Customer Reviews

Anyone Can Be An Expert Skier 1 w/DVD: The New Way to Ski

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I won't get into a deep discussion of the differences between Harb's methods of skiing and instruction versus others.

Suffice to say that this is a very good exposition of Harb's methods. The book is ideally suited to help people at all levels learn from Harb's methods. The build up in tips and technique is very structured. In fact, almost too structured. I found myself wondering if such a detailed progression was really necessary.

The real strength of the book for me was the enclosed DVD. The book is so structured that it's hard to figure out how you're going to use it on a ski slope. But, the DVD is superb and shows off the lessons in a way that I didn't need the book on the slopes. I had visualized the movements and progression. I found myself returning to the DVD to fine tune ideas much more so than the book.

The lessons allowed me to progress from being a somewhat shaky blue skier in the East to being comfortable doing Easy Blacks. No falls. The techniques worked for me; and felt better than what I was doing before (based on lessons from trained instructors). And that to me is the essence of Harb's method - once you see it and feel it, it feels more natural and works.

My only criticsm of the book, and what takes it from 5 stars to 4 stars, is that the book by itself is hard to work with. Such a book needed some more tips on how to spot yourself making mistakes, and how to avoid common pitfalls and weaknesses. The book takes a "Do this ..." type of approach. Fine if you can, but one could use more help, especially if you're a newcomer. The ideas are exceptional; the presentation could have been better.

All in all, an excellent package (book and DVD) that really helped me improve and enjoy skiing more. Can't ask for more.

HIGHLY recommended

I skidded and braked down ski slopes for years, even tried snowboarding. Harald's message is: the skis turn you; you don't turn the skis.

Carving is such and elegant and controlled way to get down the slope. Check out Harald's ski clinics

dramatic results in a single turn---7 seconds. in one run i went from skidding most to all of my turns to carving all of them. what i learned here and from a certified PMTS instructor gave me the tools to cope---more than cope, enjoy!---several powder days in colorado in march 2001. i was an eastern middle intermediate with no real pretension of progressing much. now i'm looking forward to expert status next year or 2003 at the latest. my youngest (7.5 yrs)went from extremely timid wedge-lock skier to real parallel left turns, mostly parallel right turns in two mornings' instruction. how i wish we had never got her started with traditional methods! this is the best way to learn from scratch.

start at the beginning and read every page. do not be fooled by this method's deceptive simplicity---it works so well you just can't believe it. then buy book #2.

I bought this book after a few weeks of lessons as an absolute beginner. In the space of a few hours, I progressed from a pathetic "pizza pie" skier who was ill at ease on the easiest green run, to a moderately proficient skier completely at home on blue runs.

Given that the written format is not exactly well suited to teaching a physical activity, this book does an admirable job. The time lapse photo sequences are excellent.The graduates sequence of exercises develop along a natural progression which both expose you to the sensations of turning and build your confidence.

Not sure if there is an accompanying video, but if there is, go out an get it. The combination of the two would be very powerful.

Can't recommend it highly enough.