This season sees the release of Carv 2. Welove2ski gear tester Rich Evans headed to the Stubai Glacier to put it to the test 

Using Carv is like having a personal ski instructor giving you feedback in real time – but without the hassle of scheduling lessons or the added expense. It’s a digital ski coaching device that analyses your technique as you ski and provides personalised coaching, either through an earpiece or via the app. 

I’ve been using the original Carv for a couple of years, and it’s definitely helped improve my skiing. I was excited to see how Carv 2 performs, especially since it’s moved away from footbed inserts to a simple battery pack that clips onto your boot strap, making it more accessible to more skiers – even allowing people hiring boots to use it.  

What is Carv 2?

Carv made its mark as an innovative digital coaching tool that went inside your boot, helping skiers improve their technique with real-time feedback. Now, with the introduction of Carv 2, the brand has taken its game to the next level. Designed to clip onto your boot and use Motion AI technology, Carv 2 promises to revolutionize the way we learn to ski again.

How Does Carv 2 Work?

The device clips onto your boot strap, pairs with the app, and is ready to go. Simple as that – no need to fiddle with inserts (as the original version did) and worry about whether it will affect the fit of your boot. It’s compact – about the size of a matchbox – and tucks under your trouser cuff, so you don’t even notice it’s there. 

The magic lies in its sensors, which tracks boot motion, speed and direction using accelerometers and gyroscopes. This data is compared to millions of other recorded turns and AI helps provide precise feedback to your level. 

Who will it help?  

Anyone who is progressing from snowplough and is nearly parallel skiing, right through to intermediates and beyond, is going to get some benefit and learn from Carv 2, and it will grow with you; the second iteration of the tech even recognises the terrain you’re skiing on and can coach you in more challenging terrain like moguls and powder, so if you aspire to progressing your skiing it will help you. 

In Stubai in early November there was sadly no powder to be found, but I pushed the device across a variety of conditions, from perfectly groomed pistes to icy, chewed-up slopes and it adapted seamlessly, offering relevant coaching without requiring me to adjust the settings manually. 

Key Features of Carv 2

Plug-and-Play Simplicity

Carv 2 is easy to set up. Just clip the device to your boot, pair it with the app, and you’re ready to go. Its intuitive design makes it accessible for anyone eager to hit the slopes without technical difficulties.

Tailored for All Skiing Levels

Whether you’re a beginner mastering parallel turns or an advanced skier refining mogul techniques, Carv 2 adapts to your ability. It provides real-time feedback based on your skill level and terrain, from smooth groomers to challenging icy slopes.

Adjustable Coaching Modes

Carv’s coaching is fully customizable. Skiing with friends? Dial down the feedback and enjoy your day. Focused on improvement? Turn up the coaching to get precise, real-time feedback. This adaptability makes it a standout choice for all types of skiers.

Gamified Learning Experience

Carv’s gamified approach keeps learning fun. Receive positive ‘bings’ for good turns and corrective ‘bongs’ for improvement areas. Progress through levels by achieving targets, making practice sessions both engaging and rewarding.

Advanced Metrics and Tutorials

Carv 2 offers metrics like turn shape, edge angle, balance, and G-force. These insights are presented visually, helping you identify strengths and areas for growth. Video tutorials provide actionable advice to refine your technique.

On-Test Performance

Real-World Testing on the Stubai Glacier

There is a standout upgrade on the app compared with the original Carv – switching between coaching levels is much easier, with everything accessible from the home screen – no more scrolling through multiple menus. 

Want to enjoy a relaxed day on the slopes with friends? You can dial down the coaching, letting you ski without constant updates, and review your stats later. Keen for a focused training session? Ramp up the coaching to get detailed, real-time feedback on specific metrics or drills, delivered straight to your ear via Bluetooth. 

My favourite mode is Active Coach. It automatically adjusts feedback based on terrain and skill level, keeping you motivated. Carv has almost gamified this, and on smooth groomers it gave me positive reinforcement when I hit my targets through reassuring ‘bings’ in my ear piece; meanwhile on steeper, icy pitches where I was struggling with control it lowered the bar to keep feedback realistic and encouraging and I’d get the ‘bings’ even through my skiing wasn’t as good as on the groomers – it adjusted to my ability on that slope. It’s like skiing with a coach who knows when to push you and when to let you simply survive that pitch. 

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Verdict: Is Carv 2 Worth It?

Carv 2 isn’t just for experts or tech enthusiasts – it’s for anyone who wants to improve their skiing. Whether you’re an early intermediate skier learning to carve or someone honing their skills in moguls and mixed terrain, Carv 2 offers valuable, real-time feedback tailored to your needs. 

For analytical or goal-driven skiers, the detailed metrics add a layer of engagement, making every run an opportunity to improve. Be warned, though – it can be very addictive! 

Ready to take your skiing to the next level? Visit getcarv.com to learn more about Carv 2.