For those racing NASTAR on Saturday before the Rotary Red Ball Express, this week’s article is for you.

We certainly got spoiled with all the powder we had in January, and there’s more arriving right now at Purgatory as I write this article. But, when the powder gets skied off, the fun doesn’t have to stop. Carving a freshly groomed run is one of the most exhilarating feelings in my mind. There’s something cool about flying down a mountain – in control of course – tipping your skis on the their edges and having them carve beautiful railroad tracks behind you in the snow.

Unlike a skidded turn where we use leg steering, a carved turn is made by simultaneously tipping your ankles and your knees through the turn. Because of the way our skis are designed to carve when properly pressured, forward balance is crucial when carving.

It’s super important to keep your weight over your feet so that your ski tips stay engaged throughout the turn. Tip the skis on edge and enjoy riding that sidecut across the hill.

When in the race course, try to set up your turn early enough so that you finish your turn as you pass the gate. Though you may be tempted to keep your eyes on that gate, try to keep your focus down the course so that you know where your next turn needs to be ahead of time.

The Rotary Red Ball Express is coming at 4 p.m. Saturday to Purgatory Resort. This is a fabulous fundraiser for not only our local rotary clubs but also for lots of nonprofits in La Plata County.

Nonprofits selling tickets this year include Adaptive Sports Association, Boys & Girls Club of La Plata, Durango High School’s Interact Club, Riverhouse Children’s Center, Super Shooters 4-H Club, Southwest Center for Independence, Bayfield Educational Foundation and Sexual Assault Services.

If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, you can get them at Purgatory before the event kicks off that afternoon. First prize for the winning ticket holder will be $5,000, second prize is $2,000 and third prize is $1,000.

Some of the more fun Red Ball Express activities are held during the day prior to the event.

Enjoy the events on Saturday, and let’s keep that race trophy in the Durango High Noon Rotary Club this year!

If you have questions, comments or a specific topic you would like to see covered over the ski season, email Tex at justin@wellsgroupdurango.com.