Meet Endurance Junkie, Tarka L'Herpeniere
Ski boot lab
What Is Your Ski Performance Level?
Buying ski boots that are well beyond your ability can hinder your progress
though it may appear to make economic sense! Most boots have a 'performance envelope' spanning several
levels that will give you room to improve and ensure that you ski in comfort and to the best of your ability.
LEVEL 1
You know how to turn, stop and ride the lifts.
LEVEL 2
You have at least 3 weeks under your belt and are mastering simple parallel turns on green and blue runs, you aren't scared to venture off on your own. You are mastering the 'hockey stop'.
LEVEL 3
You've almost reached the 'intermediate plateau', you happily ski all blue and some red runs, but narrow piste, especially icy ones, cause some difficulty. Tough red runs are skied with caution.
LEVEL 4
You've broken through the 'Plateau' and are now experiencing new feelings and sensations. You have the confidence to make smooth linked turns on most red runs. Bumps are still a mystery and best avoided.
LEVEL 5
You are not intimidated by red runs and can link parallel turns comfortably. You are perfecting your short radius turns on steeper terrain. You are happy making short turns down narrow 'Piste Basher' tracks. Slope-side powder presents no fears. You may be considering a freeride ski.
LEVEL 6
You can ski black runs in good conditions. You have mastered short turns, easy bumps and fresh lightweight powder. Lack rhythm and control on steep terrain and icier bumps. The techniques for crud and deep snow are still a mystery, but you are not going to let them beat you.
LEVEL 7
80% of skiable terrain is well within your grasp but steep terrain, big bumps and difficult snow still challenge your skills. High speeds and approaching mogul fields induce fear.
LEVEL 8
You can handle most bumps, but difficult snow like crud and wind pack sometimes gets the better of you. You know how to make carved turns, long or short. You choose freeride, expert or race skis and demand stability at speed.
LEVEL 9
You are an expert skier, comfortable skiing all conditions. You can ski a variety of lines through difficult bumps via the 'zip-line'; over the tops and through the troughs. You could be a level 10 but your fitness or your work restricts you.
LEVEL 10
Why are you reading this? You get all your ski gear direct from the factory and are paid handsomely to use it!!!
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