Taos Steeps with Kids

Follow along for our steeps adventure as we find success. www.skistrong....

[@franciscooper4771]

"We're here to broaden your comfort zone." Another priceless skill for life! Thanks Deb.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

thank you.

[@anoth3rme]

I almost cried in that last part. Reminded me that feeling when all the skills are actually there in the body and the only thing you need is a little loving encouragement to believe in yourself. And then you let go of the insecurities and comletely focus all your attention on the run and rip it. The only thing I'm sorry about is that I only learned it as an adult and not as a kid like these two lucky guys.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

BEAUTIFUL. thank you for the comment. so True

[@melissalund6198]

Oh that's so true isn't it? Self-belief goes a long way to getting you where you need to go....sometimes we've got the skills but we need to believe we can do it. An awesome coach really helps!

[@SuperBaick]

I'm a snow junkie and a father of a toddler. I might be okay at skiing, but I don't know how to teach. Hands down, Deb is type of person who I can trust with my kid skiing training with. I can tell that she is beyond a trainer or instructor of skills, she is an educator, who mentors young minds how to overcome obstacles in real life.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks John. What you notice in my style is important to me. Glad you appreciate it. Have fun!!

[@zacharydavis1444]

“Side slipping takes all the snow for other people” so considerate.

[@MorganBrown]

Haha, doesn’t stop me from doing it 😂

[@xiangliu3953]

snowboarders: hah?

[@Viajealduende]

That’s exactly right! Snowboarders seem to think they’re not liked for because they’re “alternative, dude”, or rebels, no, they’re not that either. Skiers can be rebellious, alternative and individualistic people, they just don’t want others to F up that snow we all have been waiting for and also paid the big bucks to ski. The very nature of good technical ski skills go against what most snowboarders don’t even consider. Thus they’re not “considerate”. They don’t think! Sure lower ability skiers side slip the snow but most snowboarders good or bad do it and screw the snow up, they simply don’t think about anyone else but themselves. Is that what a rebel is to them? Selfishness? Not all of course are like that but side slipping snow is what a majority of them do best, that and screw up the bumps as well!

[@meurcieredding350]

What awesome kiddos, and what a gift to introduce them to terrain that would scare off most adults. I hope to be able to ski like them someday!

[@sbovardaz]

What a great teacher and mother you are !!!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks!! However these are not my kids. but I love them tons!!! like they were my own. we have a great time together

[@kevinberger3501]

I’ve been doing the double black diamonds with my son for a few years now. I’m 57 and he’s 16. This year, I can see he’s clearly surpassed me by his conditioning and athleticism. I couldn’t be prouder.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Yep, I understand. Take care

[@michaelkot5387]

Enjoyed the way you guided and encouraged your children!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you. These are not my kids, I am their instructor/coach but thank you!!! Take care

[@jerseyregionrat4380]

That was AWESOME!!! Those kids are GREAT!!! I love the life lessons you are creating with the boys...they will never forget it. What skilled skiers they are now...the Best is yet to come! Give the boys a High Five from us all here in Jersey!

[@ChasPorter]

I happily watch the ads because Deb is awesome. Do it and support what she does!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you so much!!!!!!

[@babysaver98]

Excellent instruction, I couldn't have done it better, and the support & praise throughout and at end was perfect, those kids are benefitting greatly from your help Deb, well done!

[@clonaztevedreamkiller5277]

I'm just learning to ski at age 45. I am amazed at what these guys can do! My wife is an expert skier (skiing all her life) but I am just slowly making my way. These two boys remind me of my two youngest (who are also excellent skiers)! Thank you for your videos, they have helped me A LOT.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Great!!!!

[@nickdarbenzio3073]

Those kids are just awesome! Great job! I have a 6 yo girl who is so motivated. I have her watch your videos w me. She’s linking her turns and loves it. Thanks

[@bertinelli2011]

Those kids were shredding it!! Great skiers! That is the type of encouragement and positive feedback all kids need whether skiing steeps or conquering the bunny hill. Bravo!

[@albusfr]

Wow when it starts looking steep on camera, it’s STEEP! These boys are very brave, good job!

[@incand3nza]

Deb, some of my fondest childhood memories are of skiing with the same instructor several years in a row. this really took me back. props to the kids for stomping some big lines!

[@StephiesSmile]

You rock Deb!! Loving your encouraging videos!

[@newmexicocitizen5508]

TAOS... a four letter word for STEEP!! ✌️🇺🇸

[@jamiepafford-gresham669]

I just love watching and listening to you DEB, I want my turn at a few lessons.. you are doing great work! thank you

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you Jamie! Appreciate it.

[@simonorr594]

Love the pole guards. Lol!

[@paulmorin2582]

Love it. Really enjoy your videos. I appreciate the mixture of challenge and encouragement you give to these kids. Also really appreciate the context of one of our great U.S. skiers training future generations.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you

[@frankiebalsamo608]

Great video...... love the positive reinforcement!!

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Awesome video! The biggest thing I miss about not having kids is being able to share and pass on the love of skiing. This video just nails that perfectly! Love it. Thank you for sharing this.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you!

[@morgantam1]

Love it. Thanks for sharing!

[@melissalund6198]

Wow what a great video. The boys did so well but then I reckon they had the best ski coach out there. Amazing!! You gave them so much confidence. Loved the comment about the trees!

[@gustavobernstein975]

congratulations to the kids and you Debbie are an amazing teacher.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you very much

[@tonyg3091]

"Slideslipping takes all the snow for other people"...bravo, BRAVO! Proper teaching!

[@stevedong5117]

Then comes a snowboarder lol

[@tonyg3091]

@@stevedong5117 Sad but true :):)

[@barbaravanerp4598]

Side slipping takes all the snow for other people! These kids got it!

[@csedan510]

That and snow boarders!

[@cycleoflife7331]

Hogan making nice short swing turns. Good job Hogan!

[@blameitonben]

If it looks steep on camera it's really steep. Well done.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Maybe steeper in person. 50 degrees +

[@blameitonben]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong I'm consistently skiing stuff that's 40-45 degrees. There's a run at my local mountain (WIllamette Pass) that's renowned for being 52 degrees at it's steepest. If I'm consistently skiing stuff in the 40-45 range, how do I know I'm ready to ski the 50+ degree pitches?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@blameitonben wow, too difficult to assess over the internet. Lots depends on snow conditions, width, other obstacles, your particular skiing, etc. Too difficult to assess here. I am sorry!!!!

[@sohlbergk]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Get an inclinometer out on the hill and back that up. For reference, I checked the USGS maps. There is a stretch of Al's run that drops 1400 feet over a run of 2703 feet for an average pitch of 52%= 27.5 degrees, and there is a 600 foot stretch at 0.58 = 30 degrees. I recall it being quite intimidating. There is a stretch of Stauffenberg that drops 400 feet over a distance of 540 feet for 75% = 36.5 degrees. I recall that being quite insane. I can see that there may be short bits of 40-45 degrees, but 50 degrees is a 119% slope, that sounds pretty preposterous. Edit, just checked the map again. Trescow is a little twisty so it's difficult to measure on the map, but the neighboring twin trees chute has a section that drops 400 feet over a run of about 421 in the steepest section for an average of 95% slope = 43 degrees. I suppose there might be a 20-foot section nearing 50 degrees, but I'd sure like to see an inclinometer reading on that. That's wild.

[@blameitonben]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Happy to report I survived skiing our local steep (RTS which gets up to 52 degrees for a bit). I then skied it 6 more times. Conditions were critical. I skied some breakable crust on a gentler 35 degree run earlier and really struggled. The day I skied the steepest pitch it was soft chop with some fresh snow and additional refills and windblown powder through the day. Even though the run was a lot steeper, that breakable crust was the hardest thing I ever skied on.

[@scarface548]

These videos inspire me to save all my money and work hard so i can give my son a awesome coach like this.

[@brianho6625]

The boys wear the skis - HEAD "Super Shape - 117cm" same as my son. This video recalled that I also took my son ski through a tough terrain black track at Cortina ski Resort, Japan last year. Thanks Deb for bring such good video/memory. This winter being lock-down and unable to travel nearly more than 12 months!!! "Deb told the boys that you guys has enough skills and don't need sideslipe - I love ❤ Deb's coaching for the boys - if my wife watched this she must be scared I did the same to my boy too" At the end, the boy said it wasn't the steep terrain bored him but the tress when passing the forest, exactly the same feeling"

[@theuhlanddoddamaniclan5351]

Awesome (and timely!) My 8 year old daughter finally overcame her fears last night at our local ski hill in Southeast Michigan by skiing "the wall;" the hill's steepest pitch which holds an outsized psychological grip on the youth at the hill. Much like your students (who started connecting nice slalom turns after they realized the run was coming to an end), after she successfully skied the run the first time she went back up and started bombing it with beautiful GS turns the rest of the night. Lol, so much fun.

[@richm8375]

Pine Knob. Learned to ski there 40 years ago. The Wall was a beast then too for a 10 year old. 😀

[@theuhlanddoddamaniclan5351]

@@richm8375 that's it!

[@skipgilbert1190]

Nice job mom. Building confidence in your youngsters is huge. The skiing is also very nice.

[@stevenlee2347]

Little guy totally crushed it at the end. They both did.

[@ola_tosia_gaming_official]

we've all been there that gentle nudge from the coach who knows you've got it covered but you're holding back internally

[@mrsmartypants_1]

Nice. Way to challenge them Deb!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Awesome. glad you like!!!

[@ashchurova27]

You are an amazing coach Deb ❤️

[@seaskiguy]

Awesome! Great kids and great coaching (which is always the case). And boy do I miss Taos. Can't wait to get back someday.

[@hayleypbop6997]

Broadening your comfort zone looks so much fun the way you guys do it.

[@richardmutt]

Love this. I'm going to show this to my son who is learning leaps and bounds this season as the east coast has gotten good snow this year. Thanks for posting Deb!

[@slowgold20]

"side slipping takes all the snow for other people" hah! My worst fears! I was so self conscious the other day as I demolished a handful of moguls side slipping my first time on steeps the other day lol

[@hts6116]

Exactly how I teached my two kids. Well done great Mother!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you. However these are not my kids. I am their ski instructor/coach. I am glad you appreciate what we are doing in this video. Take care.

[@karlk9316]

2:25 Love that first hop turn, and all that followed.

[@warrenoberholser]

Wow, they crushed it...great job everybody!!

[@tilbie64]

Well done, boys!!!! Impressive. I go down some areas that steep. Trees make me nervous as well. A video going down really steep bums would be great. Be safe out there!!!

[@aijiang]

“No side slipping, no stopping” is the mantra

[@johnmcinerney7645]

Water that pole plant ! One of my favorite teaching points.

[@nemanjapopovic9853]

As a ski instructor over a 10 years I can say thay are great!

[@Matt-vo1ge]

That was just awesome.

[@petercreagh8797]

I taught myself to pole plant turn off a video called "Learning To Ski The Fast" Way by Iona Mclure I think her name was and she explained it as a 3 step process "Flex, Hop Turn". My aim was to do it as confidently as the extreme skis do it so when I progressed to the steeper slopes on the mountain it just made the transition that much easier. I never progressed to the level of an extreme skier but having the ability to pole plant like one was good for confidence building.

[@erikooi4651]

I love your content Deb. You bring great energy to all the lessons you give. I'd love to get some pointers from you when it's safe to fly out west. Until then, greetings from the Icecoast (aka Eastcoast)

[@natelucasmt7]

Those are fantastic turns for such young ones. I taught my two in similar terrain, but I am very impressed by their turns. Great inspiration for anyone

[@jaykita2069]

Excellent job training the kids to push it. Great job.

[@jtwoolley]

you guys ARE SKILLFUL ENOUGH YOU DO NOT NEED TO SIDESLIP THIS

[@vanessajordan6446]

I wish my kids could learn from you just like these two! My daughter isn’t quite old enough yet but as soon as she is we will be getting her in some skis!

[@urbanrunoff]

Awesome, this reminds me of my ski school days in the Alps. We had to walk it back up the other side usually crossing a lil river/spring. Next season i will make it to Taos.

[@Here_Today_]

All three ya'll rocked that!!!

[@cswalker21]

That's so fun when the groms find their confidence! ;)

[@stevedoe1630]

I like watching people negotiate through the glades, especially young ones, because it’s a different problem solving set. Not just, “How do I get down well,” but also, “How do I get down well without running into trees that are very close to me?” Personalities shine in trying conditions without having said a word.

[@EventPerformanceInc]

Tresckow They slayed it. Glad you kept their minds in the going and not the stopping. They had all the skills down just needed to trust themselves and you got them there. They are lucky to have such a great coach.

[@scrappyweeman4952]

We just returned from Taos today. Overall good skiing this week. I love your videos. I came across your channel looking for coaching with bumps and mogul in preparation for Taos. Unfortunately, I only had my longer carving skis which make it extremely difficult to tackle the challenging runs at Taos. You have great channel.

[@stevedoe1630]

2:41, if the mountain was a church, then this is a sermon I can relate to! Thank you for keeping your students considerate of terrain maintenance.

[@cerenademe9433]

As a beg/int skier, I did not know that. Learned something new today (sitting at my computer)!

[@stevedoe1630]

@@cerenademe9433 Sideslipping is a great drill, and a good survival technique to have in your bag of tricks. These kiddos just needed a little spirited reinforcement to get them past survival mode, and into “thriving” on the steeps.... with a side lesson of opportunity for slope side etiquette. They stepped up to the challenge, and they’re building confidence. It was a good day.

[@MorganBrown]

Wow, that’s a sweet glade. Cool to see big trees at 12,000+ ft

[@kkrsnn5632]

Awesome stuff! Amazing skills 😁

[@BrennenL]

Love these videos.

[@elainenilsson5472]

Good job! Loved it!

[@theok4712]

At 2:36 that looks steep! Great channel Deb! Do have a video on skiing in spring like snow conditions? I find it very difficult especially in the afternoon.

[@irisg1975]

You are amazing !!!!!!!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you!!

[@live4powderhound834]

Loved this video!!

[@susannewilliams]

Just love your way!

[@Ca_milo_G]

In 2006 I was working on Fenix and Cony, the manager, present me at you, we've got a picture together. Regards from Chile

[@JayCeeEss1337]

HOLY HECK that is STEEP They really did "rock it"!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Yes they did 👍👍💪💪😉

[@umlooad]

Well done.

[@akaruppa]

Great video Deb. I have found your tips very helpful. I would love if you can do a video on the techniques to do slow and controlled moves on narrow forest trails/bumpy tracks like in the initial section of this video. I can handle wider moguls well, but whenever I see a bumpy narrow trail, I have issues controlling my speed as I cannot turn the skis fully to reduce speed, and often have to bail out half way.

[@izabelalodangco5714]

I love how you teach them! Can I have you as my ski instructor?

[@JohnJohnson-he1yv]

Gotta check out Taos!

[@MurCurieux]

nice work guys

[@gustavrosander69]

Cool!

[@brianandzane]

You're raising them right! Make them comfortable being uncomfortable!

[@richardsobetski8879]

Hi. Long time watcher. You have instructed a lot of young skiers in the past. Have you ever considered using radio helmets in your classes. I have used them and it is like you have in the instructor right beside you or behind you.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

My voice is so loud not necessary. I call that pocket coaching. My favorite way to teach.

[@crownprp]

Love it when the little ones "get it". Was that West Basin or The Ridge? Almost looked like Pollux. My favorite terrain.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ridge. Trescow

[@ToddB987]

Taos is known for their steeps. Sadly, the lift ticket prices are steep too. I lived in New Mexico since the 80’s. Taos was $25.00 for all day ticket. I knew when that hedge funder owner took over Taos. That the ticket prices where geared toward the local wealthy and buddies from Texas and Okies. I haven’t been there in 5 years. I’m not going to pay $125.00 a day! That’s ridiculous!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Unfortunately that is the state of the industry. Only the ski Coopers, Sipapus, Pajaritos of the world have lower ticket prices. I am amazed by what the new owner of Taos has done in revitalizing the ski area of Taos. It is quite amazing and has made the ski area viable moving into the future. I understand you may not be a fan. All good, and u understand your issue.with lift ticket prices but that is industry wide. The smaller areas I listed above are really great options for you. Take good care😊😊

[@ToddB987]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong yhea.. I’m amazed too that he took a quaint affordable ski area and turned into a resort for the rich and famous like Aspen and Vail. The average household income in New Mexico is $49.754 annually. Doesn’t leave to much room for a over priced ticket. So sad!!!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@ToddB987 actually the ski are was becoming quite run down and To remain viable it needed upgrades. Different ways to view it. I think Taos today is AMAZING!!! it made my top 10 list at #2.

[@gogglebro9421]

Deb, what's the name of this great tree run at the beginning of your video? I had a chuckle when you told the kids they were at TSV to "broaden their comfort zone."

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Tresckow! Love it!

[@gogglebro9421]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Thanks Deb. I'll check it out next time. / Marshall

[@filmic1]

Crumb!!

[@izabelalodangco5714]

Where are you located, Deb? Are you taking in new students?

[@sammcdaniel1564]

I want Deb as my teacher

[@MsJcob]

На трассовых лыжах по буграм ещё то удовольствие....

[@mandyrey7122]

Is Taos your home mountain, Deb?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

TOs and Steamboat Colorado

[@mandyrey7122]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Neat, love them both. Do you find Taos struggles to get enough snow for its terrain? I've only visited a few times, but each time I thought it could use more snow. It looks like it has neat terrain, but I'm not a good enough skier to ski with the cover it had.

[@kehaulani6265]

Hi this is at Taos? Which run is this?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Yes it is. Trescow

[@kehaulani6265]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Thank you!

[@addictedtobicycles]

I never heard a "have fun" command. sad.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ha. Thats ironic. Have fun is my Montra. Have you heard the interviews after I won my gold medal. It is all about having fun. I love yiur comment. Makes me laugh. Have fun is everything. Don't worry. These kids are having fun❤❤👍👍😉😉