ErikCO wrote:I'm interested in what drills people would suggest in the early season here in Colorado when there are a few to many people on the handful of open trails. A lot of the drills I would like to do require too much open space for the early season crowding. I have been doing some tipping practice while standing still on the edge of the run or on the flats at the top/bottom of the lifts, a few CA/CB drills, and a little bit of free foot management.
Early season conditions are generally pretty limiting with respect to drills. Anything you do on the slope needs to be done in the fall line, in a short turn, and at a brisk pace. Additionally, any drill would need to be something that you are so comfortable with that it takes almost no focus--because you need to be focused on collision avoidance. Lots of the ski pole related drills may fit this bill--double pole drag, push the inside hand, etc. Realistically though, skiing with focus is probably your best bet. Practice the movement you will be focused on while you are standing stationary before you start, and know what external cues that you will be paying attention to when you are skiing so that you can evaluate whether you are successful in making the movement that you will be focusing on. When you stop, "take inventory." Pay attention to things like where your pole baskets are, where your zipper is facing, etc.