MSRT Training Clinic at Steamboat

[Papasteeze]

Lets keep this topic civil. If you do not have anything nice to say or ask in a civil way then please keep your comments to yourself.

 

This is an opportunity to get an inside line on what the actual event might look like. I have first hand eyewitness information, verification and insight on the benefits. The clinic is pricey but I feel it is worth it for this event if you are planning on going to Steamboat at the end of March to compete in the Nastar Nationals.

 

I just wanted to let you guys be the first

to know that we're holding another clinic

for the Nastar Nationals in Steamboat

in March.

 

If you haven't been to Steamboat Springs

before, I can tell you that it's very cowboy

boot, and the city itself owns a ski hill

right in town called Howelson Hill. This

place is virtually right across the street

from Steamboat (Mt. Werner, "the resort"),

and it will be the venue for our clinic on

March 22nd and 23rd.

http://www.ci.steamboat.co.us/recreation/h...eo/howlesen.htm

 

The cost will be the same as last year,

$140 per day including lift ticket. And as

we won't have to ride a bus or ride a lift

that is ten times farther up the hill than

the race course, we're sure this year's

clinic will be even more productive than

last year's. Warren Wilkinson and Jeff

Sadis will be joining us again, as well

as Rick Schnellman who became a coach

with us this summer.

 

If you haven't seen our new website, please

check it out-- especially the "CLINIC" page

for the photos of last year's Snowbasin clinic.

www.modernskiracing.com

[Ski]

Rob, they may want to reword that, since it makes it sound that they are holding the clinic on Howlesen Hill (it's spelled wrong in that cut and paste).

 

Howlesen Hill makes Big Boulder seem like a megaresort, except for the ski jump area, which is pretty cool.

 

Just wanted to offer a heads up.

.

[Papasteeze]

Rob, they may want to reword that, since it makes it sound that they are holding the clinic on Howlesen Hill (it's spelled wrong in that cut and paste).

 

Howlesen Hill makes Big Boulder seem like a megaresort, except for the ski jump area, which is pretty cool.

 

Just wanted to offer a heads up.

.

 

Yeah It does say it is at Howlesen. Thats good, (for us) I have taken my kids to Steamboat 3 times and every time I have mentioned about doing the "been there done that" at Howlesen so now we kind of have an excuse to go there and do that plus Warren Wilkinson is the same guy who set the gates on Ridges course last year. He sets a difficult course. Ridge takes a lot of pride that even AJ Kitt wiped out on the same gate he did on his first run too!

[skidude]

Yeah It does say it is at Howlesen. Thats good, (for us) I have taken my kids to Steamboat 3 times and every time I have mentioned about doing the "been there done that" at Howlesen so now we kind of have an excuse to go there and do that plus Warren Wilkinson is the same guy who set the gates on Ridges course last year. He sets a difficult course. Ridge takes a lot of pride that even AJ Kitt wiped out on the same gate he did on his first run too!

 

Warren set a good training course (for Nastar) last year. He was also setting the course I was going to ski on the next day. Kinda stunk that when he was setting the course at PC (race day) he wasn't allowed to set it the way he wanted (the way the training course was set). Nastar officals told him where to put all the gates, and basicly took all the freedom (and fun) away. But what can ya do?

[Papasteeze]

The MSRT Team - (Dranows) My buddy as some have said, got invites to watch Schlopy train at PC on a course set by Warren Wilkinson. I think that says a lot about the validity of race training clinic offered by these guys. If you interested in viewing some great pictures, then visit this thread on the Nastar Forum!

 

http://www.nastar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=7818#7818

 

[Ski]

Ha, Dranow was invited to watch Schlopy train. Everybody else at Park City had to wear a bag over their head or just turn away?

 

If Schlopy signs my skis will they go faster?

[Papasteeze]

Ha, Dranow was invited to watch Schlopy train. Everybody else at Park City had to wear a bag over their head or just turn away?

 

If Schlopy signs my skis will they go faster?

 

The Course was closed not open to the public. Read the thread, or can't you view that site? Warren Wilkinson set the course for Schlopy at PC. Warren is the same gatesetter/coach that will be with the MSRT clinic in Steamboat end of March. I think that is as close as you can get to the real deal.

 

As far as signatures on skis, If you think and believe that it will help then it probably will make you go faster. Sports are full of superstitions, you know that!! Who is the female racer that is trying to find the guy that she coincidently rode with on a lift twice on the times she won.. Well - she is looking for that guy to ride on the lift with her before every race.

[Ski]

The Course was closed not open to the public.

 

I didn't suggest the course was open to the public...why would a practice course have been open to the public? I said it was funny that Dranow tries to glob onto everyone by saying he was invited to watch. Everyone at PC could watch. You just have to ski up to the side of the course.

 

How have Dranow's Masters results been with the waist steering method?

[sibhusky]

God, can we shut this topic down BEFORE they go back at it?

[Papasteeze]

How have Dranow's Masters results been with the waist steering method?

 

About as good as they have been with the US SKI team - excellent I would assume.

[Ski]

Dranow told you he was on the US Ski Team? Yeah, I can see him telling people that.

[sibhusky]

Dranow told you he was on the US Ski Team? Yeah, I can see him telling people that.

 

I am sure this is Papa referring to USSA points. Which I couldn't find by the way, there's references to NASTAR and FIS, but Masters racing doesn't seem to have a point system.

[Papasteeze]

here is a video clip of Schlopy's runs

 

http://www.modernskiracing.com/Schlope_flats_slomo.wmv

[Ski]

I am sure this is Papa referring to USSA points. Which I couldn't find by the way, there's references to NASTAR and FIS, but Masters racing doesn't seem to have a point system.

 

Never mind, I found it. Dranow fell down again. IMD needs to update a little better.

[sibhusky]

Never mind, I found it. Dranow fell down again. IMD needs to update a little better.

Speaking from personal experience, it's probably the ski area didn't pass the info to the divisional webmaster.

[Papasteeze]

This thread was dedicated to letting everyone know of the best prepatory clinic prior to the Nastar Nationals available in Steamboat. I don't think it matters how or where or what Gary Dranow races in, nor does it matter how Gus races or where or even if.... It matters more how they coach. Gary is a Nastar fanantic/expert and has some talented support with the likes of a coach and gate setter like Warren Wilkinson, as evidenced by his setting of a course for Schlopy.

 

Let me repeat on how I started this thread:

 

Lets keep this topic civil. If you do not have anything nice to say or ask in a civil way then please keep your comments to yourself.

 

This is an opportunity to get an inside line on what the actual event might look like. I have first hand eyewitness information, verification and insight on the benefits. The clinic is pricey but I feel it is worth it for this event if you are planning on going to Steamboat at the end of March to compete in the Nastar Nationals.

[Ski]

This is an opportunity to get an inside line on what the actual event might look like. I have first hand eyewitness information, verification and insight on the benefits. The clinic is pricey but I feel it is worth it for this event if you are planning on going to Steamboat at the end of March to compete in the Nastar Nationals.

 

Rob, after carefully studying every aspect of "waist-steering" I would be remiss if I didn't give my opinion that just about everyone on this MB would benefit more from a half-day private lesson at their local mountain.

 

Consider that race camps geared toward budding racers of all ages will first split you into ability groups. Lower and mid-level racers are taught the basics of the carved turn. There's no special race secret magic.

 

There are plenty of East Coast camps taught by actual former World Cup racers.

 

Look at it this way, Rob: I'm not trashing MSRT, but promoting your local PSIA instructors and USSA coaches.

 

But I would want to warn any parents sending thier kids to MSRT camps that Gary Dranow has made threats of violence against me and threats of sexual assault against my wife for disagreeing with his program. I'll be happy to forward his emails at your request---the same one's that the Park City PD were forwarded.

 

And, Rob, I can tell you why everyone here---including me---would benefit more from Mountain Creek's adult race program over the MSRT camp. Can you give us ONE example of what a recreational racer would learn at MSRT they wouldn't at MC?

[skimom]

Pops, having had personal experience in the MSRT clinic, I don't agree. MSRT aggressively recruited me to their training program promising that it was suitable for racers at all levels. Of the three recreational Mums who attended, the knee-deep powder, black diamond expedition to find the race course precipitated acute mountain sickness in one, and another had to be escorted down by patrol because the conditions in the bowls proved too much for her. Granted, I was proud to be the Mum to make it to the start gate, but burning out my quads the day before the NASTAR Nationals was the last thing I wanted. Second run we got lost again, and had to do the same thing over. Then, instead of MSRT training, it deteriorated into a testosterone rodeo to see who could wipe-out most dramatically. I learned nothing about MSRT that day. It chipped away my confidence and and wore out my quads.

 

That MSRT was not suitable for recreational level racers, and it was the coaches responsibility to know how to find the race course. The 'dude got something out of the clinic, as did other expert-level racers, but it was from Warren Wilkinson, who was an awesome coach for expert racers trying to peel off a few more microseconds. But, no one made an effort to teach the recreational group anything that day. I liked MSRT Liz and the Tai Chai fellow, and might recommend a MSRT clinic, but not to recreational-level racers if there was an important race the next day.

 

Do I smell another locked topic?

Edited February 1, 2006 by skimom

[Papasteeze]

I smell another locked topic.

 

Your point is a good one - except they couldn't control the 2 foot powder dump!! Powder can make your quads burn quickly if you aren't used to it, no doubt.. I too had a wild ride and actually got dizzy from whiteout conditions with vertigo.. Lost my balance and got swallowed by a 4 foot drift on headwall. As far as altitude sickness, that happens when people are in high elevations like Utah Ridge got a first hand look at the type of gates set. That was invaluable. I too think that MSRT is hard for a "recreational Skier" to grasp. However at that point last year, the concept was something to think about and work on and it still is. I think you have to be serious about racing to take a clinic before a race. That would put you in the category of competitive..

 

The ironic part about ski999's last post is that I watched it unfold on the Nastar Forum where he was accusing this person of this and that person of that.. He hurled the first rocks by accusing the members on that message board of having something to do with a change in a pace set that changed his kids medal status. For someone who speaks about Nastar the way the do. It is extremely ironic that he puts such a huge emphasis on a trinket.... It is ashame that the guy has and maintains such a chip on his shoulder over something he brought upon himself. Just my opinion based on what I saw.

 

 

God, can we shut this topic down BEFORE they go back at it?

 

It's funny how I can start this thread the way I did and it just gets ignored.. Go back at it?

 

 

And, Rob, I can tell you why everyone here---including me---would benefit more from Mountain Creek's adult race program over the MSRT camp. Can you give us ONE example of what a recreational racer would learn at MSRT they wouldn't at MC?

 

Already did that - read my first paragraph of this thread - actually read the bolded font.

 

Ski999-Does not read or follow directions well. - Now go to your room and sit this race out.

[skimom]

They couldn't control the powder, but there were groomed trails for most of the way to the racecourse. Since they went out of their way to encourage recreational skiers, it was their responsibility to konw how to get those skiers to the start without burning them out. Altitude sickness is related to altitude, but physical stress can be a precipitating factor.

 

I don't have an opinion on whether MSRT can be useful for competitive, recreational racers under some circumstances. But, they largely disregarded the recreational group during the previous preNASTAR clinic so I wouldn't do it again.

 

Lets keep this topic civil. If you do not have anything nice to say or ask in a civil way then please keep your comments to yourself.

 

Pops, when you preface your message with something like this, you must have some awareness that what you are writing will strike readers as inflammatory.

[Papasteeze]

Pops, when you preface your message with something like this, you must have some awareness that what you are writing will strike readers as inflammatory.

 

Ah yep.... I really hoped that certain member(s) - (I think there is only one) could put their personal differences with the leader of this clinic aside. I was wrong for giving the benefit of a doubt.

[Ski]

 

Already did that - read my first paragraph of this thread - actually read the bolded font.

 

Ski999-Does not read or follow directions well. - Now go to your room and sit this race out.

 

"This is an opportunity to get an inside line on what the actual event might look like. I have first hand eyewitness information, verification and insight on the benefits. The clinic is pricey but I feel it is worth it for this event if you are planning on going to Steamboat at the end of March to compete in the Nastar Nationals."

 

That's the benefit of MSRT? Are you kidding? It's not even being held at the same mountain as Nationals! It's being held at a bunny slope in town.

 

Rob, all goofy flames aside, can you just give us ONE benefit that a recreational racer will come away with from the MSRT clinic that he/she won't get from a clinic/lesson around here?

 

Just one.

 

 

 

Ah yep.... I really hoped that certain member(s) - (I think there is only one) could put their personal differences with the leader of this clinic aside. I was wrong for giving the benefit of a doubt.

 

Well, the owners of the clinic claimed to have had sexual relations with my family members. Why shouldn't I mention that? They said it publicly. Liz even POSTED it on PASR. Gary wrote it in endless emails to me. Now you want to promote them here? Okay, it's not my MB. Promote away...get whatever discounts you can for people you "know".

 

I'm really interested in what benefit our MB members will get, though, for this huge fee.

[Papasteeze]

Just one.

 

Yeah, here is one, they told me that if I could get you to say something positive that I could do all the race clinics for free, forever.

 

OK - I agree with you - the MSRT has absolutely nothing positive to offer and there is no benefit to attending a clinic prior to the National race and these guys only do this to make money off of unsuspecting tourists. I agree that the only way to improve ones racing skills is to follow your every suggestion and never waver to anything else, because you are the best and no one knows more about race training than you do.

 

Are you happy now?

[Ski]

I agree that the only way to improve ones racing skills is to follow your every suggestion and never waver to anything else, because you are the best and no one knows more about race training than you do.

 

Don't be afraid to take a lesson, even if you've been skiing for 30 years. Don't be afraid to ask for an instructor with a race background. Sign up for an adult race league, whether it's instructional or racing. Take advantage of the very affordable local options before plunking down thousands of dollars for something you don't need.

 

Being a ski racer is easy: you just go ski race. If you don't act like a complete dope, there are dozens of fellow racers that love giving tips during race day. The best way to race is a little like learning a new language: submersion. Show up and do it. Nobody makes fun of Jeff for not having a speed suit...especially after he beats most of them. Racing really isn't about egos and acting like cowboys...it's about friendships and competing together.

 

It's just common sense, really.

[Papasteeze]

Don't be afraid to take a lesson, even if you've been skiing for 30 years. Don't be afraid to ask for an instructor with a race background. Sign up for an adult race league, whether it's instructional or racing. Take advantage of the very affordable local options before plunking down thousands of dollars for something you don't need.

 

Being a ski racer is easy: you just go ski race. If you don't act like a complete dope, there are dozens of fellow racers that love giving tips during race day. The best way to race is a little like learning a new language: submersion. Show up and do it. Nobody makes fun of Jeff for not having a speed suit...especially after he beats most of them. Racing really isn't about egos and acting like cowboys...it's about friendships and competing together.

 

It's just common sense, really.

 

WOW!!! either you really are a human or your meds must have just kicked in... C'mon you didn't write that... not in this thread anyway?

 

So you know, I race, but only under duress I personally don't have any interest in racing, but I will if goaded into it.

 

I don't get the thousands of dollars part? The clinic that starts this thread is $140.00 not a big deal for a days training on a private course, lift ticket, new friends with a common interest, lunch and a ton of swag.

Edited February 1, 2006 by Papasteeze