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Boy or girl, we’ve all got bros that ski. Pant sagging, goggle gapping, and ski rapping—your bro-ski, man. You know who I’m talking about. It’s likely they give you a hard time for your ski strapping, goggle lens-packing, gate bashing style. And it’s likely you give them a hard time for—well, bro-ing. You love them for their different style, and their argyle one-piece pile.

Truth be told, we have a lot to learn from each other. To ski racers, technique is all discipline of the body. To free riders, technique is all creativity of the mind. Oftentimes, in the world of ski racing, the athlete gets very caught up attempting to travel past a gate the “correct” way. I’ve been a victim of this mindset, and I’ve watched kids ski stagnant trying to force technique. While there are basics to master, in the end, every skier has a different style, a different strength, and travels a different line.

Consider this common scenario: Your coach instructs you to move your hips forward in the transition.

Exercise is the healthiest thing since broccoli.  With that in mind, don’t make a full plate of dryland training so hard to swallow.  A dryland training program is all about balance.  The aim isn’t to look like Hulk Hogan or strap rocks to your back like Bode Miller.  The goal is to maintain a healthy balance of strength, cardio, and power training, all while having fun in the California sun.

Since skiing is an alternative sport in this nation of football and baseball, use alternative ways to train.  Don’t think you need to jog and hit the gym every single day for a lift.  Not only will you be bored to death, you won’t be prepared for a season of ski racing.

Why not?

Skiing is unpredictable.  The elements are constantly shifting, throwing curve balls day in and day out.  When you’re carving out a pre-season fitness program, keep the inherent nature of the arc in mind.  Making a sweet turn is about strong instincts, quick thinking, and powerful moves.  The mountain is

The season is upon us and El Nino has returned, promising to inundate the Sierra with snow. The anticipation of snow and the first turn is growing into a reality. After a long summer with a daily routine of 50 one legged squats (or 12 oz. curls in the lazy boy) you're body is ready for the slopes. But before we get too carried away, you should know that the first day or two on the slopes can be the best time for you to improve your technique and make the rest of the season even more enjoyable.

The first few runs can produce some of the clumsiest sensations you will feel during the entire season. You're rusty, that's natural. Believe it or not, that rust can also work to your advantage because it makes you more open to improving your technique. Old, bad habits are also rusty, and are easier to change. Now is the time to get rid of them before they return. So let's look at the very foundation of your skiing, the stance, and work towards perfecting it.

The stance is critical because all other