What makes an expert skier? Many people associate that level of skiing skill with making bumpy runs on slopes covered in deep moguls. But for Ira Riklis, it’s all about fast runs down steep, groomed slopes. To make those types of runs, he relies on long, stiff racing skis, which aren’t designed for carving tight turns through the crevices between moguls. He considers himself a “mountain cruiser,” and as such he’s content to leave the leg-straining twists and turns to others.
His racing skis are designed to maintain contact with the snow while he banks high-speed turns. And when conditions are just right, these skis, combined with his well-honed technique, allow Ira Riklis to reach speeds of up to forty-five miles per hour. That means he can make the run down Vail Mountain—non-stop from top to bottom—in just fifteen minutes! And since he hasn’t worn himself out maneuvering around obstacles, he’s got the energy to ride the lift back to the top and make another run.