Behind The Tech: Carv 2 Podcast

In this episode of the Big Picture Skiing Podcast, three Carv team members – Charlie, lead data scientist; Alex, head of marketing; and John, head of product – reveal how Carv is transforming skiing with real-time feedback technology. From its beginnings as a pressure-sensing insole, Carv has evolved into a powerful device that attaches to ski boots, now able to deliver precise, terrain-specific feedback across groomers, moguls, and powder. Join us as we uncover the technical breakthroughs that made this possible, from sensor fusion to machine learning, and hear each guest’s unique perspective on how Carv’s innovations bring skiers at all levels closer to mastering their craft. Whether you’re a recreational skier or chasing high performance, Carv is reshaping the way we learn and improve on the slopes – making skiing a continuous journey of discovery.

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[Drwatcherman]

I’ve been using Carv for the last 3 seasons. I love the product and have improved significantly in that time. I was a bit skeptical of the changes to the device and loss of pressure metrics. After hearing the explanations from their team, I’m now optimistic. I’m a cardiologist, and when we evaulate echocardiograms (ultrasounds of the heart) we measure velocity and account for angle and use this to derive pressure. This turns out to be more accurate than direct invasive pressure measurements in a number of situations. To me it sounds like a very similar concept is being applied here. Looking forward to my Carve 2s arriving in a few weeks!

[jameschen.mp]

It’s interesting that they referenced Elo when designing their models.

If I had to guess, this is probably remarkably similar to the “reward modeling” step that’s crucial to how modern AI chat bots work.

[Orireiss]

Been using carv for over 2 seasons. Best thing I ever did for skiing. Not only improved my skiing, but just so much fun. Massive thumbs up! For those complaining about subscription…..I pay for 2 year subscription and it’s only £100 per year. Worth every penny.

[StudioBrooklyn]

This was needed. I was on the fence with this... given the absence of pressure sensors... then I read all the science and watched this... ordered new version!

[chrismccracken]

I’ve used Carv for a couple years as a mere intermediate skier, and it has been a great tool to enable continuous improvement. However, the real strength is when you can use Carv to capture quantifiable data to enhance an instructor-led lesson with a pro that really understands it. I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Carv Camp with Morgan last year at Whistler and improved more in 3 days than in the entire ready of the season. Please host a camp there again this year, I’ll sign up in a heartbeat!

[richardwild]

This was super interesting and I'm really looking forward to using Carv to improve my (rubbish) skiing this season!

[johnklaus]

I'm always working on or thinking about my technique and I really enjoyed using carv at CB last year.

This is an amazing improvement and I look forward to trying it again.

To the point of those on the show, it didn't really work outside of groomers that were hard and flat (basically a race course) up until now.

I am so excited to see what it says about my bumps and tree skiing moves. 😊

[salimalam]

Very interesting. I did not go for Carv 1 because it had a footbed (albeit thin), and was aimed at skiing technique on groomers.

I have been persuaded about Carv 2 becuase it now covers variable terrain as well as moguls + no footbed with sensors needed.

[erinb]

Very interesting podcast... I've been using carv since the product first launched... But I wouldn't ski with it all the time, because I knew if I skied off piste, my scores would be low... And I mostly ski off piste... Thus I'm excited to try the new carv off piste!

Carv is definitely a useful tool, because it makes you aware of your skiing constantly while skiing and could pick up on subtle asymmetries in your skiing... I think for me what has limited its utility is a. Not being able to use it off piste and b. Lack of tips at the highest levels of carv that can help you progress to the very highest levels ....Thus, I also still get ski lessons, because for high end skiing, I think you need an instructor to figure out what you're doing wrong and then how to fix it...but now I'm excited to try the new carv and see how it performs!

Very cool use of math and data for a ski application.

[riotsupercarver]

Updated to the Nevado app today. I'm an alpine (hard boot) snowboarder using boot sole sensors for the NZ 2024 winter. All my numbers have been updated, and my Ski IQ has jumped up from 136 to 150. Intriguingly, when I carve high on edge my Parallel "ski" scores go through the floor! I have a run where I scored 0%. I figure it's to do with the way the board flexes and twists into a shape that is like a section of the wall of a cone, with the edge in the snow more tightly bent than the upper edge. Nevado thinks my ski tips converge/diverge depending on whether I'm on heelside or toeside. But it knows I CARV!

[Mr.Steve-O]

Very interested in possibly trying CARV out, are there any discounts code for first time users ?

[ThaiOclockJourney]

From a person who is still doing snow plough for 2 seasons now. I just got carv2 and absolutely excited to try to see if it works for beginner. Not just intermediate and advance skiers

[pamelawolfe]

Really great video. I enjoyed hear the details. I would like to know how the steepness is used. Is the effect on IQ, is it a continuous variable or a discrete one. If discrete how small are the intervals that change scores. Our Blackbear run had a measurement of 20 degrees one time and 18 another. Other slopes have had variable readings, too. I understand their are factors that make the measurement vary such as side to side pitch. I would like to know how slope is factored in to IQ.

[jerl.]

My boot fit did not permit me to install the sole. I just bought the Carv2 and i am really curious to test them. I am an ex racer and instructor and for me i need a high level instructor( level 4) to really improve my skiing. I have a friend that is level 4 but i ski with him once a year. My expectations is that Carv2 can be that friend in my ear every time i ski if i want coaching. I will let you know how it goes. I found the video really informative on the changes made and how it translate to data that is used to guide the coaching.

[ameydav]

Another great discussion!
I can’t wait for my CARV 2 to arrive, hopefully before my first trip in a few weeks.
I have no doubt on the technical side that Ski:IQ accuracy will be as good as without the insoles.
My one concern of lacking pressure sensors is on the human side - awareness of the feet.
I grew up on straight skis. It was all about forward shin pressure. I never finished a ski week without bruised and scathed shins. On the other hand, I was oblivious to the fact that my feet have soles.
It was only a combination of using the original CARV units together with your Big Picture Skiing body movement videos that changed my perception and my focus, allowing me to learn to carve on the flatter terrain (and to make the odd transition from steeps, bumps and powder to enjoying the groomers).
I wonder how that awareness can be kept in focus with the new hardware. It’s something I will be looking at.

[hermannarminius]

Stomp It did a good job, but I was waiting for this lol

[Benzknees]

What a refreshing podcast, with such clear, enthusiastic presentation & so few annoying verbal fillers. And the unit sounds like a huge improvement over the previous product, which was too flawed to interest me.

[profdrlt]

@Tom: are you doing a review of the Carv v2 in addition to this interview? @Carv: is user data (sex, age, weight, height, humerus/tibia ratio, boot size, etc.) / ski data (length, radius, type, etc.) accounted for in Carv v2? Is snow condition, terrain and type of skiing set by the user, or determined automatically?

[jefflacourse]

Tom,
How do you think it would be helpful to racers?

[jacobuskooijman]

Now it's easy to change between boots. See how it works on tele gear😊