Hand picked, personally trained, we have only the highest level of instructor known to the ski world, from Harb Ski Systems.
-Ski instruction with a proprietary method proven successful for all levels of skiers.
-A ski boot selection, and fitting process unmatched in the ski industry.
-Harb Ski Systems is the Leader in footbed construction and ski boot alignment.
-All combined in one step through Harb Ski Systems Camps and Lessons

For further information contact us at 303-567-0679 or visit out web site at www.harbskisystems.com

Biomechanics and lower leg dynamics.

To help understand this post, please refer to the Photos in the last three posts:

There is an interesting point to be made about the Austrians and their slalom skiing. Especially if you pay attention to the amount of outside leg length used to keep the pressure building by the Austrian skier compared to the US skier. Almost all flexing and tipping is done with the inside leg by the Austrian. He used almost all inside ankle and leg movements to change what he wanted on the outside leg. The outside leg is controlled by the ankle, which gives the knee some slight passive angulation (frame 2and 3). (Kinetic chain in action) After the critical point at the gate, the Austrian skier uses flexing of the outside leg, to control pressure and direction.

The American skier has more knee drive (to acquire angle) and has to work harder to achieve high angles to get his outside ski to hold and turn. His outside boot is almost booting out. Unfortunately, for him the method he uses includes femur rotation, which is steering. This has immediate negative consequences to his stance ski performance. He is steering his outside leg, although he wishes he didn't have to. Here is a "case and point" where leg steering demonstrates poor results that kill a skier's turn. Is he doing this on purpose? No.

He is forced into this by his boot set up or alignment. Notice how all the Austrians have a stronger boot set up? Check the third skier's alignment in the Blog. It's much riskier to be set up outside or positive as the Austrians are, but it does eliminate almost all need for leg steering. Especially unwanted outside leg steering caused by a soft alignment set up. They know this, leg steering is a killer in all skiing.

Why then do I so often acknowledge passive leg steering happens in PMTS technique. Because it does, but it's totally different leg steering. PMTS's goal is to accomplish the same type of steering, as the leg steering you see in the Austrian skier, (passive, kinetic chain, leg movement, keeping the body in balance) not active femur steering.

Just like the Austrian skier, PMTS resulting femur movement is passive. It is minimal and it is controlled with and by correct ankle tipping and flexing movements. In the PMTS system, our muscles are not trying to twist the femur, as instruction in traditional methods advocate. At the highest level of skiing racers avoid steering at all costs. This comparison shows why.

Comparison of two World Cup Skiers

Setting up the turn with lower body; tipping with no or little pressure on the skis.

Inside leg flexing and added tipping angles move CG closer to the snow.


Pressure and hold increase at critical part of the arc due to the ski reaction to tipping and flexing leg movements


Balances and pressure are in control and a flexing release is used.
This is brilliant skiing, no extra movements, everything in perfect balance. in the last frame upper body perfectly facing stance boot, ready for release.





Entering the arc the outside ski loses grip and skids tail. Upper body rotation follows as grip is lost.



Angles increase as counter balance increases. Knee angulation excessive, pressure to the ski late.


The outside ski has not reacted well, because it isn't developing strong enough hold and pressure; more forward leverage and a steering femur are necessary to keep it directed, this keeps the ski hooking uphill.

The knee has a much bigger angle to the snow than his ski boot and ski. The ski boot and ski are not reacting to his method of tipping. This doesn't happen with the Austrians I'm showing. It's a real problem and it's mostly mechanical, there are no movements that can fix this.

A leg extension is the only alternative, in this case to exit the turn, because the knee is so far committed to create grip and hold it isn't ready to release. The knee can't release, if the skier still needs hold and edge grip. This results in loss of speed, direction and rebound energy.

Although the difference between a winning Slalom skier and a 10th place slalom skier are often considered to be minimal and the gap between the two, seems attainable; many WC racers never bridge the gap. The comparison between these two skiers tells the story. Take particular notice of the ski angles to the slope in the last photos of the comparison. Not edge angles. Also take note of the times framed in the photos.

Why Austrians ski differently than US Ski TEam

Hirscher feathers his skis with a combination of tipping and inclination. The reason for the inclination is his alignment. Note: A bowlegged his set up.


He increases counter-acting of his body to his skis, aligning himself for edge pressuring and hold to come.
Note the outward bow of both legs


This set up often makes Hirscher stay in the upper phase of the arc too long and causes a late hard hit. This requires amazing strength, strong ankles and aggressive skiing.





I am not advocating that all skiers or racers take on such a clearly aggressive boot set up like the Austrians. There is a nice in between, or middle road. Finding it is the key. We strive for it with all our skiers that come to camp or visit our ski shop for alignment.

Baseline comparison of alignment and leg angles.

Soft Alignment:


Refined alignment often seen on World Cup.

Boot alignment applies even with World Cup racers.

This alignment is "soft", showing the knee too far in and upper leg rotated. This causes lots of tail skid as seen here.

A Tirol folk group plays for the guests.

Hintertuxerhof

Hintertux Camp 2010

The Olperer in the background.

We have been here now for almost two weeks. The best snow year ever. Today, Sunday May, 9th turned out to be a sunny powder day. Video footage to come.

Climbing in the most beautiful place in the world. Ziller Valley in TIROL, Austria.This is about 3/4 way up on the climb, a thin finger rail crack, and not much for the feet. The climb is a 6b in the French system, about a 5.10c or 5.10d.
The bottom of the climb had some aggressive climbing, with a hand crack, to a lie-back rail, to a rest spot. Really fun moves, not too difficult, but some are dead points

Get skiing right!

So much time is wasted for all levels of skiers, with poor instruction, poor equipment, and poor set ups.
Get it all right, at the same time, the first time.


Information:

Equipment:
Getting equipment right involves meticulous measuring and fitting. Please don't scrimp in this area, as you will pay more dearly for it later.