There are times when we can benefit from some extra help, especially as we age or develop chronic medical conditions.
Nick Manley, a remarkable athlete with a degenerative neurological condition, swears by the Ski-Mojo knee bracing system. The product’s shock absorbing springs reduce the load on his knees, allowing him to continue to race and ski for the entire day without tiring.
I haven’t used it, but I have talked with Nick and at least a dozen other older skiers who tell me that it has made a profound difference in their skiing experiences. Ski-Mojo also helps maintain correct posture while skiing and makes it easier to ski longer.
If you feel you could benefit from some assistance, my strong suggestion is to visit Ski-Mojo’s site.
Now, on a limited basis, there’s another innovative approach to helping your knees. I wrote briefly about it a few months ago, when the company started advertising. The product, being developed by Roam Robotics, is called Elevate. It is a computer-influenced soft exoskeleton that utilizes pneumatics to assist movement in your legs and knees.
It may sound sci-fi, but it’s for real. Starting March 9, the company is making Elevate available on a unique demo basis in three locations: two in Lake Tahoe; one in Park City.
Rent the device, and Roam will arrange for one of its trained ski hosts to accompany you for a few runs or for the entire day, based on your preference. If you’re staying within a certain radius of their facilities, the company will deliver the device to you the night before and provide enough orientation so you’ll be good to go the next morning when you meet your ski host on the hill.
If this sounds a little protective, it is. As a product, Elevate is ready for prime time, but the concept is so new that the company wants to provide hands-on education about its use. It also wants to collect information about customers’ experience to improve future versions. All of this is to assure a smooth roll-out when it ramps up production and makes Elevate available more broadly in seasons to come.
The cost for a one-day demo is $109, which includes drop-off and ski host services. If you are in the Tahoe or Park City neighborhoods and want to try an entirely different approach to protecting your knees and getting more out of your ski day, this is your opportunity. To reserve a demo, click here.
I returned to skiing after over 20 years. I am 63 and was advised by a friend in the UK that the Ski Mojo has enabled him to ski all day – he is 70+
Now. I have moved to Corner Brook in Newfoundland to work before I retire. I bought a Ski Mojo and am so pleased with it. My old, tired leg muscles love it.
Marble Mountain is great – I am still in shock when I see no lift queues, wide open, uncrowned pistesetc. When I last skied in Europe prior to a disastrous ACL injury in Banff, it was like skiing on a Mordor way/freeway.
I love this site – keep up the good work
I have been using the ski mojo for about 10 years and I swear by it. I am 69 years old. I had deteriorating knees when I bought it and now have 2 new knees. I skied 15-19 days a year in Colorado, going for the month of February. I notice a big difference when it is turned off, much more fatigue. I cannot ski for any length of time without it. Tried the CADS and they work also, but Mojo was less intrusive.
I have skied with CADs for 15 years and have found them easy to use and a great help for skiing on severely arthritic knees. I had 1 knee replacement last year and plan to get the other done within the next year. I still plan to use the device as it helps with fatigue. Currently I’m skiing at Vail and have done 8 days in a row and my legs feel fine. As a physician myself, I would highly recommend CADs for those people with arthritic knees/hips that want to keep on skiing.
Even before needing these devices to help your knees, I would highly recommend using other preventive and helpful measures. For example:
1. Knee braces add additional support to stabilize your knees. The are like helmets for your knees. Use them for prevention, before you actually need them.
2. Hyaluronic Acid pills. Some treatments inject hyaluronic acid directly into the knees. But this acid is also available in the form of pills. It helps lubricate your joints.
3. Glucosamine / Chondroitin pills. They hep you rebuild your cartilage and they are also anti-inflammatory.
4. Golden raisins soaked in gin for at least 2 or 3 weeks. Then take a spoonful of the raisins each morning. Many people swear by this. Look it up on the internet.
All of the above are relatively inexpensive solutions.
A much more expensive procedure, costing thousands of dollars involves knee injections based on stem cells. Has anyone tried that? Is it effective?
can any one tell me if they have tried the ski mojo or Againer with Dahu ski boots
Many thanks