Ski the Taos way. What does that really mean?
Let’s look at it by break it down into technique, tactic and head game.
To many, the Taos way usually conjures the idea of skiing techniques that is different from those normally taught under the PSIA banner. Other than the open hand pole plant, the skiing fundamentals are very similar.
Tactic wise, like PSIA, skiing the slow line fast. Nothing really new here.
Head game. IMO, the essence of the Taos way of skiing. Find the peace. Don’t feed the beast.
yep,
looks like skiing... with another label. what I've called "old man bump skiing" for years, kinda like another ski cert process we discuss at times, new names and labels for the same skills.. usually comes when there is something to sell.
I've never skied Taos, but those bumps look a lot like the bumps at olympic valley, similar western snow, steeper pitch shapes..
speaking of Clendinen, I love his thoughts too, seems. he teaches "touch" which has so much nuance it's a lifelong pursuit, that can be changeable day by day based on snow conditions and confidence..
I think so much of the joy of skiing is feel, and figuring out how to create the feel you want, many of us don't want impact, so these focuses of flow and minimizing impact draw us in.. while some just see boring old man skiing
. case in point, my friend Robbie Huntoon (one time world mogul champ, was the ski talent for the "Hot Dog" movie) followed me down KT one day skiing a line like this, and he ripped on this line as "weak, old man skiing" and wanted me doing twice as many turns in a more direct line...
cheers!
W