Letters: Yay for Technique

Charley Stocker/Ron LeMaster
Charley Stocker demonstrates even-lead modern technique. Photo sequence by Ron LeMaster.

I am inspired to write because of the super technique piece Seth Masia penned in the latest Skiing History issue (Sept-Oct) on lead change. I hope there is more like it. Perhaps that is the plan. With Ron LeMaster sadly gone, Masia could so ably fill that space. And you can use LeMaster’s photo sequences, as was done in the issue. Yay. Technique changes (and ways things have not changed) through the ages are fun to think about and read about and try out on the slopes. Thanks for keeping the magazine alive and well. 

Peter Shelton
Bend, Oregon

 

Seth Masia appears to have lost his mind. In the article "Whatever Happened to Lead Change?", he writes "only stronger skiers learned to hold the tips even so as to use the power of the entire outside ski". He concludes the article by praising "advancing the outside ski and keeping the tips even." 

There are plenty of photos and videos of the first World Cup races this season, and they all show the racers with the inside ski way in front, just as in previous seasons. There's no need to change your technique; keep leading with the inside ski and changing the lead between turns. 

Scott Peer 
Glendale, California

Correction

In the July-August 2024 issue, the article “Changing of the Guard” in the News from ISHA section mentioned Ken Hugessen’s departure from the ISHA Board. That item should have read as follows: Ken Hugessen, a Toronto-based cross-country ski racer, grew up to found a management consultancy firm specializing in executive compensation and governance, with offices in Toronto, Montreal and Calgary. In 2021, Ken was invited to join ISHA on the basis of his involvement in the world of high finance and the accordant value he would bring to the board. During his term, Ken underwrote the Canadian Ski History Writers Project.

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