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Show - NO ADAPTIVE CERT? PSHAW! The Professional Skier is an outstanding journal. The evolution of this journal to its present form is something you and PSIA can be proud of. I personally find the present format to be very rewarding. One aspect of this format that I have found particularly satisfying is that everyone involved in ski teaching has been included. AJpine, nordic, snowboard, and adaptive skiing all have been included, and programs for children, women, and seniors have been addressed as an important part of our skiing population. This is certainly a positive direction and also necessary, I believe, for the health of our profession. In light of all this progress and positive thinking, I find the article on Mike Shaw ("Mi ke Shaw: A Profile of Accomplishment") by Juris Vagners in the Winter Three 1991-92 issue to be most interesting. I would like to congratulate Me. Shaw for his accomplishment; however, he is not "certified in all disciplines." Once again an invaluable segment of our profession has been overlooked, and therefore our reputation in PSIA has been tarnished. Adaptive certification is recognized and sanctioned by PSIA and National Handicapped Sports (NHS). Adaptive certified instructors pay dues to PSIA and work hard in our industry to service a segment of the skiing popu lation that requires special knowledge. The adaptive certification has been developed in conjunction with PS IA, and the standards are rigorous and demanding. Hundreds of in structors have trained hard to demonstrate a level of excellence that very few alpine certified instructors can even comprehend . If we say that a fu lly cettified instructor is capable of teaching anyone anywhere in any conditions, then how can we say that anyone is fully certified unless they also can service the disabled population? If you doubt the validity of adaptive certification, consider that one of the candidates who failed to pass the adaptive fu ll certification exam has been an alpine examiner in PSIA-Western. I certainly do not want to in any way detract from Mr. Shaw's ach ieve- •• THE PROFESSIONAL SKil l ment. I do want ro take exception with Me. Vagners and make a request that our Education Steering Cornmittee chairperson be more sensitive to everything that our organization is trying to accomplish. Fully certified in all disciplines means all disciplines, including adaptive. PATRICK CROWLEY NHS SENIOR EXAMINER GREEK PEAK SKI RESORT/CORTLAND, NY Juris Vagners responds: Thank you for your observations regarding my article on Mike Shaw. Mr. Shaw is the first PSIA member to be certified in all of the disciplines for which PSIA divisions administer the examinations. PSIA also recognizes the examinations conducted by National Handicapped Sports, and we welcome individuals who are NHS certified to become members of our organization. BUM STEER After reading Michael Sei ler's article ("De-emphas ize Steering for Better Turns," Winter One 1991 -92), I wondered if PSIA would respond to what Mr. Seiler maintained in his article concerning the fundamentals of good skiing. If Phil Mahre believes that steering is not one of the fundamenta ls of good ski technique, then why has PSIA not talked with him about his reasons? For a number of years, Mr. Mahre has been one of the United States' top athletes. He has been consistent in his methods and success. It would seem appropriate for PSJA to consu lt with him about the Center Line and find out why his ideas are different. Please keep up the good work in The Professional Skier. WILLIS RICHARDSON STERLING, VIRGINIA fALL 92 The Education Steering Committee responds: In ski racing, the term "steering" isn't used much. The course dictates the place and degree of turning; for this reason, racers may not talk a Jot about steering. Instead, they concentrate on «line, JJ which denotes a precise path through a race course. Ski racers attempt to ski the most direct line between the gates while maintaining the fastest speed possible. Turning movements are often associated with reducing speed. Nevertheless, racers must steer to stay on line. Regardless of whether you are racing or skiing recreationally, it is just not possible to get down the hill without using some kind of rotary impulse to assist the change of edges from turn to turn and to control and ad;ust the shape of the turns. Increasing or decreasing edge angle with a knee movement affects the hip socket, and therefore it involves rotation (i.e., steering). Pivoting is an extreme example of rotary impulses. The highly carved giant slalom turn is an example at the other end of the turn spectrum. Yet both of them (and every turn in between) use some degree of rotary movement. The amount of rotary movement-and, for that matter, the amount of edging, pressuring, and balancing movements-will vary depending upon the desired outcome. Skills are blended for the task at hand, but each skill is present. The Education Steering Conlmittee thanks Mr. Richardson for his input. We will continue to monitor the technique of world-class skiers in our efforts to keep PSI A at the forefront of ski instruction . • The Professional Skier welcomes your views. Letters to the editor must include your full name, address, and daytime telephone number. Submit correspondence to: The Professional Skier, Suite 101, 133 South Van Gordon Street, Lakewood, CO 80228. Letters will be published as space permits and may be edited for style and length. , Alomic Hart PRE Lange A10fuie lIart PRE PARTICIPATING MANUFACTURERS WORIUNG TO PROVIDE THE BEST FOR THE PROFESSIONAL SKIER: Blizzu rd H.cad Ross ignol Alomic Ess Val' Marker ALPINE SKIS Dynaslar K2 Sa lomon NORDIC SKIS Fischer ALPINE BINDINGS Gez · Sa lomon NORDIC BINDINGS Elan Kiistle Volant Rossignol Look Tyrolia PARTICIPATING MANUFACTURERS WORKING TO PROVIDE THE BEST FOR THE PROFESSIONAL SIUER: Munad Salol11ol1 Blizzard Head Ross ignol AIOInic Marker ALPINE BOOTS Nordica Sail Marco NORDIC BOOTS Raichl,' Salollloll ALPINE SKIS D)'llaslar K2 Salomon NORDIC SKIS Fischer ALPINE BINDINGS Geze Salomon NORDIC BINDINGS Rossignol Sa lomon Rai chlc 'Tccnica Elall Kii, dc Volrull Rossignol Look Tyrolia Fischer Olin Volkl Rossignol Fischer Olin Volkl I I I I I ( ) \ 1< ' I) \ II) () 1<' ~ I . I ~ TO BE SEPARATED AND MAILED TO PSIA ~ \ I.' . BY SKI RETAILER ONLY. Complete the following inform:ltion prior to pu rchase. This coupon is valid only when presented with your PSI A membership ca rd and the signed "Eligibility form," which verifies membership and employment level. ! Name _ ________________ Membership # ___ --,;:--;c-_ _____ Membership t c,'e1 ___________ _ : Strect _______________ City _______________ S/a/c _ ___ _____ Z ip ___ _ : Bra1ld ________________ Modcl _ ______________ Size _______________ _ I I I I I I verify that I am purchasing this equipment for my personal use only. J further confirm [hat the information on the "Eligibility Form" is true and accurate. Member·s Signature Date Retailer's Signatllre Date ____ _ I CLIP ON THE DOnED LINE. L ________________________R_ET_A_ILE_R_: S_E_ND_ _CO_M_P_LE_T_ED_ C_O_U_PO_N_S_ T_O _PS_IA_, _SU_IT_E _1_01_, _13_3 _SO_U_T_H _VA_N_ G_O_R_DO_N_ S_T_., _LA_K_EW_O_O_D_, C_O_ 8_0_ll_8._ _______ _ ( ) \ I·' I) \ II) ( ) I·' I) I \ I ) I \ ( '~ TD BE SEPARATED AND MAILED TO PSIA .. , ) . . '~J BY SKI RETAILER ONLY. Complete the following information prior to purchase. This coupon is va lid only when presented wirh your PStA member:.hip c:lrd and the signed "Eligibility form," which verifies membership and cmploymcnr level. Name ________________ Membership # _ ----,..-:---:-.,---___ Membersbip Lelle/_'-________ _ Street ___________ -"'--+-_ City ___ ~----------- State _ _ _ ______ 2ip ___ _ Brand __________ ---,~-- Model .....,~---_"._-------Size _______ ~ __ ~~_~~ I verify that I am purchasing this equipmenr for my persoll.'ll use only. ! further COnfinll that rhe information on rhe "Eligibility Form" is true and ao..."Urate. Member's Signalltre D"te Retailer's Signature Date ____ _ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I CLIP ON THE DOTTED LINE. RETAILER: SEND COMPlITH) COUPONS TO HIA. SUITE 101, 133 SOUTH VAN GOIDON ST., LAICEWooD, CO 1011a. I L ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ~ ( ) \ I.' I) \ II) () I <' I)()()' I '~ TO BE SEPARATED AND MAILED TO PSI A ... \ ) ~ -, BY SKI RETAILER ONLY. I Complete rhe follow ing information prior to purchase. This coupon is valid only when presented with your PSIA membership card and the signed : "Eligibi lity Form," which verifies membership and employment level. I I Name Membership # ____ -:-_:-:--:-___ -,-,MenriJershiIJ l.Rl'eJ-;=-______ ---,-+-_* : Street City _______ -'-__ .;;.._--State _________ Zip ,,---'_ -"- : Brand __________ ~ ___ M()(ll'l _________ _____ Size ____________ --- I verify then l ;'Im purchasing this equipmenr for my personal lISC only. I further confinn [hat the inform.J.tion on the "Eligibility Foml" is rrue and accurore. Member's Signature Date Retailer"'s Signature Ddte __ ~ __ I I I I I I I I CLIP ON THE DOTTED LINE. RETAflU~ UNO COMI'\.ITID COUPONS TO PSIA, SUITE 101 , 1H SOUTH V.\NGORDON ST., LAKft¥OOO. colOn.. t ~- ----------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------~ . ) I ) \ II) ( ) I ~ ~ L ~ I ~ FOR QUALIFYING MEMBERS. SEE BENEFITS SCHEDULE. _ \ I ) \ ~ I r\. • TO BE SEPARATED AND MAILED TO PSIA BY SKI RETAILER ONLY. Com pi ere rhe following information prior to purchase. This coupon is valid only when presented with your PSIA membership card and the 'iigned "Eligibility Form," which verifies membership and employment level. I I I I I Name ________________ Melllbershil} # ___- -;:;-__: :---::,...-__ Membership Level __' -____~ __- : :I Street City State Zip ____ ~, ' : --------------------- --------~----~~~ ------------ I Bralld Model ____________ ~-Si.ze ~ ______________ : I verify that I am purchasing this equipment for my personal usc only. I further confirm rhat rhe information on the "Eligibility Form" is true and accur;HC. I I Member's Sigll{/li/re Date Retailers Sig1uI!ure Date _____ : L _________C_LI_P _ON_ _TH_E _D_OT_T_ED_ _LIN_E_. _R_ET_AI_LE_R_: S_E_ND_ _CO_M_P_LE_T_ED_ C_O_U_PO_N_S _TO_ _PS_IA_, _SU_IT_E _10_1_, 1_)_) _SO_U_TH_ _VA_N_ G_O_RD_O_N_ S_T._, L_A_K_EW_O_O_D_, C_O_ 8_0_lJ_8._ ________ ~I . ) I ) \ II) () I ' I) I \ I ) I \ ( 1 ~ FOR QUALIFYING MEMBERS. SEE BENEFITS SCHEOULE. _ \ I ) \ ~) ,. TO BE SEPARATED AND MAILED TO PSIA BY SKI RETAILER ONLY. Complete the following informa tion prior (0 purchase. 11lis coupon is valid only when presented wi hour PSIA membership card and the signed " Eligibility Form," which verifies membership and employmenr level. Name ________________ Membershi!) # _____ _ ______ Membersbip Level_ = _,--------::- Street City Slate _________ Zip -===""-= _'--1 Bralld Model Size ___________ ____ _ I verify that I arn purchasing this equipment for my personal usc only. I further confirm that rhe information on the "El igibility Form" is true and accurate. Member's Sigllatllre' _____________ Date _ _ _ ____ Retailer's Signatllre __________ Dale _____ _ L _________________RE_TA_I_LE_R:_ S_EN_D_ C_O_M_PL_E_TE_D_ C_O_UP_O_NS_ T_O_ P_SI_A_, S_U_ITE_ _10_1,_ 1_H_ S_O_UT_H_ V_A_N _G_OR_D_O_N _ST_.,_ L_A_KE_W_O_O_D,_ C_O _8_01_18_. _______________ _ Survey Says ... Results of the Magazine Readership 8rnvey BY R.B.CCA W. AV&RS. EDITOR Res ults from The Professional Sk ier 1992 Rea de rship Su rvey have been tabulated, and the TPS edi to rial staff is incorporating the suggestions and preferences of the survey respondents to strengthen the association magazine. The survey was conducted to help us find out if TPS is hitting the mark. Specifically, we wanted to: 1) determine whether TPS meets the member's needs, 2) obta in guidance fo r edito r ia l direction, and 3) measu re general perceptions of TPS. The PSlA Boa rd of Directors and the T PS Technica l Advisory Boa rd have received an executive summary of the survey results. The results are presented here for the imerest and informa tion of the membership. WHO COMPLETED THE SURVEY The national office sent surveys to randomly selec ted PSlA members in every geographic d ivision. Of the 2,000 direcr mail surveys we sent our, 1,078 valid responses came back in (53 .9 percent). The margin of error is plus or minus 3.2 percent. We were very pleased with rhe strong response. When 1,078 people decide to fill o ut and return a 4 1-question, twopage survey, one has to conclude that such a high level of response indicates a high level of interest. There were no significant demographic variations from the results of rhe PSIA 1991 Member Census. However, as with most mail surveys, the age of the respondents tended to skew o lder. Registered instructors- the majority of rhe membership- were under-represented in the survey. Twenty-nine percent of the responde nts were registe red, compa red to a national total of 42.7 percent. Associate certi fied and cenified members made up 38.4 percent and 31.9 percent of the response rates, ,. THE PROFESSIONAL SKIER respectively. Associate ce rtified and certified members make up 31 percent and 25 percent of the membership, respectively. THE RESULTS The results have revea led generally positive attitudes toward TPS. A total of 69.9 percent of those who responded said the magazine has made them somewhat more effect ive as an in structor. Also, most respondents lise TPS as a reference piece- 76.9 percent refer to each issue two or more times per year. Several article topics were Tated based on their relative level of importance to the member. The top 10 topics, in order of Illost to least importance, were: 1) practica l teaching tips, 2) ski technique, 3) communication skills, 4) teaching/lea r ning theory, 5) teaching children, 6) general ski theory, 7) teac hing sen io rs, 8) equ ipment a rt icles, 9) book reviews, and 10) video reviews. Given th e s kew of t he res po nses towa rd certified members, this raw rank ordering is not suprising, though the desire for practical teaching a rticles appears to cut ac ross all levels of membership. Stati stical analysis suggests that certified instructors place more imponance on theory and on specia lties sllch as racing and sen iors. All groups, however, considered children's articles equally important. Most of the written comments supported the posit ion of wanting more stra ightforward, pract ica l a n icles . Esoteric, overl y theoretical a rt icles were cons ide red a sig ni fica nt weak ness. In the formal breakdown, the major ity of the respondents (associate and fu ll certified) expressed an interest in high-end, theoretica l/ph ilosop hi ca l a rt icl es . Regis tered members expressed a preference for prac- FALL 92 tica l articles on teaching tips and progre sions. Also, 44 percent of those responc ing sa id they teach child ren regula r! : 16.8 percent teach racing regularly; an 26 percent teach senio rs regularly. Over 83 percent of the respondw said they would use a magazine index offered. About 43 percent said there shoul be more color in the magazine, and 3 percent wanted more color even if mOl expense were involved. Many of the can ments indicated a perception that mOl color would involve a dues increase, an that if color could be incorporated wid out significantly increased expense, the mo re color would be acceptable. NOW WHAT? The information we obtained through te survey will be used fo r internal plannin and editorial direction. We believe we no' have a better understa nding of how Ol members perceive the magazine and who: types of articles they want. See page 4 Ie details on how we're applying the resu l" T he su rvey has prov id ed us wit in valua ble information, but it is one fa( ro r, among many, that will influence ed to rial direction. As with other associatio magaz ines, TPS is no t what a ny on group wants it to be. It must satisfy th membership's preferences, while SuppOr! ing PSIA's mission, educational objective: and information-disseminating function. The ed itoria l sta ff was gratified t receive so many responses to our surve) Thanks go to all of the readers who too the time to participate. Also, many thank go to Mark Do rsey , PSIA marketin directo r, fo r his inva luable ass istance i developing rhe survey format, coordinarin the data input, and compiling the in fOl mati on for the executive summary . • Envrronmental Committee Sets GDals for 1992-93 BY GWEN ALLARD, ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEI CHAIRPIR$ON The PSLA Envirollmenral Committee rev iewed irs first year of efforts and esta blished an agenda for the 1992-93 season at its meeting July 11-12 in Lakewood, Colorado. rO.(T.S.: 0\ ~0111 -.\100'.1.'.\.1 .\ 4~~~~ r ., f C ON:'I"RVE [NERGY .\ND REDucr POI LUTION TH ROUGH U IICl[NT usr or run AND POWER. R[~I'tCT Till' TRll ... AND WILDLIFE. E NCOURAGr THE TlIRII R\: R I:DUCL , R EUS[ AND R ECYCLE. E DUCATE t'RIENOS ,\NO OTlll"l~ <.,K l l R ... ABOUT ENVIRONM[NTAL OPPORTIJNlllr'l AND RE"'I'ONSllIILlT1F:S. D LVl.:LOP DAILY ,,('l iON., I-OR !'>UI'PORrlNG TII[SE IDEf\LS. The committee was formed in 1991 and is cha rged with fi nding ways {O ime· grate ecology into ski tcaching activities. The PSIA committee works closely with the EnvirOllmemal Committee of the United Ski Industries Association (USIA). In its first yea r, the committee pro-duced the Skier's Environmental Responsibility Creed and a motto/logo, " Focus on mittee also produced an envir 11 entally focused activity boo k~ ildren's ski schools. Last season the activity book was distributed along with a poster with the " Focus" logo and reproductive glossies of the creed and morro to 60 ski areas across the United States. Funding for the mailing was obtained by USIA thro ugh its partnersh ip with Sprint. " ... the success of the Environmental Committee depends on feedback from the PSIA membership:' Using the safety awareness campaign as a model, the committee plans to work with ski areas this season to post reprod uctio ns of the Skier 's Environmental Creed on lift tower signs. The committee is currently looki ng for sponsors to underwrite th is and other programs. Environmental awareness is what this committee is all about. We are nor telling our members what they should or should nor do; our job is to help increase awa reness th rough ed ucation. Members a re encouraged to make their own decisions. Muc h like that of the Certification Committee or Children's Committee, the success of the Environmental Committee depends on feedback from the PSlA membership . We welcome inpur and active involvemen t. • fA l l 92 Power Skier Food Healthful, nutritious athletic energy food, made with no oils or added fats. PowerBars raise and sustain energy levels without highs or lows and provide the vitamins, minerals and trace nutrients your body needs. PowerBars are ideal before skiing or anytime you want to perform at your best. $1.69 each S3S/ box of 24 Protein: 10 g. Fat: less than 2 g. c...bohydza .. , 40 g. In Malt-Nut, Chocolate and Wild Bury flavors 800-444·5154 Pros! Try "_1116,. free. Describe your job on letterhead or send business card. Attn. Kevin Hirsh, Powerfoodlnc. 1442A Walnut St. Berkeley CA 94709 THE PROFESSIONAL SKIER .. The Benefits of Corporate Sponsorships BY MARK DORSEY, MARKETING DIRECTOR "Who let that company advertise in the magazine?" "Why didn't I get a pro form?" These a rc a few of the many questions the national office receives abollt PSIA sponsors and their relationship wi th our organization. Members often have questions regarding the roles specific sponsors play in education programs and in commercial relationships. They sometimes express confusion, resentment, and even anger at real or perceived intrusions. They also voice conce rn s about dollars spe n t maintain ing relationships, the "commercializa tion" of PSIA, and perceived image problems. Let's explore the role of sponsors in the Professional Ski Instructors of America and their impact on our orga nization. WHAT MEMBERS WANT Instructors typically want one thing in particular from the national organization: a broad range of professional services, delivered efficiently, with as little impact as possible upon dues. PSIA's mission and underlying objectives compel ou r associa tion to seek financial stability while delivering the education programs tha t serve as our lifeb lood. As a result, PSIA incorporates sponsor revenue into its financial planning. This revenue, which is composed exclusively of non -dues revellue, forms the basis of PSIA's savings and provides additional fund ing for PSI A education programs. The most successful associations in America sol icit non-dues revenue. This revenue often comes from merchandising, >0 THE PROFESSIONAL SKIER seminars, national conventions, advertising, and sponsorships. These non-dues sources allow the association to increase and expand activities, a nd they help insulate dues from inflation and from rising operating costs . In PSIA, non-dues revenue accounts for ro ughly 50 percent of annual income. In other words, without non-dues revenue, your dues likely would be double what they are now. Your support of those who sponsor our organization is critical if the membership is to continue to benefit from sponsor revenue. WHAT SPONSORS WANT Some sponsors are wi lling to give to associations out of the goodness of their hearts; however, the current business cl imate is seeing a reduction in philanthropic activity. Combined with increased competition for ph ilanthropic doll ars from other nonprofit organizations, this decline undoubted ly will have a negative impact on PSIA. Fortunately, several companies are willing to work with our organization if we can help them meet their business needs. (After all, these companies are not in business to create education programs for PSIA.) l\1ec ting each other's needs is what sponsorship is all about. Typica lly, sponsors want: • Raw exposure for their product or service. FA LL 92 • An association endorsement to help differentiate a product or service from a competitor's or to forge a specific message for a narrowly defined audience. • The creation or reinforcement of a specific image. • The ability to generate sales to the public, the membership, or both. • Any combination of the above. The needs of each potentia l sponso: are weighed against the needs and missior of the association to decide if a partner ship is necessary and desirable. It is no uncommon for one or both parties tc decide against forming a relationship fo] any number of reasons. MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS AND MEMBER BENEFITS Successfu l marketing partnership: can res ult in direct and indirect bene fits to members and the assoc ia tion Direct cash contributions in exc hange for endorsements help fores tall due: increases by supplementing availab le operating income. Members can benefit in the form 0 products or services that are made avail· a ble at a reduced price. For example, man~ items in the PSIA Accessories catalog an made available because of arrangement: with sponsors. Pro forms are often avail· able to PSIA members as a result of spon· sor agreements. Additionally, divis ion: may benefit from PSIA relationship~ because of the sponsor's desire to be pre· sent when PSlA members gather. Another tangible benefit is the increase in programs due to additiona l revenUf from a sponsor's promotional budget Much of the support for PSIA's educa tional teams (a lpine, nordic, snowboard, and junior) is generated from non-dues revenue. This revenue supplements funds allocated by the board of directors and is one reason ream members are available to di visions at low cost. The association (and the skiing public) benefits when a sponsor promotes a ski education program or message to the public. The Snow Country Ski Schools and The North Face/Du Pom uniform programs are most notable. These programs help inform the public of PSIA's function and present our association in the best possible light. MEMBER SUPPORT Marketing partnersh ips are dependent on member support. You are encouraged to patronize companies that support PSIA and to work coope ratively with reta ilers who sell their products. By supporting PSIA sponsors, you indirectly support PSIA-and by working with local re tailers (0 he lp generate sales , you become an ally in the game of commerce, not someone looking only to improve your own position. Witho ut goodwill o r d irect sales, there is little incentive for a company to remain involved with PSIA, except for altru istic reasons-and, as mentioned earlier, philanthropy is on the decline. It is easy to take fo r granted the benefits provided by pro forms and member disco unts . These be nefits se rve both the sponsor and PSIA and are not automatica lly conferred because we are the Profess iona l Ski Instructors of America. A sponsor will not hesitate to stop a program if the sponsor perceives diminished value, a burden on its di stribution network, or an arrogant attitude on the pa rt of those receiving the benefits. Sometimes a sponsor may wish to serve only a specific membership level or geographic a rea, so your neighbor may receive a benefit that you may not. This is not necessarily an intentional slight. The sponsor's marketing plan or budget may a llow that sponsor to serve only a sma ller segment of the membership. Regardless, decisions about who receives benefits are those of the sponsors, not of the national office. An example of this is the pro form voucher program currently driven by the Nationa l Ski Retail ers Association (NSRA). NSRA, with participating manufacturers, has developed the voucher program and is using PSIA as the method of de livering the message. You may still recei ve professional discounts through other programs. Howeve r, al1 pro programs are administered at the discretion of man ufacturers and retailers. If you don't like a sponsor's product, return it with an honest statement of your dissatisfaction. Comments or complaints about products or services are welcome at the national office. Member feedback provides valuable information as we work to maintain existing relationsh ips and establish new ones. CONCLUSION Members and sponso rs have different reasons for affiliation with an association, but the goals of each may be met if the best interests of each are kept in mind. The relationship must be attractive to the sponsor and it mllst be in keeping with the association's mission and strategic plan. To maintain financial stabi lity and ro keep dues increases at a minimum, PSIA is req ui red to seek outside sources of revenue. Your su pport of those who sponsor our organization is critical if the membersh ip is to continue to benefit from sponsor revenue . • Ideol lor consumers (Families, ski schools, teoms and clubs). Portable (1 .25Ibs.), Fast, easy economical Hot Waxing lor recreatioool and proles~onal skiers. Smooth, prolessional cooting thatlasls lor days! !~~!i!!~i!'1!11 Money-back guarantee! Super HOISau(e, Bal. Ra(ing FC739 Wax, Bal. New While Gold, 101. The f.,test .." in the WOfId! Wax Fax Booklel, lea. Everything you WIInted to know! Prices plus 51.00 shipping and handling. 512.00 514.00 550.00 52.00 III you already have your Hot Ski Waxer and are I unable to lind our All-Temperature Wax, call us at I (415) 966-8888, and we will service you. I I • Nome __________ _ Address __ I Hertel & Co" Inc. • Ci~ - - --- --- • P.O. Box 10, Cupertino, CA 95015 • 1101. -- lip I o Mnster (ord 0 VIlA 0 (00 • (ord No. ___________ I Hertel, HolSouce, and Hotwaxers are registered trodemarks I E>~rorioo dote _ ! ! --- I of Hertel and Compony, In<., • ligflOlure -;;;-;;;;-;;;;--;;;;;;;-;;;;;;-;;;;-;.&C~opy~righ _t 19_74._ All .r i:g.h_~ res_erve_d. ______. J ~-------- FAll 92 THE PROFESSIONAL SKIER Fincllng Your Comfort Zone: The Laws of Layering BY NICK ALLEN Every clothing sys tem designed to withstand the extremes of the environment must provide COI11 - fort in the broadest range of weather conditions and activ ity levels. At one extreme, it must insulate o r retain warmth, while on the other, it mllst allow heat to be re leased . The ideal cold-weather clothing would have the insulation properties of a bulky patka and the breathability of a thin shirt. Unfortunately, as a general ru le, the th icker and warmer a garment is, the less moisture it transmits when your body needs to rid itself of excess heat. The solu tion is layeriNg. Layeri ng a llows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. By dressing in successive layers of clothing, you have the flexibility to remove or add layers ro balance heat retention or loss. You can use a thin, highly breathable system when your act ivity level is high and you want ro encourage hear loss, or you can add layers of insula tion ro reta in heat when your activity level is reduced. In a layering sys tem, each component must work with the othe rs to prevent you from becoming wet, both from your own swea t and from the elements. A we ll ~designed system will have at least three laye rs: und erwear, in sulat ion, and an ou rer s hel l. UNDERWEAR The prima ry goal of underwea r in a layer4 ing system is to keep mois ture away frolll the skin and preserve a critica l layer of dry air between sk in and clothing. In the "old days," the Illost popula r fa brics for under4 wea r were wool and cotton. M.ilitary under4 wear, for example, was a wool and cotton blend. But these fa brics proved ro be inad4 equate beca use rhey dried slowly, keeping THE PROFESSIONAL SKIER heat4dra ining moisture next to the skin. A revolution of warmth occurred with the invenrion of underwear made of synthetic fab rics like polypropylene and polyester. These ma terials feel good next ro the skin and they d ry qu ickly, reducing the rapid heat loss that can occur when your clothing is wet. They pull perspira4 rion away from the skin to the next layer o f cloth ing where it can evaporate. INSULATING LAYERS Still ai r, trapped by the insula ting fibers in a garmenr, acts as an excellent insularor. When selecting ga rments for your insulation la ye r, you should use those that provide thi ck ness but a re not dense and hea vy. This will give the best combination of insu4 lation and breathabi lity. Thick, loosely knit sweaters and high4bulk, lightweight gar4 ments made of fiberfi ll or fleece meet these requirements ve ry well. As with underga rmems, it is ve ry important that insulating laye rs are a ble ro ve nti late to rid yo ur body of excess heat when necessary. Insulation may consist of one o r more layers. Each layer should be rela tively easy ro pur on and take off, so you can control your heat retention by adding or removing layers. Insu lation layers provide the layer4 ing system with much of its flexibility. For insta nce, if you anticipate that you will be FALL 92 mainta ining a high activity level for ar extended time in a cold environment, YOt might wear only the underwear with the shell garment. You wi ll be cold when YOt stan, but your body will warm rapidly and you wi ll begin to perspire. As YOl near the end of your activity, you shouk try to taper off slowly, so that the J110is ture that has accumulated has a chance t( evaporate. Once you have stopped, put or your insu la tion laye rs, and you w il remain comfortable. OUTER SHELL The outer layet is o ften ca lled a she ll because its purpose is to protect the othel la ye rs from w ind , rain, and snow. It should also a llow perspiration to escapf to the environment. The invention of waterproof, breath· able fab ri c such as Gore-Tex® revolutionized the outerwear industry. Sher garments made of these fabrics provide the idea l bala nce of waterproofing and breatha bility to perform over a wide range of physical activity levels. When selecting a shell garment, consider the type and number of layers you will be wearing under it. A shell should be large enough to fit easily over the othel layers. And a lways remember that deac air provides critica l in sulation. If the insu- |