Eastern Skiers - Better? - EpicSki Community

#1

Rating: 0

9/20/08 at 11:05pm

Captain Strato
offline

Joined: December 2004
Location: Broomfield, CO
Post Count: 2,619

I've never skied in the east. But, I've always presumed eastern skiers are better.

We westerners ski on soft "hero" snow. Any duffer can look savvy on soft stuff.

Easterners contend with boilerplate and blue ice. They carve like a Ginsue knife.

I have to believe that mastering those conditions requires superior strength and technique.

Don't most US ski team members hail from New England?

Is there any truth to these presumptions? Does it take more mojo to ski in the east, or is it just different?

#2

Rating: 0

9/20/08 at 11:53pm

PhilT
offline

Joined: October 2006
Location: Buenos Aires
Post Count: 1,253

We get ice on the west coast. Considering that you skied in the PNW you should certainly know that.

#3

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 12:05am

Captain Strato
offline

Joined: December 2004
Location: Broomfield, CO
Post Count: 2,619

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilT

We get ice on the west coast. Considering that you skied in the PNW you should certainly know that.

There's ice and there's ice. East coast is the latter.

I've never skied it, but by every discription, it's nothing like what your or I call ice - a frozen hard-patch.

Rather, it's like water trickled-down an incline at below-zero temps for days, yeilding slabs akin to what's found 500 meters deep in Greenland. Slabs more like rock or mineral.

This surface, I'm told, requires a skill and tool-set, unlike anything learned in the west, to master.

#4

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 12:09am

PhilT
offline

Joined: October 2006
Location: Buenos Aires
Post Count: 1,253

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain_Strato

There's ice and there's ice. East coast is the latter.

I've never skied it, but by every discription, it's nothing like what your or I call ice - a frozen hard-patch.

Rather, it's like water trickled-down an incline at below-zero temps for days, yeilding slabs akin to what's found 500 meters deep in Greenland. Blocks more like rock or mineral.

This surface, I'm told, requires a skill and tool-set, unlike anything learned in the west, to master.

For some one who has never skied it you certainly seem pretty sure of its hardcoreness. I learned to ski on the east coast

#5

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 12:16am

Blizzboy283
offline

Joined: December 2004
Location: Blue Bell, PA
Post Count: 898

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain_Strato

There's ice and there's ice. East coast is the latter.

I've never skied it, but by every description, it's nothing like what your or I call ice - a frozen hard-patch.

Rather, it's like water trickled-down an incline at below-zero temps for days, yeilding slabs akin to what's found 500 meters deep in Greenland. Slabs more like rock or mineral.

This surface, I'm told, requires a skill and tool-set, unlike anything learned in the west, to master.

I'd agree with that. With 40 lifetime days out west, I have ever only seen ice once and that was a relatively small area at Snowbird. Based on the people I saw skiing that area, and the difficulty they had, they would be shocked at ice back east.

I have skied days out here where on some runs there was nothing but ice. One such day was at Wildcat where there was literally just ice. Most people made it down pretty easily but of course some fell.

I think easterners are usually more adept to skiing variable conditions because of their familiarity with ice.

#6

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 12:23am

tromano
offline

Joined: November 2004
Location: Logan, UT
Post Count: 2,299

I am pretty sure easterners are just better at tuning their edges.

#7

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 3:12am

prickly
offline

Joined: January 2005
Location: Milan, Italy; Madesimo, Italy
Post Count: 2,345

East coasters appreciate good skiing more, having less of it.

I don't want a holiday in the sun

#8

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 3:53am

BushwackerinPA
offline

Joined: February 2005
Location: Stowe, Vt
Post Count: 6,964

West Coast spring ice is worse and steeper than anything at the east coast. Also east coasters never come to see true coral reef or weird crud and many can not ski powder.

It doesnt matter where you from it matter how many different conditions you have gotten to ski.

"its not that you cant ski the bumps, its that you cant ski and the bumps prove it"

pbfootnit.blogspot.com/ <<< the start of something good!

#9

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 4:51am

Trekchick
offline

Joined: November 2005
Location: Michigan, oop nort in da land of trolls
Post Count: 23,647

I wouldn't say that East coasters are better or worse, but I'd say East Coasters, and midwesterners are very dedicated to keep the passion in questionable conditions, and........I'm pretty sure that everyone has a pair of short carvers in the quiver for the Down Hill Ice Skating days. You know, the skis for those days when its not just packed powder, or firm groomers, but instead, resembles a down hill slope that was groomed by a zamboni.

Surviving is essential, thriving is incredible!
EpicSki Academy

#10

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 5:10am

Max Capacity
offline

Joined: July 2002
Location: Somers, CT
Post Count: 2,707

Let's not forget about everyone's favorite "death cookies". Once you learn how to ski them, (having good skis helps) there fine until you find a few there are pound cake size.

I believe its technique more then strength. there are times when you need to be aggressive to handle the conditions, if your timid the surface will kick your butt. Being aggressive means being on your game, not about skiing fast.

As for US ski teams. You may find the speed skiers do better coming from the east. It's the natural feel for the snow to carry speed on the flats. They can teach anyone to ski SL and GS.

#11

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 5:18am

Philpug
offline

Joined: September 2000
Location: NTS, PA
Post Count: 22,537

Many US ski teamers in the technical events come from the midwest, where the conditions are eastern like. Two of (three) the best men's U.S. ski team members did come from the west, in Phil and Steve Mahre.

I think that experienced eastern skiers are more tollerant and accepting of conditions.

Click. Point. Chute.

#12

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 6:29am

skierhj
offline

Joined: March 2006
Location: Aspen
Post Count: 856

what a flawed premise. there are great skiers from everywhere, to argue that one is better because of their region is crazy. you need to celebrate skiing and how its differences make the sport better you attampt to start an argument

#13

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 7:18am

Ski the East
offline

Joined: August 2008
Location: Albany, NY
Post Count: 170

Better? I wish.

For example, I have no idea how to properly and efficiently ski deep powder, having never encountered consistent powder deeper than the top of my boot (say 12-18"). Yes, I have seen deeper stuff in pockets in the woods, but never, ever, an entire slope covered in 24"+ of glorious powder (that wasn't immediately scoured away by the wind). If I ever did, I expect my legs would be goners after 2 runs through the stuff b/c I don't ski it efficiently.

On ice, perhaps easterners are better, and we are well acquainted with "death cookies." However, if a good wester skier were to spend a season in the East, I'm sure they would catch up.

I agree with the comments that repeatedly experiencing a variety of conditions is more important than where you (learn to) ski.

#14

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 8:16am

Ghost
offline

Joined: October 2004
Location: Ontario, Canada
Post Count: 10,653

What? This again!

We all know the best skiers are the ones who learned in the East, learned some more out west, and now ski in a red ski jacket.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trekchick

I wouldn't say that East coasters are better or worse, but I'd say East Coasters, and midwesterners are very dedicated to keep the passion in questionable conditions, and........I'm pretty sure that everyone has a pair of short carvers in the quiver for the Down Hill Ice Skating days. You know, the skis for those days when its not just packed powder, or firm groomers, but instead, resembles a down hill slope that was groomed by a zamboni.

Questionable conditions, short carvers

.

Ice days are for Super-g or DH skis; that's when the hill is fastest.

#15

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 8:20am

Captain Strato
offline

Joined: December 2004
Location: Broomfield, CO
Post Count: 2,619

Quote:

Originally Posted by skierhj

what a flawed premise. there are great skiers from everywhere, to argue that one is better because of their region is crazy. you need to celebrate skiing and how its differences make the sport better you attampt to start an argument

I've heard skiers from Aspen wear fur and can't ski.

Celebrations will commence promptly.

#16

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 8:29am

cgeib
offline

Joined: December 2002
Location: Dillon, CO
Post Count: 1,913

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost

What? This again!

+1

--------------------------------

Isn't there an unwritten rule that you simultaneously have to start a What is an "Expert" skier thread at the same time.

EPICSKI ACADEMY - Coaching for Dedicated Skiers
EpicSki Academy FaceBook Page
Arapahoe Basin * Stowe * Aspen

#17

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 8:31am

Captain Strato
offline

Joined: December 2004
Location: Broomfield, CO
Post Count: 2,619

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgeib

+1

--------------------------------

Isn't there an unwritten rule that you simultaneously have to start a What is an "Expert" skier thread at the same time.

Yet, here you are.

#18

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 8:42am

Trekchick
offline

Joined: November 2005
Location: Michigan, oop nort in da land of trolls
Post Count: 23,647

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost

What? This again!

We all know the best skiers are the ones who learned in the East, learned some more out west, and now ski in a red ski jacket.

Questionable conditions, short carvers

.

Ice days are for Super-g or DH skis; that's when the hill is fastest.

You got me there. Just so happens that my only "ice skate" skis are my shortest. But still, you are correct.
Bring on the zamboni!

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgeib

+1

--------------------------------

Isn't there an unwritten rule that you simultaneously have to start a What is an "Expert" skier thread at the same time.

Yea, but.............

Surviving is essential, thriving is incredible!
EpicSki Academy

#19

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 8:49am

oisin
offline

Joined: October 2002
Location: New Hampshire
Post Count: 2,862

This notion about eastern conditions..........may relate to some time in the past. When I was learning to ski here in the East in the 1950's conditions often were truly appalling. In the era before snowmaking and grooming, conditions often were very difficult but I'm not sure this promoted a higher level of skiing, possibly just the opposite. Defensive survival skiing is not necessarily good technique although it does tend to promote versatility and a certain kind of competence. Today with snowmaking and grooming the skiing is not that different from the West, just lacking the challenge of deep snow and crud. As far as the difficult conditions eastern skiing is known for, skiers today are so spoiled with the expectation of corduroy grooming that they probably couldn't for the most part deal with difficult conditions nor would management dare expose them to such hazards.

#20

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 8:56am

Rio
offline

Joined: March 2000
Location: Bozeman, MT
Post Count: 5,774

Of course eastern skiers are better. Anyone living out west knows that in the smaller ski towns there tends to be to much inbreeding making the local gene pool questionable. That, mixed with lax laws about carrying a concealed weapon, make the likelihood of running into a kook with a gun way too probable. Add in the western skiers inability to hold an edge on groomers and things are outright dangerous in the Rockies. For your own safety, I highly recommend anyone living out east not come out west to ski.

In Bozeman waiting for first contact

#21

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 10:22am

prickly
offline

Joined: January 2005
Location: Milan, Italy; Madesimo, Italy
Post Count: 2,345

Quote:

We all know the best skiers are the ones who learned in the East, learned some more out west, and now ski in a red ski jacket

Not exactly. Best skiers are the ones who learned in the East, then skied a few years in the Pacific Northwest, a year in the Rockies, a few more years in the East and then 10 or 15 years in the Alps. Everyone knows that.

I don't want a holiday in the sun

#22

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 11:55am

volantaddict
offline

Joined: May 2005
Location: Missoula, MT
Post Count: 6,646

Quote:

Originally Posted by BushwackerinPA

West Coast spring ice is worse and steeper than anything at the east coast. Also east coasters never come to see true coral reef or weird crud and many can not ski powder.

It doesnt matter where you from it matter how many different conditions you have gotten to ski.

DING, DING, DING!!!

BWIPA for the win!!!

The heaviness of the complexity fuels the force behind the dart that hits the mark.

#23

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 12:17pm

Rise To The Top
offline

Joined: April 2007
Location: N-H
Post Count: 1,088

New England, VT, NH, and ME in particular, are usually superior in racing, just because of the conditions we have here. I've seen kids who are "stars" out west for racing that have came here and placed near last just because they don't know how to handle it. You don't even have to take my word for it, just look at the point penalty differenced between a normal race in NH and one in CO. 30pts vs 75pts is my the average from what I have seen.

So I heard you like Mudkips...

#24

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 12:38pm

Bonni
offline

Joined: March 2002
Location: Spokandyland ....I have arrived!
Post Count: 13,889

The hills out here in the East like to groom that powder as soon as it falls, too. You won't find anything the next morning that wasn't groomed if it starts snowing at 3 pm.

It's a sad thing to have 'powder' only when you go on vacation and if you're lucky, you get a few days a year. It's harder to get comfortable in it when you don't have opportunity. I can't ski it.

However, I do very well in nasty, windblown, icy horrendous conditions that would send 99% of the people indoors for a brew (at least, I used to).

There's no such thing as bad weather.........just bad clothing.

#25

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 1:18pm

cometjo
offline

Joined: June 2006
Location: Ottawa, ON
Post Count: 282

And of course the east is full of gnarly terrain like the stuff these guys are skiing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP4kCk0JeCI

#26

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 1:24pm

spindrift
offline

Joined: March 2002
Location: Seattle, WA
Post Count: 3,446

Just to be sure we are talking about the same sports, I just rechecked a couple of dictionaries. It would appear that wrt winter sports, skiing involves snow and skating involves ice.

I get the impression that snowsliding in the east and "ski" racing both live in some gray zone between those two sports

#27

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 1:27pm

Garrett
offline

Joined: September 2004
Location: An innocent prisoner will become more angry by the hour due to...
Post Count: 7,435

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rise To The Top

You don't even have to take my word for it, just look at the point penalty differenced between a normal race in NH and one in CO. 30pts vs 75pts is my the average from what I have seen.

I think the causal relationship you are talking about here isn't as strong as you might think.

The density of rich white kids and academies in New England far exceeds CO.

#28

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 2:14pm

Rise To The Top
offline

Joined: April 2007
Location: N-H
Post Count: 1,088

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garrett

I think the causal relationship you are talking about here isn't as strong as you might think.

The density of rich white kids and academies in New England far exceeds CO.

Alot of the kids who set the 25 and 30pt penalties arent all that rich, nor do they attend ski academies. Hell, there are several rich kids who attend academies, but they usually aren't the ones cutting the penalty down.

So I heard you like Mudkips...

#29

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 4:38pm

bmg97
offline

Joined: January 2008
Location: Long Island NY
Post Count: 64

Why don't we have a ski off to settle this. Flip a coin for home mountain advantage. Best of 5 wins it. East vs West or West vs East however way you wanna say it !!!!!

Get it on !

#30

Rating: 0

9/21/08 at 4:41pm

spindrift
offline

Joined: March 2002
Location: Seattle, WA
Post Count: 3,446

Do you have a device that measures fun?

Tags

Recent Reviews

What Barking Bears Want

Eastern Skiers - Better?

Got Facebook?

Already a User?

Create a New Account

Recent Discussions

Recent Reviews

Recent Wikis