Installing & Using Carv
Using Carv
Frequently Asked Questions
Full instructions to set up your Carv unit will be in the product box, or you can watch a video on the complete installation process here.
In order to have your run added to the Ski IQ leaderboard, you must first make 10 turns to ensure consistency and reliability in the metrics we calculate from the data collected by your Carv units.
To get your score on the leaderboard please go to the Carv app and complete the following steps:
Select the three dots in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen
Scroll down and select the “Settings” tab
Click “Visible on leaderboard” and toggle the switch to on. The switch will be blue if it is on.
There are four modes you can choose from when skiing with Carv:
Free ski mode - This mode tracks your skiing and analyses your overall technique to give you a Ski:IQ™, with audio feedback and tips once you get on a lift.
Training mode - There are 4 drills, with 20 levels to complete for each, with real time feedback delivered through your headphones.
Challenge mode - Push your boundaries and improve particular movements, with a number of skiing challenges.
Monitor mode - Hear a live direct feed for a specific metric on every turn. These metrics as some of the most important for achieving a high Ski:IQ™.
To read more on each of these modes, see the link below:
We would always recommend installing your Carv sensors into your ski boots before travelling in order to prevent them from getting damaged during transit.
As for your Carv trackers; each tracker contains a lithium polymer battery, so remember to store these in your hand luggage when travelling by air. Certain airlines will require you to declare capacities in order to fly with batteries in your hand luggage. The Carv battery capacity is 720mAh per tracker.
To find out which size of Carv you need please see our full article on sizing here:
If your insert is slightly too big and bending at the edges or too small and has some space around it then please read our article here:
Users can now launch ski sessions and repeat ski tips with Siri Shortcuts - which can be triggered either via a voice command or by tapping the shortcut in the Shortcuts app (which is installed on iOS and WatchOS by default).
All you need to do is add the shortcuts via the menu screen in the "More" tab and then the shortcuts will appear in the "shortcuts" app on your watch (and phone).
To pair your trackers make sure the trackers are charged and awake. If you have put your trackers into hibernation mode manually or if they have not been used for over 7 days, you will need to wake them by plugging them into a power source. Then follow these steps in the Carv app:
Select the three dots in the bottom right hand corner of your screen (cog icon if on Android and app version 5.4.0)
Go to the “Setup Carv” tab at the top of your screen
Next select “Setup left”
Place the charged tracker directly under the phone and press “Pair”
Repeat these steps for the right tracker
To save battery between ski sessions your Carv trackers will go to sleep if left unplugged for 60 minutes or more. The device can be woken at any time by plugging the inserts into the trackers again.
You do not need to turn your Carv off to store it. Carv will automatically hibernate (to protect battery health) if it is left unused for more than 7 days. To wake your hibernating Carv, simply charge the battery packs before you next go skiing.
There are several factors that affect the rate at which trackers charge including voltage and temperature. On average it should take approximately 4 hours for a tracker to charge from 0% to 80%, at which point your tracker light would turn green.
The battery of your trackers should last for three consecutive days after a full charge.
The Carv logo on each tracker lights up to indicate the following:
(While charging) Solid red = needs more charging
(While charging) Solid green = charged to 80% +
(While charging) Flashing red = charging issue
(When trackers are paired to the app) Intermittent blue flashes = successful bluetooth connection
Installation and Set up
This video will take you through the setup of your new Carv unit step by step:
Firstly it covers how to install the Carv sensors and trackers into your ski boots.
Secondly it covers how to set up the app and calibrate the sensors
Your insert should be installed centrally in your boot shell, and held into place using the tape provided to ensure it does not move.
If your insert is slightly too big and bending at the edges or too small and has some space around it then please read our article here:
What if my Carv inserts are too big or too small?
If you have ordered the wrong size and the Carv insert is much too big/small you can exchange it for another size within 100 days from the date of delivery, using our exchange form here.
It is simple to move Carv between different pairs of ski boots, although it should be done as few times as possible and with care to avoid unnecessary wear to the product.
Just remove your boot liner and carefully pull the insert out via the red sticky tab at the heel. You can then install it into a new boot as normal.
You will need to re-calibrate Carv whenever you move it into a different set of boots.
If you have run out of the black cable secure tape that we provided with your Carv unit, you can use ordinary duct tape instead.
Using the app
To view our full Youtube video on setting up your Carv trackers and inserts on the app please click here.
Please see our full article here on How to pair your trackers.
If you are still having difficulty pairing your trackers please see our Tracker Troubleshooting article.
Before you ski with Carv you will need to calibrate the motion and force sensors in your inserts through the Carv app. Follow the instructions in the app to do this after pairing your trackers.
The app will inform you when you need to re-calibrate the force sensors, which will normally be at the beginning of each ski day.
If you are still having difficulty calibrating your inserts please see our Insert Calibration & Troubleshooting article.
Please see our full article here on How to pair and unpair your trackers.
For day to day use of Carv, we recommend that you unpair the trackers, unplug them from the inserts and charge them overnight. In the morning, you simply pair the trackers again and attach them to the inserts.
Carv coaching
The Ski:IQ™ is a measurement created by Carv to provide a quantified estimate of your ski technique. It is based on how you perform in the key skill areas of Balance, Edging, Rotary and Pressure. The Ski:IQ™ scoring system is a weighted average of the metrics contained in these skills. It has a theoretical minimum of 0 and a maximum of 200.
Carv tracks your Ski:IQ™ over time so you know when you're improving.
The average skier on piste will be scoring around 100.
Intermediates will score between 110-125,
Experts between 125-140
Professionals 140+.
You've charged, paired and installed Carv. You're calibrated and you've got your boots on and you're ready to ski. What now?
We recommend you start with FreeSki Mode.
- Put your headphones in, take your phone off silent and turn up the volume. You don't want to miss your personalised audio tips!
- Open the app and press the central 'record' button.
- Press 'Start recording' to confirm.
- Carv will say 'go get 'em tiger' or similar as you start your run. If you don't hear this, please double check your headphones and phone are connected.
See our Quick Start Guide for more tips on how to make the most out of your first days on the slope with Carv.
We've designed a few different modes to ensure Carv fits in your skiing day, whether you are cruising with friends or training a skill. Once you're feeling comfortable using Carv in Free Ski and ready to try and increase your Ski:IQ we recommend you try one of the modes below:
Training mode - you can find this mode by switching mode from the record screen. Get real-time feedback on every turn to help you dial in a core skiing skill.
Monitor mode - this is a more advanced mode that tells you the live score of a specific metric on every turn, for when you're trying new techniques and want instant, detailed feedback.
Contact us
CARV APP
The fastest way for us to help you is through the Carv App. From here we can help you with any questions or issues you have by reviewing your session data and providing troubleshooting steps directly in the App.
LIVE CHAT
Alternatively get in touch with us via Live Chat below. Our agents work from 10am-10:30pm GMT (9am - 5:30pm ET and 9am - 2:30pm PST), 7 days a week.
For purchase or product assistance, please contact us through the app as it allows us to support you more efficiently.
If you would prefer to email: support@getcarv.com
For business and partner enquiries: partner@getcarv.com
For career and application queries: join@getcarv.com
PHONE
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 20 3286 6644
9am - 10:30pm (GMT), 7 days a week
United States
+1 917 675 3184
10am - 5:30pm (ET) and 9am - 2:30pm (PST), 7 days a week
Loved by every level of skier
“One of the best investments to improve my skiing I ever made.”
Randy Babcock
National Ski Patroller
“I got accurate feedback. The same type of coaching my coach would give. I was blown away.”
Jeremy Bloom
3x World Champion, 2X Olympian
“It did exactly what it said it would do. It has the potential of really educating people on what great skiing is.”
Jonathan Ballou
PSIA Alpine Examiner
“I could see my skiing improving in only a few hours.”
Natalya Paul
Stuff Magazine
“Carv shows the truth about how I stand and move vs how I think I move on skis.”
Michael Rogan
Head Coach, Pro Ski Instructors of America Demo Team
“It was the best purchase I have made in a long time.”
Jonathon Parton
Carv customer
“Best trainer ever. I learnt more in 1 hour than in one week with a real person. Can't wait for next winter.”
Christian Müller
Carv customer
“People with me commented on how much better I was skiing”
Paula C
Carv customer
“Carv was exactly what I was waiting for - instant feedback on my ski technique, and now I really understand the sensation of carving and how to improve.”
Ruth Louise
Verified Carv user
“Carv brings a new perspective to skiing. The pressure sensors allow you to see exactly what's going on. It really works!”
Filip Filisar
Olympian, Ski Cross World Champion
“I highly recommend CARV to anyone who wants to improve their skiing technique whilst hurtling down a snowy mountain every year.”
Patricia Montgomery
Carv customer
“A great and unique tool for any reasonably serious skier.”
Richard Salzedo
Carv customer
“It's something that not only can help the best racers in the world improve their time by the 1/100th of a second that matter but it can help a whole range of people ski better.”
Alex Hoye
Founder, Faction Skis
“It visualised a lot of things that you cannot see in the video. It's definitely next level!”
Luka Krajnc
Head coach, Slovenian Ski Cross Team
“I think that this is very evolutionary for Cross-Country Skiing!”
Enrico Nizzi
Olympian, Cross-Country Skier
“The whole concept of CARV is mind blowing. Amazing!!”
John McQuaid
Carv customer
“When I tested Carv, it was constantly analysing my form and reminded me to correct some of my old habits that had resurfaced!”
Dominic Haffner
Co-Founder, Unique Skis
“It’s not just what you can see, film, or even how the athlete feels. With Carv you actually know what’s happening.”
Jernej Koblar
3 Time Olympian, Alpine Skier
“The first week of use blew me away. The improvement (noted by my wife) was tremendous”
Justin
Carv customer
“Fantastic bit of kit - especially for intermediate skiers”
Christopher Kenny
Carv customer
“I found it useful for pinpointing weaknesses and easily and instantly know I was improving.”
Xaghra R
Carv customer
“A great way for skiers of any level to improve their technique”
John
Carv customer
“Instead of not understanding where the problems are coming from, it will be instant.”
Denis O’Brien
FFS National Ski Instructors Premier Degree France
