BACKSHOP
the cuff for a smaller size, and move buckles/catches.
Boot ramp can be measured using an angle gauge easily
and quickly. Zeppa ramp angle is modified frequently after
establishing range of motion in the ankle. Reasons to modify
the zeppa ramp angle include: matching the cuff forward lean
angle; and increasing or decreasing the flexion in the joints
up the chain. If the ankle has the dorsiflexion range of motion
to support it, and there is sufficient room for the calf, reducing
the height of the zeppa at the heel is a highly effective way of
creating a more powerful athletic stance.
“Alpine ski racing requires an unnatural stance as it pertains
to the human body’s flight or fight response,” says JC Cole of
Ski and Snowboard Club Vail. “When most humans are pre-
sented with danger associated with something steep or tall,
the brain-body connection has a safety mechanism that natu-
rally moves the body away from danger, i.e., back away from
it — tall cliffs or buildings are a great example. It is unnatural
for a human to dive into this environment, (which is what we,
as alpine coaches, try to teach every day. [Dan] Stripp and
I are still and always will be of the mind that when the ramp
and/or cuff angle is increased, instinct will move you back on
your heels to compensate. Keep in mind that some athletes
can handle this stance (Bode Miller for example), but most
development-level athletes are not ready for that yet.”
Coaches and parents who are involved with juniors still
growing should keep in mind that the connective tissue does
not grow as quickly as bone. Juniors experience this as a re-
duction in flexibility and even joint pain. This also has stance
implications for ski boot fitting, both laterally and fore/aft. Get
juniors dialed in and continue to check them throughout the
season to make sure they are still standing in a tall, centered,
athletic and powerful stance.
Want to learn more? Check out this scientific study re-
searched in part by USSA’s Ron Kipp: tinyurl.com/6pkff87.
(And thanks to Ken Statler, Ph.D.; Ron Kipp, Ph.D., Jim Lind-
say, Brent Amsbury C-Ped and JC Cole for peer review and
contributions to this article.)
