I haven’t had skis under my feet in well over 10 years. That’s why when the prospect of travelling to the mountains of Deer Valley, Salt Lake City came across my desk, I was nervous. Sking is a very intensive sport. Not only on the body but it also demands hand-eye coordination, balance, and experience. However, I felt compelled to take the risk and venture to the snowy hills to test CARV 2, an AI-powered ski coach device designed to make you a better skier.
I have had no prior exposure to the company CARV nor its new CARV 2 technology and device. Spending two full days in Deer Valley, I was able to learn more about how CARV 2 provides real-time coaching assistance to skiers of all types of experience. By being an entry-level skier, I was anxious to see exactly how much of a difference it would make. I believed that having a bit more skill and time spent on the dust, CARV 2 would be able to take advanced skiers and elevate their form. Truthfully, CARV 2 can cater to all skiers whether or not you’re new or a life-long enthusiast. Best of all is how accessible Carv 2 is. By subscribing to the $249 annual subscription, you’ll be given a pair of CARV 2 devices to attach to your ski boots. All recorded information and stats are relayed to the iOS and Android apps in real-time. The only other thing you need is a pair of earbuds so CARV 2 can give you feedback between each run down the hill. So, there’s no lugging around equipment or external devices. Everything you need can be carried with you to the slopes in your pocket.
How Does CARV 2 Work?
CARV 2, as indicated by the name, is the second-generation product from the UK-based tech company. CARV began as a startup and while expanding, continues to operate as a very tight-knit team of about 25 people. With the majority of its community-based in Canada, the US, and the UK, CARV iterated on the first AI-powered ski coach and device. The first iteration was an in-boot device, similar to an insole, primarily tuned for on-piste analysis. CARV 2, on the other hand, comes as two small devices, no bigger than the case for your AirPods. Each one is clipped on the sides of your ski boot. CARV 2 weighs only 47 grams, making it almost unidentifiable once clipped on, meaning you’ll be able to ski the exact same way with no hindrance to the weight in your boots.
Within each CARV 2 device are a 6-axis gyroscope and accelerometer. These are capable of tracking foot placement and the angle of your feet while skiing. CARV 2 also includes geolocation data, so it records the hills you’re skiing on, the distance travelled, the number of turns made, and the total distance through the duration of your session. This device is also used to track and record balance, rotary measurements and edging, otherwise known as the tilt of your skis used to control direction and speed. The data is then sent to your smartphone using Bluetooth. Available within the CARV app, this data is then analyzed to highlight your technique and provides real-time, personalized coaching through to your headphones while you sit down on the ski lift back up the mountain.
Using CARV 2 For the First Time
Getting to the Deer Valley slopes and getting CARV 2 up was simple and easy. On each device, you’ll see an indicator letting you know the correct leg the device should be placed on. Once strapped in, starting your session with CARV requires you to go to the app on your smartphone and pair the devices over Bluetooth. I also took a moment to pair the app with my OnePlus Buds Pro 3 earbuds (though wired headphones will work too). Next, I had to hit the ‘Start’ button where the CARV 2 begins recording location, terrain analysis, and other relevant data. All that I needed to do from there was make my way to the slopes.
As mentioned, I haven’t been on skis in well over 10 years. So, the first part of my day at Deer Valley was tumultuous, to say the least. After a few hours of relearning the very basics thanks to Carv’s Jordan Bayliss. By the afternoon, I found myself with enough confidence to start using CARV and begin my skiing journey. Taking my first run down a mild slope, CARV 2 first began tracking my data. As a beginner, one of the major metrics I concentrated on was ‘Turn Shape’, essentially the fluid form from one turn into the next as I progress down a slope. CARV 2 requires eight consecutive turns to register to begin analyzing the data, providing what’s called a Ski: IQ score (CARV 2 has many gamified systems, which I’ll touch on). CARV 2’s motion sensor is able to create a high-resolution biometric model of boot movement, decoding nuances in your technique. Using a Large Motion Model AI, the company has now built a database of over 500 million turns.
Throughout each run, every turn and foot movement is recorded. CARV 2 gets into the nitty gritty by breaking down the results of each left or right turn. Your minimum and maximum speeds are also catalogued. The rotary and edging analysis is also taken into account. CARV 2 can automatically detect the snow surface being skied on. Once I managed to get back to ski lift, a brief 30-second analysis report was fed through to my earbuds. Using an AI voice, CARV 2 relays some helpful tips and tricks to test on the next run. Typically, to enhance the user’s experience, it tries to nail down a focal point in training for 3-4 runs before moving on to something else.
Gameifying the Ski Slope
There are varying training modes to use depending on skills, personal preference, and what you’d like to concentrate on the day. My favourite, however, was Active Coach. While concentrating on turn shape, the Active Coach mode relays audible feedback in real-time while skiing down a slope. If I pull off a correct turn, CARV 2 registers with a satisfying ping sound. If I flubbed a turn, I was met with a thud. Meeting with the CARV 2 team, I got a sense that many of the incorporated systems are inspired by video games. Like Call of Duty, SSX, and other titles with a competitive, yet satisfying gameplay loop, CARV 2 inspired users to chase after scores. Within the Active Coach mode, ping hit with a more satisfying response, the more continuous turns you pull off. Complete 10 in a row, and it feels like I’m pulling off a combo in a game, achieving a high score.
The same goes for the aforementioned Ski: IQ score. This is essentially your daily score allotted to your performance. This number goes up and down depending on each run throughout the day. Across both days, I tried my best to break into the triple digits. However, I was left walking away with a 94 and a 89. It’s a really interesting metric. As Ski: IQ gives users, regardless of skill level, something to chase. You can also link your account with friends while on a hill. Not only will you see the location of your friends. You’ll also be able to see their Ski: IQ number, incentivizing you to push yourself a little harder.
Over the course of two days, I found myself significantly more comfortable on skis. This is largely thanks to what CARV 2 can provide. Its accessible and nuanced approach to training feels surprisingly curated, thanks to the Large Motion Model AI. Even as someone who is a bottom-of-the-barrel skier, I can see how CARV 2 can improve the little skills of more advanced athletes of the sport. If you’re eager to try CARV 2 out yourself, I can’t help but recommend it. If you see yourself up on the slopes this season, this device and app are great companions to bring with you. Its accessible and beyond all else, shows proven results.
