Dear SkiPost;

I need to mount Pilot bindings on Salomon skis, both skate and classic race skis. I have a jig, but wonder if the bindings get mounted on the balance point, or some other position. Please advise me soon.

Hello,

Salomon recommends all Salomon bindings be mounted 1cm behind the balance point on any brand traditional length ski. Mounting the binding 1cm back ads weight evenly around the balance point of the ski allowing, the ski to hang neutral from the boot. On mid length skis or kids skis we recommend mounting the binding on the balance point.

Salomon's is pleased that its bumper-less Equipe Skate and Equipe Classic bindings are the lightest bindings on the market. Pilot Equipe Skate binding weigh 320 grams/pair and the Salomon Equipe Classic binding is even lighter at 260 grams pair.

Andy at SkiPost

Michael Sinnott
Saab Salomon Factory Team
Sun Valley ODT

Call me a head case, but I believe that the single most overlooked aspect of skiing is the mental aspect.  To preface, I did spend a lot of time studying the brain in my past (psychology major and neuroscience minor, I’m a head geek), so I may be biased towards the things I like.  That said, my studies gave me a firsthand appreciation for the untapped potential of the human mind.

You should never enter a race in an unready state of mind.  Period (for emphasis). End of story.  It’s like starting a race without boots or with red klister the length of your glide zone on a cold day.  If you slide up to the line, and in your head you are repeating, “Oh, this is miserable.  What am I doing?  I’m not ready.  These guys look fast.  Maybe I’ll just ski the first half and see how I feel,” or anything along these lines, then you have knocked yourself out before the race has begun.  Take a step back.  Breathe deep.  Re-assess and focus, because a mind set up for failure will be ready to jump on the failure bandwagon.  A mind will make your thoughts reality.  Rather than have your mental state fight against you from the get-go, use the brain as a tool, and set your sights high.  Think about all the mental hoopla quotes you’ve heard over the years, from “reach for the stars,” to “90% of this game is half mental” (as said by the great Yogi Berra).  These things are not coincidences, and as much as you may rue the idea of meditation or breathing rituals or whatever “sports psychology” means to you, the truth is that these things are real. 

There is no "right" way to mentally prepare.  I can’t tell you how to find the right mental state for yourself.  It’s an individual assessment of mental strengths and beliefs.  I once heard Michael Phelps say that the only thing he thinks about in a race is “I have to touch the wall first.” Then there is the stereotypical football player who is yelling and pounding his head and finding his mental (?) adjustment.  Phil Jackson believes it's best to clear the head and play in a Zen state, conscious of everything around you.  Of course there is also the Prefontaine way of life, trying to win at everything and making winning, or losing, a disease.  The point is that there are many ways to create a successful mental aura, but it’s all up to you to discover what that entails.  One common denominator to all these success stories is that these people didn’t just create their mental tact overnight.  They developed them.

A racer does not jump into a race, usually, without training.  I propose the same thing for your new found mental attitude.  Find it. Develop it.  Hone it.  Make it infallible to the obstacles you may encounter.  Start today.  Winter is coming and you may be preparing to be physically fit, but prepare to be mentally fit too.  This could mean that you embark on a long run, and don’t bring any music.  Just clear your head and focus for as long as you can.  Find your rhythm and embrace the flow of ideas, or the consistent pounding of your feet.  Mental exercises strengthen your resolve and ability to keep the “game plan” on par.  Try the Pre method and practice competitiveness in unimportant things.  It may not help you make any friends, but it will make you ready for success when it counts and the pressure is on.  Kris Freeman is known for taking every race seriously, and it shows when the heat is on. Don’t be discouraged at first if your brain fights back.  That’s the point of practicing now, to strengthen your synaptic connections and make you ready for race day.

Today, with snow still a month away, mental practice may be less time consuming and strenuous.  Just find the right frame of mind.  As the season nears and your big race is on the horizon, focus longer and harder.  Practice day in and day out, even for a little bit at a time.  Eventually it no longer becomes a decision, but an instinct.  This way, when the gun fires and people are scrambling around, flailing, hoping the kick wax works, hoping their energy holds, waiting for the finish to come, you’ll have an advantage.  You’ll be ready; you’ll be focused; you’ll have a game plan; and this will be second nature to you. 

Good luck and I’ll see you on the race trails.

YELLOWSTONE SKI FESTIVAL

Ben Husaby Announced as Keynote Speaker!

Plan your Thanksgiving Week in West Yellowstone

The Yellowstone Ski Festival offers many exciting options for Nordic skiers and their families.  We have fun for all ages.  Of course, the week is full of Nordic clinics, races, demos, presentations, and exhibits.  However, did you know that the Yellowstone Ski Festival also offers daily yoga and Pilates classes, children’s programs, and free novice Nordic ski and biathlon lessons?  Bring the whole gang and experience the Nordic side of West Yellowstone.

The Yellowstone Ski Festival has recently released the schedule of events for November 24th through the 28th.  Please note, this schedule is subject to change and any revisions will be posted online at  http://yellowstoneskifestival.com/schedule.html

Mark your calendars now and we look forward to seeing you at the
2008 Yellowstone Ski Festival!

Schedule of Events:

Monday, November 24
7:00 to 8:00PM  Clinic Registration 

Tuesday, November 25
6:30AM  Yoga class with Bodywise Massage and Yoga  $10 per session
7:30 to 8:00AM  Clinic Registration    
8:30AM   Five day clinic begins   
8:30AM to 3:00PM  Try It and Buy It Gear Demo on the Rendezvous Ski Trails
10:00AM  Wild Winter Kids Program at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
12:00 Noon  Pilates class with Pilates by Anna $10 per session
5:00PM  Registration closes for ALL SuperTour races
7:00 to 9:00PM   Opening Night!  Indoor Ski Show at the Holiday Inn
7:00PM  Start Wax Clinic 
7:00PM  Harmless A film by Tough Guy Productions Presented by Rossignol
8:00PM  U.S. Ski Team Athlete Presentation 

Wednesday, November 26
6:30AM  Yoga class with Bodywise Massage and Yoga  $10 per session 
8:30AM  Five day clinic continues 
8:30am to 3:00PM  Try It and Buy It Gear Demo on the Rendezvous Ski Trails
10:00AM  Wild Winter Kids Program  at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
10:30AM – 12 Noon  “Try It”  Biathlon Demonstration sponsored by the USBA. Open to all at no cost.  Come try biathlon - basic instruction and equipment provided
12:00 Noon  Pilates class with Pilates by Anna $10 per session
3:30 to 4:30PM Ski with the Best.  Free lessons with Saab Salomon and CXC
Team Athletes 
4:00 to 5:00PM Biathlon Sprint Race Registration - Holiday Inn Snow Desk 
5:00PM SuperTour Classic Race Coaches Meeting 
6:00 PM Swix Wax Clinic
6:30PM Biathlon Sprint Race Coaches Meeting 
7:00 to 9:00PM Indoor Ski Show at the Holiday Inn
7:00PM  Solda Wax Clinic 
7:30PM to 8:30PM  Rossignol Presentation with athletes at Freeheel and Wheel  Wine and Cheese served.
8:00PM  A Dozen More Turns: A film by Amber Seyler  Presented by the Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center 

Thursday, November 27
6:30AM  Yoga class with Bodywise Massage and Yoga  $10 per session
7:30 to 8:00AM  Clinic Registration 
8:30AM  Five day clinic continues /Three day & One day clinics begin 
8:30AM to 4:00PM  Try It and Buy It Gear Demo on the Rendezvous Ski Trails
8:30AM  Classic Race Course Inspection 
9:00AM  Altius Handcrafted Firearms Biathlon Sprint Race 
10:00AM  Wild Winter Kids Program at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
11:00AM  Altius Handcrafted Firearms Novice Biathlon Race  Rifles provided
12:00 Noon  Yoga class with Bodywise Massage and Yoga  $10 per session
3:00PM  Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot. Costumes encouraged
7:00PM  Indoor Ski Show CLOSED for Thanksgiving

Friday, November 28

6:30AM  Yoga class with Bodywise Massage and Yoga  $10 per session
8:15AM to 12:00 Noon  Montana Outdoor Science School Program for grades K – 2   Bone Detectives  Pre-registration required
8:15AM to 4:30PM  Montana Outdoor Science School Program for grades 3 – 6  Nature’s Fury  Pre-registration required 
8:30AM  Five, Three, & One day clinics continue 
8:30AM Two day Junior Race clinic begins    
8:30AM to 3:00PM  Try It and Buy It Gear Demo on the Rendezvous Ski Trails
10:00AM  SuperTour Classic Race Starts 
10:00AM  Wild Winter Kids Program at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
12:00 Noon  Pilates class with Pilates by Anna $10 per session  
1:30 to 4:30PM  Montana Outdoor Science School Program for grades K – 2  Snow Forts!  Pre-registration required
4:00PM to 7:00PM  Boulder Nordic Sport Open House  415 Yellowstone Ave.
5:00PM  SuperTour Freestyle Race Coaches Meeting   
5:30 to 7:30PM  Happy Hour at the Iron Horse Saloon
6:00PM  Start Wax Clinic           
6:30 Saab Salomon Factory Team at Freeheel and Wheel 
7:00 to 9:00PM  Indoor Ski Show at the Holiday Inn.  Final Night!!
7:00PM  TOKO Wax Clinic 
8:00PM  Featured Speaker-Ben Husaby

Ben is a former member of the U.S. Ski Team, a founder of the Factory Team, has been to three Olympics, won numerous national titles, and is currently the coach of the Mt. Bachelor Ski Education Foundation.

Share with Ben his memories and insight over twenty years at the Yellowstone Ski Festival.  

Raffle to benefit WYSEF and the West Yellowstone Nordic Ski Team

Saturday, November 28

6:30AM  Yoga class with Bodywise Massage and Yoga  $10 per session
8:15AM to 12:00 Noon  Montana Outdoor Science School Program for grades K – 2    Tracks & Trails  Pre-registration required
8:15AM to 4:30PM  Montana Outdoor Science School Program for grades 3 – 6  Predators!  Pre-registration required
8:30AM  Five, Three, & One day clinics continue 
8:30AM Two day Junior Race Clinic continues. 
8:30AM to 3:00PM  Try It and Buy It Gear Demo on the Rendezvous Ski Trails
10:00AM  SuperTour Freestyle Race Start 
10:00AM  Wild Winter Kids Program  at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
1:30 to 4:30PM  Montana Outdoor Science School Program for grades K – 2 Animal Architects  Pre-registration required
7:00PM  Team Introductions  Saab Salomon Factory Team, Rossignol Nordic Racing; Team Atomic, Team Alpina; Team Madshus USA;U.S. Ski Team

Awards Ceremony – SuperTour
Closing Comments

9:00PM  End of Week Celebration at the Iron Horse Saloon featuring Steam Powered Airplane.  Sponsored by the Grand Teton Brewing Company and the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn