News
Patch Ski Club
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
We do more than just ski!
| Home | News | About Us | Calendar | Contact Us | Photo Album | Trips | TC Info |
| Off-Piste* Patch Ski Club Newsletter www.patchskiclub.com |
*Means "Off Trail". Piste: French, from Middle French, from Old Italian pista, from pistare to
trample down, pound. Trail; especially a downhill ski trail.
trample down, pound. Trail; especially a downhill ski trail.
President’s Corner
by Roger Carpenter, President
A warm welcome to all Patch Ski Club (PSC) members,
I know that I”m looking forward to the 2007-2008 ski season! The snow
conditions were difficult at times last year, but I feel very optimistic that some terrific
skiing is just ahead this season for the Patch Ski Club. In the next 10 months we
have over 20 trips planned for your enjoyment. The trips cover skiing, biking,
golfing, and river rafting adventures at some of Europe’s favorite locations.
The PSC Board of Directors and I are working hard to make 2007-2008 season the
best ever!. But we can not do it by ourselves; we need your volunteer help at the
meetings and with the trips. Please volunteer to help make your club a success.
by Roger Carpenter, President
A warm welcome to all Patch Ski Club (PSC) members,
I know that I”m looking forward to the 2007-2008 ski season! The snow
conditions were difficult at times last year, but I feel very optimistic that some terrific
skiing is just ahead this season for the Patch Ski Club. In the next 10 months we
have over 20 trips planned for your enjoyment. The trips cover skiing, biking,
golfing, and river rafting adventures at some of Europe’s favorite locations.
The PSC Board of Directors and I are working hard to make 2007-2008 season the
best ever!. But we can not do it by ourselves; we need your volunteer help at the
meetings and with the trips. Please volunteer to help make your club a success.
Lack of Snow? PSC Must Still Go!
by Whit Taylor, Past Vice President
No doubt, most of you know that ski resorts in the Alps suffered a severe snow deficit after the
warmest autumn (2006) on record. In fact, at least three World Cup events were canceled in
Europe and the International Ski Federation canceled races in France, Austria, Switzerland,
Norway and Italy because of the snow shortage. This frustrating situation was compounded by
our knowing that many U.S. resorts are experiencing their heaviest snowfalls since 1916!
Last year's ski season disappointment started with the PSC trip to Sölden, Austria in October
when a scheduled ski test event was postponed for lack of snow. Even though the members
who signed up were not greeted with the best of circumstances for their planned weekend, the
PSC and the assigned trip captain made additional efforts to try to deliver a positive
experience. Creative options for both on- and off-the-snow activities were developed that
helped to make the trip worthwhile (see related article on Sölden in this newsletter).
Disappointing conditions also greeted those of us who traveled to Zermatt for Thanksgiving '06,
due to high winds that limited lift operations and visibility as well as a lack of snow.
Because the PSC must make irrevocable financial commitments well in advance of most
scheduled trips, there is little leeway to cancel them when weather conditions don’t
cooperate. Prudent measures are taken by the PSC each year to schedule early-season trips to
areas where there is the greatest likelihood of finding snow (e.g., glacier skiing) and also of
having alternative activities should unusual climatic conditions occur—like they are this year
in Europe. For those who are signing up for this year's trips, we can only hope that the surplus
snow will be in the Alps this year!
by Whit Taylor, Past Vice President
No doubt, most of you know that ski resorts in the Alps suffered a severe snow deficit after the
warmest autumn (2006) on record. In fact, at least three World Cup events were canceled in
Europe and the International Ski Federation canceled races in France, Austria, Switzerland,
Norway and Italy because of the snow shortage. This frustrating situation was compounded by
our knowing that many U.S. resorts are experiencing their heaviest snowfalls since 1916!
Last year's ski season disappointment started with the PSC trip to Sölden, Austria in October
when a scheduled ski test event was postponed for lack of snow. Even though the members
who signed up were not greeted with the best of circumstances for their planned weekend, the
PSC and the assigned trip captain made additional efforts to try to deliver a positive
experience. Creative options for both on- and off-the-snow activities were developed that
helped to make the trip worthwhile (see related article on Sölden in this newsletter).
Disappointing conditions also greeted those of us who traveled to Zermatt for Thanksgiving '06,
due to high winds that limited lift operations and visibility as well as a lack of snow.
Because the PSC must make irrevocable financial commitments well in advance of most
scheduled trips, there is little leeway to cancel them when weather conditions don’t
cooperate. Prudent measures are taken by the PSC each year to schedule early-season trips to
areas where there is the greatest likelihood of finding snow (e.g., glacier skiing) and also of
having alternative activities should unusual climatic conditions occur—like they are this year
in Europe. For those who are signing up for this year's trips, we can only hope that the surplus
snow will be in the Alps this year!
Sölden, Austria: Squeezing Lemonade from
Lemons
by Arlyn Wood, Member at Large
For the past 15 years, equipment manufacturers have helped launch the winter sports season
with a demonstration of new gear at the Sölden resort in Austria. Last October, something
different happened. Warm weather opened large fissures in the crystal blue glacier, and a
significant melt-off produced poor skiing conditions. The result: the glacier was closed and
most manufacturers canceled their demonstrations and ended the opportunity for skiers to test
their gear. But that did not stop the Patch Ski Club! Knowing that we were financially
committed and could have fun regardless, we ventured forward.
As a backup plan, we arranged to see the annual “cow parade” in the town of Mayrhofen and
the fair that goes with it. That was not the only nonskiing activity the area offered. There are
three large mineral spring baths at the Aqua Dome spa in Langenfeld, near Sölden. It also
has a water park, ground-level indoor pools with all sorts of special features, and wet and dry
saunas.
But we were able to ski for two days when a small amount of fresh powder came overnight!
The snow was good and we were able to test some of the equipment from the Élan ski
company. This definitely got us all excited for the upcoming season!
In short, even when skiing conditions aren’t so great, PSC looks for the silver lining in every
trip—even in cloudless skies!!
Lemons
by Arlyn Wood, Member at Large
For the past 15 years, equipment manufacturers have helped launch the winter sports season
with a demonstration of new gear at the Sölden resort in Austria. Last October, something
different happened. Warm weather opened large fissures in the crystal blue glacier, and a
significant melt-off produced poor skiing conditions. The result: the glacier was closed and
most manufacturers canceled their demonstrations and ended the opportunity for skiers to test
their gear. But that did not stop the Patch Ski Club! Knowing that we were financially
committed and could have fun regardless, we ventured forward.
As a backup plan, we arranged to see the annual “cow parade” in the town of Mayrhofen and
the fair that goes with it. That was not the only nonskiing activity the area offered. There are
three large mineral spring baths at the Aqua Dome spa in Langenfeld, near Sölden. It also
has a water park, ground-level indoor pools with all sorts of special features, and wet and dry
saunas.
But we were able to ski for two days when a small amount of fresh powder came overnight!
The snow was good and we were able to test some of the equipment from the Élan ski
company. This definitely got us all excited for the upcoming season!
In short, even when skiing conditions aren’t so great, PSC looks for the silver lining in every
trip—even in cloudless skies!!
Injury and Transport Insurance
Considerations
by Terry Petze, Member at Large
Perspective. In the U.S., we expect the ski area to provide medical attention on the slopes
and to evacuate us from the slopes when it becomes necessary. This coverage is included in
our lift tickets. In Europe, this is not the case. European ski patrollers are professionals who
patrol as a life-long job. They earn a living by treating patients and transporting them off the
mountain. It’s their system and that’s reality for us.
What Are You Charged For? You pay for the treatment on the hill, transportation off the hill,
and treatment in the aid room or clinic. If you have proof of insurance, some ski areas will
directly bill the insurer, but these are few and far between. In most cases, you must make up-
front payments and file claims for reimbursement from TRICARE, etc. If you have insurance
and are transported to a hospital for more extensive treatment, your insurance pays these bills
up to the allowable limit.
How Much Does Treatment and Transportation Cost? Typically, treatment on the slopes and
sled transportation off the slopes is in the area of a few hundred Euros. However, if you are
transported in a helicopter, the cost usually starts around Euro 400. Local clinic visits add
significantly more Euros to the total cost. Visa cards are generally acceptable forms of
payment, so you don’t have to carry a lot of cash.
Why Do I Need Extra Insurance? You probably don’t, particularly if you are on active duty.
However, ski insurance is what the European ski and medical industries understand and
expect; i.e., you turn in your bills to your insurer and that’s it. And, if you’ve been hospitalized,
your insurer will cover that directly. No forms, no waiting. For some, the convenience is worth
the modest cost of private insurance.
Where Do I Get It? There are several sources of insurance. ADAC, available at
Breuningerland, offers a policy, although their coverage levels have changed in recent years.
DSV, available at Sport & Ski Laich in Vaihingen, is another source and the coverage is more
extensive (especially for DSV Classic Plus). DSV also includes coverage for your ski
equipment against theft and breakage. Check the PSC website for a translation of the DSV
alternatives.
Questions? Ask Terry Petze at one of our membership meetings or send him an email at
terrypetze@t-online.de. Or ask Thomas Laich at Sport & Ski Laich to explain the different
levels of coverage and their costs.
uipment is expensive. While theft of equipment doesn’t appear to be common, it can
happen. More likely, you may break your equipment while practicing that beautiful 360 on
your skis or snowboard. In any case, before the season starts, you may want to review your
personal property policy to see what if it covers your equipment. If it doesn’t, and you want
your equipment covered, there are local companies such as the Sporthaus Ski Laich in
Vaihingen that offer equipment insurance.
Considerations
by Terry Petze, Member at Large
Perspective. In the U.S., we expect the ski area to provide medical attention on the slopes
and to evacuate us from the slopes when it becomes necessary. This coverage is included in
our lift tickets. In Europe, this is not the case. European ski patrollers are professionals who
patrol as a life-long job. They earn a living by treating patients and transporting them off the
mountain. It’s their system and that’s reality for us.
What Are You Charged For? You pay for the treatment on the hill, transportation off the hill,
and treatment in the aid room or clinic. If you have proof of insurance, some ski areas will
directly bill the insurer, but these are few and far between. In most cases, you must make up-
front payments and file claims for reimbursement from TRICARE, etc. If you have insurance
and are transported to a hospital for more extensive treatment, your insurance pays these bills
up to the allowable limit.
How Much Does Treatment and Transportation Cost? Typically, treatment on the slopes and
sled transportation off the slopes is in the area of a few hundred Euros. However, if you are
transported in a helicopter, the cost usually starts around Euro 400. Local clinic visits add
significantly more Euros to the total cost. Visa cards are generally acceptable forms of
payment, so you don’t have to carry a lot of cash.
Why Do I Need Extra Insurance? You probably don’t, particularly if you are on active duty.
However, ski insurance is what the European ski and medical industries understand and
expect; i.e., you turn in your bills to your insurer and that’s it. And, if you’ve been hospitalized,
your insurer will cover that directly. No forms, no waiting. For some, the convenience is worth
the modest cost of private insurance.
Where Do I Get It? There are several sources of insurance. ADAC, available at
Breuningerland, offers a policy, although their coverage levels have changed in recent years.
DSV, available at Sport & Ski Laich in Vaihingen, is another source and the coverage is more
extensive (especially for DSV Classic Plus). DSV also includes coverage for your ski
equipment against theft and breakage. Check the PSC website for a translation of the DSV
alternatives.
Questions? Ask Terry Petze at one of our membership meetings or send him an email at
terrypetze@t-online.de. Or ask Thomas Laich at Sport & Ski Laich to explain the different
levels of coverage and their costs.
uipment is expensive. While theft of equipment doesn’t appear to be common, it can
happen. More likely, you may break your equipment while practicing that beautiful 360 on
your skis or snowboard. In any case, before the season starts, you may want to review your
personal property policy to see what if it covers your equipment. If it doesn’t, and you want
your equipment covered, there are local companies such as the Sporthaus Ski Laich in
Vaihingen that offer equipment insurance.
|
|
Jan 2007
Are You Physically Prepared for the Slopes
this Season?
by Marty Smith, PSC Member
It is that time of year when the Patch Sports Medicine Clinic typically gets busy with ski-
related injuries. Statistics show that fatigue is one of the biggest factors in ski injury risks. How
often have you heard that someone crashed or was hurt on their “last run of the day”? (I’m a
member of that club by the way!) So don’t only get your skis tuned up for this winter’s outdoor
fun – get your body tuned up as well! Downhill skiing demands more from your body –
BALANCE, ENDURANCE, EXPLOSIVE STRENGTH – than almost any other activity.
Plan ahead this year and ski with strength and confidence. You can find a useful physical
training schedule on the Patch Ski Club website. If you stick with this schedule for three times
a week for at least four weeks, you will be better prepared for hitting the slopes in great shape!
This training will increase your balance and core strength, as well as flexibility and aerobic
fitness. You’ll build the leg and core strength to muscle though that mogul field, along with
the balance required to keep you fast and stable on those skis or snowboard. If you are really
pressed for time, a condensed training schedule can be obtained from the Men’s Journal
website at: Downhill Skiing Exercises.
Avoiding injury
Probably the most important factor in preventing injury is taking part in a conditioning
program. The training must focus on building muscular endurance to help avoid fatigue and
maintain technique throughout the day's skiing. In addition, if the exercise program can
promote co-ordination of joint movements and balance that are functionally related to skiing,
then your skiing performance will also go to the next level.
Key Points
* Strengthen leg muscles to protect and aid your knees.
* Get your heart and lungs ready for the challenge of high altitude skiing with good cardio-
vascular training.
* Make sure core strengthening exercises are part of your skiing workout.
* Stretch, stretch, and stretch – this will help prevent those muscle sprains!
Cardiovascular Conditioning
Your day(s) on the slopes will be much more fun if your cardiovascular system can handle the
increased load of skiing at high altitude. If you haven’t been getting your heart rate up to at
least 50% of your maximum heart rate for 30 minutes, three times a week, it’s time to start.
You’ll be able to ski more runs, rest less frequently, feel better, and keep your form from
deteriorating if your cardiovascular system is tuned up.
Any kind of “cardio” training will suffice, as long as it results in raising your heart rate and
breathing to an elevated but relatively comfortable level (still able to carry on a
conversation). A good way to start a basic program for cardio fitness is to do 3-4 cardio
sessions per week, alternating between running, biking, and the elliptical trainer in the gym.
Try to increase the total length of this cardio training each week, but limit the increase to 10%
per week, especially if most of your workouts are running. After three weeks of cardio training,
try to incorporate 2-3 sets of higher intensity cardio load (70-80 % of your max heart rate)
during your workout for about 3 minutes, with a 3-minute rest at the lower zone.
Core Strength
A strong core (shoulders, back, abdominals, and hips) will help you to keep your technique
and balance throughout a long skiing day (or week) and thus prevent injuries by avoiding falls.
Core training should be done 2 – 3 times a week.
Strength Training
Strength training is also very important for skiers and snowboarders. Strength training is the
best way to ensure that your muscles will not fatigue or become strained. Muscle fatigue in
the afternoon can lead to sloppy technique and increased likelihood of falling. Try to do
strength exercises 2 – 3 times per week. Use weights that challenge you on the last few reps,
and do them with perfect form. Strength training becomes even more important for persons
over the age of 40, because muscle strength will naturally start to erode unless strength
training is part of your exercise routine.
Flexibility
Stretching is best done after a cardio workout, when your muscles are warmed up. Focus on
those muscles that are relatively tight, and stretch for about 30 seconds at a time, never to the
point of pain. Don’t “bounce” when you stretch! Stretching will help your muscles regenerate
quicker, and will help prevent muscle and ligament strains.
Warming Up on the Slopes
Most of us will start skiing without adequately warming up in the morning, which can lead to
an early end to the day by pulling a muscle. It’s always a good idea to do the first couple of
runs down a “easier” run, at slower speeds, until your muscles and core are warmed up. Then
try to do some gentle stretches for your quads, hamstrings, and hip flexors, either with or
without your skis on. And this becomes more important for us older folks!
Nutrition and Hydration on the Slopes
Always eat a healthy breakfast, with some quality carbohydrates and protein to help you get off
to a good start. For lunch, pasta and other complex carbohydrates are always a good choice,
along with some fruit and a little lean meat. Avoid excessive alcohol on the mountain!
Alcohol will not only help to dehydrate you, but will of course affect your coordination and
judgment, especially near the end of the day when you are tired. Make sure you keep
hydrated by taking in adequate fluids. High altitude is much less humid, which will help to
get you dehydrated. If you become dehydrated, this can lead to premature muscle fatigue
and in more drastic cases, adversely affect your coordination and judgment. If skiing
moderately hard, you should take in at least 20-24 oz of fluid every hour to keep your body
adequately hydrated. A camelback is a good idea, or take a Gatorade bottle in your backpack
for sipping on the lift.
After Skiing
While it’s tempting to spend an hour or two in that Jacuzzi with your best friends, sipping on a
brewski or glass of wine, excessive “spa” time will only lead to more dehydration, which is the
worst thing you can do to prevent sore muscles the next day. After a long day on the slopes,
try to get in some quality nutrition (1:4 protein to carb ratio) right away to refuel your muscles,
take in some water, and do some gentle stretching. If you must jump in that hot water, don’t
overdo it – 15 minutes is normally the max time for that sauna or hot tub. To prevent sore
muscles the next day, that cold-water plunge in the spa is a great idea, especially for your legs
and feet. This will increase the circulation to your muscles and help them recover faster. And
get some quality sleep! If you don’t, you’re only going to increase the chance of a skiing
injury the next day. During a week-long ski trip, be especially careful on the third day, when
your muscles may really start to tire… it may be a good time to give your body a half-day rest
by doing some sightseeing, hiking, or even some light cross-country skiing.
For more details or questions, contact Marty Smith, a certified Personal Trainer at the Patch
Fitness Center. Email: SSN759CO@yahoo.com
this Season?
by Marty Smith, PSC Member
It is that time of year when the Patch Sports Medicine Clinic typically gets busy with ski-
related injuries. Statistics show that fatigue is one of the biggest factors in ski injury risks. How
often have you heard that someone crashed or was hurt on their “last run of the day”? (I’m a
member of that club by the way!) So don’t only get your skis tuned up for this winter’s outdoor
fun – get your body tuned up as well! Downhill skiing demands more from your body –
BALANCE, ENDURANCE, EXPLOSIVE STRENGTH – than almost any other activity.
Plan ahead this year and ski with strength and confidence. You can find a useful physical
training schedule on the Patch Ski Club website. If you stick with this schedule for three times
a week for at least four weeks, you will be better prepared for hitting the slopes in great shape!
This training will increase your balance and core strength, as well as flexibility and aerobic
fitness. You’ll build the leg and core strength to muscle though that mogul field, along with
the balance required to keep you fast and stable on those skis or snowboard. If you are really
pressed for time, a condensed training schedule can be obtained from the Men’s Journal
website at: Downhill Skiing Exercises.
Avoiding injury
Probably the most important factor in preventing injury is taking part in a conditioning
program. The training must focus on building muscular endurance to help avoid fatigue and
maintain technique throughout the day's skiing. In addition, if the exercise program can
promote co-ordination of joint movements and balance that are functionally related to skiing,
then your skiing performance will also go to the next level.
Key Points
* Strengthen leg muscles to protect and aid your knees.
* Get your heart and lungs ready for the challenge of high altitude skiing with good cardio-
vascular training.
* Make sure core strengthening exercises are part of your skiing workout.
* Stretch, stretch, and stretch – this will help prevent those muscle sprains!
Cardiovascular Conditioning
Your day(s) on the slopes will be much more fun if your cardiovascular system can handle the
increased load of skiing at high altitude. If you haven’t been getting your heart rate up to at
least 50% of your maximum heart rate for 30 minutes, three times a week, it’s time to start.
You’ll be able to ski more runs, rest less frequently, feel better, and keep your form from
deteriorating if your cardiovascular system is tuned up.
Any kind of “cardio” training will suffice, as long as it results in raising your heart rate and
breathing to an elevated but relatively comfortable level (still able to carry on a
conversation). A good way to start a basic program for cardio fitness is to do 3-4 cardio
sessions per week, alternating between running, biking, and the elliptical trainer in the gym.
Try to increase the total length of this cardio training each week, but limit the increase to 10%
per week, especially if most of your workouts are running. After three weeks of cardio training,
try to incorporate 2-3 sets of higher intensity cardio load (70-80 % of your max heart rate)
during your workout for about 3 minutes, with a 3-minute rest at the lower zone.
Core Strength
A strong core (shoulders, back, abdominals, and hips) will help you to keep your technique
and balance throughout a long skiing day (or week) and thus prevent injuries by avoiding falls.
Core training should be done 2 – 3 times a week.
Strength Training
Strength training is also very important for skiers and snowboarders. Strength training is the
best way to ensure that your muscles will not fatigue or become strained. Muscle fatigue in
the afternoon can lead to sloppy technique and increased likelihood of falling. Try to do
strength exercises 2 – 3 times per week. Use weights that challenge you on the last few reps,
and do them with perfect form. Strength training becomes even more important for persons
over the age of 40, because muscle strength will naturally start to erode unless strength
training is part of your exercise routine.
Flexibility
Stretching is best done after a cardio workout, when your muscles are warmed up. Focus on
those muscles that are relatively tight, and stretch for about 30 seconds at a time, never to the
point of pain. Don’t “bounce” when you stretch! Stretching will help your muscles regenerate
quicker, and will help prevent muscle and ligament strains.
Warming Up on the Slopes
Most of us will start skiing without adequately warming up in the morning, which can lead to
an early end to the day by pulling a muscle. It’s always a good idea to do the first couple of
runs down a “easier” run, at slower speeds, until your muscles and core are warmed up. Then
try to do some gentle stretches for your quads, hamstrings, and hip flexors, either with or
without your skis on. And this becomes more important for us older folks!
Nutrition and Hydration on the Slopes
Always eat a healthy breakfast, with some quality carbohydrates and protein to help you get off
to a good start. For lunch, pasta and other complex carbohydrates are always a good choice,
along with some fruit and a little lean meat. Avoid excessive alcohol on the mountain!
Alcohol will not only help to dehydrate you, but will of course affect your coordination and
judgment, especially near the end of the day when you are tired. Make sure you keep
hydrated by taking in adequate fluids. High altitude is much less humid, which will help to
get you dehydrated. If you become dehydrated, this can lead to premature muscle fatigue
and in more drastic cases, adversely affect your coordination and judgment. If skiing
moderately hard, you should take in at least 20-24 oz of fluid every hour to keep your body
adequately hydrated. A camelback is a good idea, or take a Gatorade bottle in your backpack
for sipping on the lift.
After Skiing
While it’s tempting to spend an hour or two in that Jacuzzi with your best friends, sipping on a
brewski or glass of wine, excessive “spa” time will only lead to more dehydration, which is the
worst thing you can do to prevent sore muscles the next day. After a long day on the slopes,
try to get in some quality nutrition (1:4 protein to carb ratio) right away to refuel your muscles,
take in some water, and do some gentle stretching. If you must jump in that hot water, don’t
overdo it – 15 minutes is normally the max time for that sauna or hot tub. To prevent sore
muscles the next day, that cold-water plunge in the spa is a great idea, especially for your legs
and feet. This will increase the circulation to your muscles and help them recover faster. And
get some quality sleep! If you don’t, you’re only going to increase the chance of a skiing
injury the next day. During a week-long ski trip, be especially careful on the third day, when
your muscles may really start to tire… it may be a good time to give your body a half-day rest
by doing some sightseeing, hiking, or even some light cross-country skiing.
For more details or questions, contact Marty Smith, a certified Personal Trainer at the Patch
Fitness Center. Email: SSN759CO@yahoo.com
