It's been a while since I came across a new ski instruction book that I could recommend as offering something positive and beyond more than rehashing and rewording what has been said umpteen times before.
The 7 Secrets of Skiing by Chalky White (longtime Ski Instructor at Beaver Creek, CO) brings a new approach to instilling confidence in beginners and moving skiers of every ability to a new comfort level and in so doing makes them a better skier. There's no magic bullet in Chalky's 7 secrets. To become that better skier you need to take what you read and apply it on the snow.
So, what's special about the book? In his book, White sets a premise right off: "Skiing is Balance - Balance is Power." OK, you say, you simply can't ski without balance and that's true, but White is talking dynamic balance. Once you get a real handle on how this dynamic balance works through an athletic stance to become the ROCK of your skiing , you really can quickly progress through repetitive drills and exercises.
What I really like about The 7 Secrets of Skiing is how Chalky White sets up his progressions with unique reminders of the basics. Each time he adds a new progression, and as he talks through it, whenever there is a mention or reference to something in the basic balance equation the first letter is capitalized and emboldened. This way you are constantly reminded that 'this won't work if you are not in touch with this aspect of balance.
I could go on and tell you about Chalky's seven secrets, which aren't as much secrets as they are a better way for you to remember and execute - you don't forget a secret. However, they are unique to his book and well worth discovering yourself .
I'll have more to say about the book in the future, and I welcome your comments, also. For now, I really think after reading The 7 Secrets of Skiing and practicing on the snow, never-ever to experts will come away with a new set of tools to bring your skiing to a new level.
In fact, this is only the second how-to-get-better book I recommend taking with you on your next ski vacation and it's the first how-to-get-better book I can recommend that's available in a Kindle edition.
Related: Skiing Books
The 7 Secrets of Skiing © Chalky White
Comments
I’m Chalky White, the Author of the book, The 7 Secrets of Skiing. First, I would like to thank Mike Doyle for writing such a positive review of the book. As The 7 Secrets of Skiing’s Author, that is especially important to me. Why so? Mike is a professional writer and reviewer; he and I have never met – the only communication we have had is through Linkedin and e-mail. Therefore, Mike Doyle’s review of my book has not been influenced by any relationship that has developed between us; it is a completely independent review.
My Company name is, Seven Secrets International Ski Services LLC. Should any about.com readers wish to contact me about any of the services that I offer, including teaching/coaching at any level, please feel free to contact me through chalky@the7secretsOfskiing.com . The book is available through the following mediums – as a PDF from my website http://www.the7secretsOfskiing.com, physical book order through myself or Amazon in whatever countries they serve, as Mike reported, on Kindle, iBooks and Barnes & Noble’s, Nook.
Wherever you maybe, I wish you great skiing for many years to come. Remember – “An Advanced Skier is Simply a Beginner That Continues to Master The Basics.”
I’m Chalky White, Author the #1 best selling book, “The 7 Secrets of Skiing.” First, I would thank Mike Doyle, Guide of About.com Skiing for his amazing, independent professional review of my book. From my, an Author’s point of view, the great thing about Mike’s review is that it is written by someone that I don’t know and who doesn’t know me – that greatly adds to the review’s credibility.
For those having interest in obtaining a book copy, not only is it available as a a physical and Kindle version from Amazon but, also on iBooks, the Nook and as a PDF on my website, http://www.the7secretsofskiing.com . Thank you to everyone that has helped to get my book to its current elevated position and, of course, my special thanks go to Mike Doyle of About.com . Enjoy the rest of the ski season wherever this finds you.
Chalky White is an outstanding ski instructor. He guides you from the rock athletic stance thru all the steps to become a confident skier. I’ve taken up the sport later in life – but feel empowered by the fundamentals he taught me. I was fortunate to work directly with Chalky – and find the book to be a great resource. Reading the book makes sense before during and after any ski adventure. It gives you a dialog to play in your head to keep you focused as your move down the mountain. I highly recommend the book . However, if you’re lucky enough to go to Beaver Creek – contact Chalky for your lessons! He’s got a gift and thankfully he truly enjoys sharing it.
I first started skiing as a child in my back yard on my Mom’s old wooden skis, with no metal edges and cable bindings. Needless to say, since that time, almost everything about the sport has changed. In 1980, I transitioned over to telemark skiing and have kept to that ever since. Two years ago, I skied with Chalky White for the first time, while he was still writing his book, The Seven Secrets Of Skiing. I realized that day that for 40 years, I had , for the most part, been skiing off balance. That day I learned about a very vital element to proficient skiing, the athletic stance, the ROCK. In just that one day, even on my tele skis, I was able to implement that first crucial Secret, and make a substantial improvement in my technique. That first “Secret” is one thing that hasn’t changed over the years in skiing or any other sport. It’s just that most skiers don’t do it. Since that day, and after reading Chalky White’s The Seven Secrets Of Skiing, my skiing has greatly improved, and in a very short time. This book lays it all out in a way that is very easy to read, understand and
implement. I highly recommend reading this book and using it as a
reference at the beginning and end of your ski day. You’ll be amazed at the difference in your skiing. See you on the slopes!