Doug Lewis: Here’s how to ski faster

Q. What are some technique or tactical tips for downhill ski racers?

A. Recreational racing for the skier or snowboarder is just another great option for everyone who is up on the hill enjoying the mountains. At Sugarbush, I am the Recreational Racing Director and we provide anyone from age 4 to 84 an opportunity to “Go for the Gold,” literally.

NASTAR is a national racing program for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. It is a dual race course open to the public and gives you a chance to race against yourself, your family, your friends, and ultimately people around the country. The courses are set so that the first-time racer as well as a seasoned Masters racer can push the limit. The races run about 25 seconds for the pacesetter (me) and may take a beginner up to 45 seconds. And if you are fast enough, you can win a medal, which is based on a handicap system. Go to NASTAR.com for more details and to register for free!

So, let’s talk about a few tips that will help you enjoy yourself and GO FASTER in the course.

No. 1 – Race Technique. There is no specific race technique. Good skiing and riding is good racing. Staying forward, facing downhill, and pressuring the downhill (ski) edge is essential – whether you are in the race course or cruising the entire mountain. Don’t hop in a low tuck position and go straight just because you are in the race course. It may feel fast, but you’ll likely start sliding your turns and will soon be struggling to stay upright.

No. 2 – Where to turn. The gates just tell you where and when to turn, nothing else. (You do NOT have to hit them – it doesn’t give you any extra points. It just hurts.) It is important to have most of your turn done as you pass the gate. This means that your turn happens above and to the outside of each gate. This way you gain speed at each turn, rather than fight the hill and lose speed. This is often the biggest mistake for both beginners and experts.

No. 3 – Look ahead. Keep your head up and looking downhill so you can prepare for each turn. Look two gates ahead so you know how much to turn at each gate. There are often rhythm changes in a course. Some turns are long and some short. It is essential to look ahead. Looking at your tips will only get you in trouble.

No. 4 – For the Beginner: Wider is safer. Stay off the gates about 2-4 feet and keep turning for more control. Although you may not win the run, you can stay in control and check your speed if necessary.

No. 5 – For the Intermediate: Tighten up the line so that you just brush the gate with your inside shoulder as you pass the gate with your turn done. Try to put most of your weight on your outside (downhill) ski especially on the steeps, and that will enable you to carve a cleaner arc, creating more speed.

No. 6 – For the Expert: Focus on the transitions between turns. As you pass the gate, slowly move your hips forward and down the hill while riding the downhill ski. Then as you pass the rise line above the next gate, get early, clean pressure on the new downhill ski. Try to keep this transition smooth so that you link every turn together the entire way down.

Next time you are on the mountain, give racing a try. Our NASTAR race course is located on Springfling and is open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays throughout the season starting this weekend. Stop by Sugarbush’s NASTAR course during the holidays and you’ll probably find me setting the pace and giving out tips on how to win the gold!

(Doug Lewis is a native Vermonter who began skiing at age 3 and started ski racing at age 8. He joined the United States Ski Team in 1981 and competed in the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games. He also won the bronze medal at the 1985 World Championships in addition to collecting two U.S. National Downhill Championships in 1986 and 1987.)