Wedge to Moguls on Day 1 Skiing, video #1

[@melvino8806]

LOVE these kinds of sessions. The best part is hearing 'beginners' talk about their realizations or eureka moments.

[@jamesdunn2214]

This student is ahead of the game with his kenisthetic awareness, however your great coaching is of great help and his overall progress.

[@terrybarbour9760]

This video should be a "Must watch" for any instructor or for any student. To hear Aaron explain what he is feeling is invaluable! The idea that he felt like he was exaggerating movements but really wasn't is huge! When we are in learning mode a "little change in movement" can feel 'Really big".Love how he talks about "loading" outside ski and doesn't use the word "pressure". Thank you for posting this video.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks Terry!!! Ya, when I was one hour into it with Aaron I realized that I needed to make a video with him. I only wish I had his first moments on skis for that gliding wedge. We literally started at the beginning. I will be taking some runs with him today from his third day skiing. I am told that yesterday he was skiing a black run in mixed conditions. Guessing he will be learning the nuance of pole use today😉

[@Osnosis]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Deb, you are an experienced, expert skier and instructor, so I’m not one to ‘critique’. However, here’s something I do, primarily with male skiers: I use my pole, to press on the ball&socket joint to emphasize angulation and lateral hip movement. I have found that this leads to much greater awareness of angulation, balance, and upper/lower body ‘separation’. Keep up the good work!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@Osnosis whatever works for the individual to increase awareness is great. I can not speak to what works from individual to individual. Generally speaking, working from the snow up for tipping, edging movements is the most immediately effective. Of course total body inclination works depending on skill level, intent, speed etc.

[@fredericktheiner1284]

As an instructor, I just want to say how much I love and appreciate your videos. Thank you!

[@johndavis16]

Love your approach. Having a beginner with transferable skills is a great challenge and opportunity. Hes blessed to have someone who is willing to challenge him progressively, early in his skiing jourmey.

[@wallstreetoneil]

As a person that blew apart my left knee 4 yrs ago, and now with no ACL, but back to skiing hard, everything mentioned about the slow/dead/other person's leg is 100% accurate. The brain absolutely unwires itself to protect itself from being able to use that leg for its own protection. These last 6 mths, I've done lots of work on single-leg exercise, forcing the brain to turn the foot athletically over & over & over and it helped tremendously. You must force the brain to re-wire itself and turn back on. Great video

[@darhmakarma4838]

Somehow it reminds me of my first day of skiing in November 1976. I was with a friend which is a good skier, and with a bit of coaching from his part and a lot of practice and observation from my part, I progressed from snowplough, to parallel and finally skiing blue moguls runs in that first day. It wasn’t elegant and I fell quite a few times but had a ball. I’m hooked on skiing ever since. Deb, you’re a genius, you have such a simple and wonderful way of explaining things. I wish that I had met an instructor like you then, you make everything look so easy. I love it.

[@WindsurfingNelson]

"He's an athlete". Aaron provides immediate and precise feedback on his experience. That allows precise advice for direct improvement. (It just requires the instructor to listen 😁). Great to watch, thank you!

[@tomzeto]

At 41 I will learn to ski this season. I'm a snowboarder, surfer, hockey, basketball, and soccer player. I can't wait to learn something new and see how skills from different sports can transfer. Thank you for these wonderful videos! Hopefully I can keep up with my young children as they are already bombing it down the mountain on skis

[@tomzeto]

Hi Deb, Thanks again for your YT lessons. I asked my 8 and 10 yr old sons to teach me, but they immediately ditched me lol to go to harder runs. No worries I had all the confidence in the world after experience from multiple sports, and studying YT videos. With no lessons, I was able to plow and turn my 1st run, but fell a lot trying to parallel, 2nd day I learned how to parallel ski and stop and carve on blue runs with high angles. Just wanted to share with your viewers that the thing that helped me the most was early pressure on the outside leg, and taking the inside leg out of the equation by either lifting it (skiing with one foot) or doing the inside tap drill. because the inside leg kept catching and not allowing me to turn. Another thing was to not be afraid of putting weight in initially awkward positions (I learned this from hockey and snowboarding) if your constantly in fear of falling, you won't put yourself in the correct learning position. For this I also practice indoors before my trip with skis on edge on cardboard and I'd lean into a wall, just to feel what it felt like. I now LOVE skiing with my boys, and look forward to advancing each day.

[@AJMartin0321]

Absolutely love this guy! Aside from the fact we share a name, his insights echo what I have learned in my short ski journey to date (I'm only seven ski days in myself). Thanks for sharing this amazing day of discovery. I bet he's hooked like I am.

[@simon1066]

Having a great attitude, fitness and a positive outlook is certainly working in helping Aaron progress. I think the amount of awareness of how it “feels” and making the right adjustments is a credit to you Debs in your explanations, your teaching skills and Aaron’s undoubted quick understanding. Wonderful to watch👏👏👏

[@nickneale2237]

Been watching a few of debs vids prior to my next ski trip. Some fantastic instruction. This one reminds me of my first couple of day's skiing, after 20 years of snowboarding.

[@ArisHDi]

Deb you've helped me alot. Watched 10 videos of yours and then went and applied everything on the mountain slopes. Loved the falling leaf drill, helped me alot with my balance and direction. Thank you so much! greetings from Greece!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Hello. Thank you for the message❤👍

[@melissalund6198]

Incredible video as always. I just loved the fact that when Aaron was slightly off balance he didn't panic, he just corrected himself and kept going. Amazing!

[@mwong000]

Deb. I really enjoy your videos and the way you teach. Thank you! I have an observation with his stance that I think can be easily corrected -- a spoiler at the BACK of Derek's boot that forces his ankle to flex forward. With a spoiler, his ankle will be naturally flexed, and he would not have had to bend so much at the waist to stay centered (center of gravity over center of foot). Once he straightened his waist, his quads burnt just because his center of mass was behind his ankle. Assuming for a moment that the thighs and the lower leg are the same length, the ankle must be bent as much as the knee for the hip to be over the center of the foot. Without the spoiler, he has to really pressure his boot forward to stayed centered -- which a more advanced skier can conciously do, but too much for a beginner. Especially if the boot flex is too stiff.

[@deborahblake801]

Omg Deb…you are amazing! I’ve lacked self belief but this gives me hope!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Great! I love it

[@laowai2000]

What a time to be alive. Receiving gems of advice from a gold medalist. Stoked to have a ski trip planned (first one in decades at 50 years old). Used to focus on surfing in winter to beat the crowds. Subscribed

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Love it

[@jossbaldwin9725]

whata treat to have someone who is so aware of what is going on in their body. Pretty rare to be able to analyse their own skiing so articulately after an hour!

[@darrenanderson4921]

It helps to be an athlete! What a great first day! I like your flowing teaching technique, more mileage on the hill and letting him make instant adjustments as he is skiing. Very cool!

[@susanmoriarty9900]

I had a water-skier that never snow skied prior, and he progressed just like this guy. I was amazed for sure!

[@terimcgann2408]

Congrats Aaron! I will watch this a few times before heading out this season! Great tips! Thanks Deb! You are a fabulous teacher, combining knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm!

[@462Raram]

Great video, Deb. There aren't enough videos that talk about the interplay between the mental and physical parts of skiing. Your first student did a great job of covering what's happening in your head as a new skier.

[@debbielombard5132]

Wow, what a great video; I'm impressed! Thanks to your coaching, I try to keep the 1 through 5 top of mind with each turn, along with pressure, angulation, and uphill ski initiation. I've learned more from you in the last year and a half than I did in all of my previous years combined. You are a game-changer! Thanks for putting in the time and effort to give us this content!

[@fmbjmf]

That was so much fun to watch, thanks for that Deb, at the end when I saw him starting a proper carve after one day on the slopes I think I actually giggled. I'm an advanced skier who's come back after 30 years off, and your videos have helped me immensely, thanks!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Love it

[@vladaOSOD]

This is by far one of the best skiing learning videos I've came across. I've been snowboarding for 10+ years, and this year I've decided to switch completely to skiing. My first lessons were similar progression to this video! P.S. I started snowboarding and skiing on Jahorina Olympic Mountain where you took gold medal! You're a legend! All the best from Serbia. Vladimir

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Hello!!!! Thank you. Happy New year and all the best to you

[@austonjames1]

That was an awesome progression and a great day for Aaron. Congrats!

[@neilmeiskey5482]

Deb you are a fabulous communicator! Thank you for all your tips.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks!

[@hollygsphpr]

👏👏👏Deb, thank you this is so helpful for me to watch, I am at Aaron's level & skiing blue runs so this is perfect, am 65yrs, but strong & agile due to yoga teaching, trapeze,handstands the rest of the year, last season I just had to muddle thru with little or no instruction, but I progressed well, these videos are all I have so thank you

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Love it!!!

[@Lexiisxin]

Found the best ski learning videos from Deb, thank you soo much!

[@mustbescud]

Wow, I'm curious to see him on his 3rd or 5th day lol. I also want to say thank you. Your videos has helped me alot. I was able to enjoy my 2nd day of skiing 2 days ago. After every run, I would practice side slipping towards the end of the slope. Can't wait to go back again.

[@cswalker21]

Dang. I was skiing for ten years before I could do moguls. 😂 I needed a better teacher! 😭😭😭

[@citizenbirdtube]

I really like the 1 through 5 balance point visualization. Hogan getting it done! :-)

[@sheppy101]

What an interesting "experiment"! The first day's skiing for someone who knows snow, his body, flexing, etc, and what progress he makes! Some very interesting comments that he makes as well; especially the trailing upper leg being "left behind".

[@Studio42Brooklyn]

incredible! this goes to show how much body awareness can do when learning such complex skills!

[@brendanoconnell9620]

so interesting. thanks for posting. lots to think about in terms of the athlete and disposition and how they think and feel. Thanks again for a thoughtful video.

[@brendanoconnell9620]

and great way to just let him run with it and adjust after the fun!

[@brendanoconnell9620]

great job deb. I can think of a thousand things I'd say to him and so glad you didn't. So much to learn from you. Thanks.

[@newttella1043]

Cool to see and hear from someone that can articulate his progress and challenges. He would make a great coach, if he isn't already one in another sport.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

He is a conditioning coach among other things

[@sketchyAnalogies]

Deb: "and does that mean more ankle flexion" Me: "OHHHH I FINALLY GET IT" I've been trying to understand ankle flexion and bringing the inside foot closer to the body and really driving into turns better. All the other videos of yours helped, but that question connected all the dots. I'm excited to try this out next time I'm on the sloped

[@chrisrambos]

Great tips deb!!! Keep up the great work

[@dalefrazell3470]

Great job to both ! Guy is fearless. Tip: never let your hands go past your hips(throws off balance) and always be looking for softer snow on hard pack groomed trails (easier to maneuver)😉

[@rad7595]

Lucky to have Deb...first lesson holy cats!

[@Osnosis]

I always teach beginner skiers how to traverse and stop BEFORE I teach full turning. I avoid wedging as much as possible. It requires patience up front (first couple of hours) but pays off big time as turning starts (especially direct-to-parallel).

[@conorlinehan4434]

This guy…incredible to see what an athlete can understand in a couple hours. It took me half a season to feel comfortable sending something like high noon or one o clock loooool. Great discussion about the uphill edge and positioning. Having worked a lot on this, this recent season I can go through ungroomed blacks with moguls with confidence and control. Last season I was struggling between the transition of groomed to ungroomed transition last year! Cool stuff.

[@daver7013]

Aron was very impressive. My day one was more crash and burn. Good video. Thanks

[@philelainedang3498]

Loved this video! Would like like to see how Aaron progresses on his 2nd day

[@thomasdcompton]

Hi Deb, I don’t know if you will remember me but I am the cancer survivor and I told you that your videos motivate me. I wanted to give you a quick update. I haven’t bought my boots yet but I ran into a skier by the name of Mike Marat who is an examiner in a Tahoe area and a K2 athlete. He asked me if I would consider teaching at our local Renown sponsored kids program on the weekends. I have been looking for a way to mentor kids I feel that’s a big problem in our society today and it would be a perfect fit I told him yes. Call my best friend today told him to find a pair of 27.5 birds I could borrow and take me up skiing. Started interviewing for jobs today after being down for three years I’m ready to get back at it and thank you again for all your video contributions I will use a lot of your techniques as I teach PS can I send you a video of my first day back? Where can I send it if you are interested

[@stevejenkins845]

Brilliant video

[@ThijsGieb]

This is awesome! There is so much in this video and the combination of his abilities and your coaching is inspiring to see. I have a question: why would you have a beginner skier on all mountain skis, rather than carving skis? I would think that the edge hold of beginner carving skis would be more useful for learning to understand the concept of skiing.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

The skis she showed up on. I encouraged him to get on a different ski in the future

[@fsquared64]

Fun to watch the progression. Curious why you didn’t implement a little more focus on his hand position and pole touch.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Was what I covered in one day not enough?

[@cantona0823]

Hi Deb, I am a big fan of your videos and have been watching it for a couple years now. Long story short, I have about 16-18 days of skiing from 2016-2018, and then started back again this year ( I am in the southern hemisphere). Yesterday I unlocked a new senstation where i finally felt some edging and it was the best feeling ever. other times, I do however find that my skis wobble a little, is it beacuse I am on the back foot /not crunshing the front of the boots with my shin enough? WOuld love some pointers.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Hello, so glad you benefit from The videos. As for giving you pointers, that is tough to do without skiing with you. I’m sorry. Keep watching the videos. They will help. You mentioned crushing the front of the boot. Being balanced it critical so adjusting your balance more forward may help

[@MO-vr1jg]

Another skier coming coming over from the dark side -Exxxcellent !

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ha!

[@kellybeairsto6107]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong @user-wi2mk7fu5j. Little chuckle all in good fun. Said the same thing to my nearly first time skier guest the other day. He's snowboarded for years. Wants to ski with his ski buddies. Love the snowboarders out there. Loads of great fun people.

[@pstiley5135]

Debs I think a very small plough before his turn would build a much better turn for him and let the turn become more natural and not forced 👍

[@ChrisHinova1]

Unbelievable video wish I saw it 20 years ago when I started skiing!! How do we find an instructor that teaches your method ?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

not sure. glad you found my videos

[@ChrisHinova1]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong yeah someone dear to me is stuck in 2nd intermediate gear for a few years now and I'm at a loss how to get her to move up. She starts the turn well enough but them slides and scarves. Tried a few instructors but so far no luck. Thanks for posting these great videos

[@wanderer5200]

I think I get it now. Skiing is like, "Slip 'N Slide" downhill, standing up, and turning from side to side to control speed.

[@Premierskis]

I find the choice of his skis interesting as they look to have a fair amount of early rise in the tip. Do you feel that this helped his development, or do you think that having a slightly narrower ski with more traditional profile might have allowed him to feel more accurately the movement of the center of mass along the length of the ski? In my experience, students progress better using the latter. Would be interested in your thoughts.

[@mrsmartypants_1]

Interesting. On the other hand his skis allow him to smear the turns which is easier for most beginners progressing towards parallel.

[@nathanmschuh]

Thanks!

[@susankinstler7356]

When he is talking about being weaker on the left (early on in video8, he is making a better turn on his left.

[@kellyflood9135]

Where is this filmed? I am dying to go!!!!

[@karlk9316]

11:35 Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.

[@normalizedaudio2481]

That pressure management is what I am working on.80:20 60:40

[@sucapizda]

He Deb, can I go from the wedge to side slip right to being a millionaire???? Can I use this formula to be like Tom Celleck???? Valid questions over here!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Good questions

[@bridgetbarnhart9272]

Amazing to see what’s possible in a day! Especially if you are a cyclist which sets you up for all good things in life 😉

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Love it😉

[@rad7595]

Dude's a natural

[@whatsupkidshikewashington2297]

He did such a great job! Meanwhile, I'm on my third season and still trying to figure things out 🥴! So not fair ! Lol

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Keep at it👍👍💪💪

[@mrredithhall7115]

Possibly explore? Alignment in left boot 8:54

[@GuySchlacter]

At that rate of improvement, I think you found a 2026 Olympian.

[@ja-kaz]

Hi Deb. Love the videos. Do you still live in Steamboat or all your videos in Taos?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Both😉

[@kellybeairsto6107]

Love all your videos as always!! Great example of back and forth communication with your student and incorporating knowledge and experience. Love the emphasis on skidded turns among other things. I have a question about your comment on the spine relative to athletic stance. I used to teach people to 'round their spine' with the analogy of the gentle punch. For several years now, I have heard from our PSIA trainer's, and adjusted my instruction, to instead keep the spine's skeletal alignment* and 'hinge at the hips'. *cervical bent posterior, thoracic bent anterior, lumbar bent posterior. Can you please clarify Deb? @DebArmstrongSkiStrong

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I don’t use big words so not following, sorry. Tired after skiing pow all day. Not to be a smarty pants, I’m serious. Not following. I guess I stand by my “punch” idea😉. I genuinely try not to use jargon or anatomical words that may be difficult for the m

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Sorry, sent to soon. I think you get my point

[@kellybeairsto6107]

Thanks for responding Deb. I don't use these terms with my guests either. Was wondering about the rounding of the spine. Thanks. Glad you got some Pow pow! ❄❤

[@kellybeairsto6107]

Whoops. I have been watching far ro many physical therapy videos with my recovery. Hahaha. 🤣 I used the wrong terminology. I said both backwards. Ok, here's a quote 'A normal vertebral column creates a graceful, double-S curve when viewed from the side of the body. The cervical vertebrae gently curve inward, while the thoracic spine curves gently outward, followed by the lumbar spine, which curves inward again. This structure gives the spinal column great strength and shock-absorbing qualities.' Love the word graceful there. Sorry for my 'wordiness' live your videos @debarmstrongskistrong

[@slum0523]

Debbie; Are you skiing and providing instructions with Aaron Shaw at Steamboat?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

This video is in steamboat

[@gilepoint]

Greetings from Jahorina for everyone, especially for Deb :)

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Greetings. Thank you. Sending love back to Jahorina❤❤

[@大宋农民]

Is it Aspen?

[@brucebowles2020]

Pretty sure Steamboat ...

[@wozboat]

Been on the hill 5 times now and nowhere near that guy. Crashed last time out because of a steep hill and exhaustion. just couldn't make a turn.

[@nickjsky1]

Deb's conditioning coach Aaron: "OK, I'm ready for my ski lesson." Deb: "Ah HA!" Aaron: "Ah...What?" Deb: "Ah HA!" Aaron: "I don't know wh..." Deb: "For too long you have tormented me with twisted, sadistic exercises!" Aaron: "Yes, but you..." Deb: "Well now the tables have turned! I am in command now! I will make you ski down deadly bone-shattering moguls. I will make you do embarrassing things like skiing with your hands on you head. All the other skiers will laugh at you! My revenge will be complete! Now dance, puppet, dance!"

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ha!

[@thayerboo]

What mountain is this? Taos?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Steamboat

[@thayerboo]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong thank you. Learning a lot from your videos. 🦋

[@donaldfiesta8666]

That's what I've been trying to say.

[@anthonyandruzzi827]

I thought this guy shrunk at 10:08

[@haileykoger12890]

How does one get a lesson with Deb?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

At the Taos Ski Valley SkiStrong program

[@MikeReimers]

This guy skis better then I do after 3 days, in 2 hours... smh

[@MorganBrown]

Jeez he’s hardly in the backseat after an hour!

[@conorlinehan4434]

Also, he just needs to spend an hour or so with some thought into separating his upper body, which is positioned already pretty open and down hill and get taught some pole planting and “blending” that all together and he will be absolutely charging for only two days on skis!!! Unbelievable

[@nicklevitt6395]

If i win the lottery Im booking you for a month X

[@scarface548]

this video is depressing , he skiis better than me and ive skied a lot more 😅

[@MorganBrown]

12:05 wish I was skiing Closets right now instead of watching KZbin. Sigh

[@tamcaj]

BRAVO !

[@anatoli28]

I think he needs a diferent ski

[@wavewaker2]

That’s not a beginner

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

❤❤❤ I can vouch for him😉 sorry I don't have his gliding wedge on film!!!!

[@karlk9316]

A true beginner skier with decades of athletic efforts in challenging two wheel sports and some time snowboarding. Deb Armstrong effectively coaches to a student's past experiences and the movements with which they are familiar.

[@dchingy]

thats not a normal first time skier

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

True 😉

[@462Raram]

Thanks!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you for supporting the channel Rene!!🙏🙏