We're purely about the [s] snow[/s] guns 'n boobies
Ftfy!
🙂
Early snow seems to have stopped now 🙁 but sunshine forecast all day tomorrow! 8)
Desperately needed snow forecast in SW France tomorrow. The turbine in the snow factory is broken so even though the cold has finally arrived the nights are silent.
For anyone who's heading to the Tarentaise, I'm now trying to put a daily English translation of the avalanche forecast on our site:
[url= http://www.whiteroomchalet.com/tarentaise_avalanche_forecast.htm ]Tarentaise Avalanche Forecast[/url]
Edukator, where are you based? THe pyrenees look starved of snow judging by the webcams shots I saw recently
I saw some pics of Vallnord in Andorra and they seemed to have a reasonable amount of snow.
Western Pyrenees. It hasn't snowed at resort level since the beginning of January. My favourite X-C pistes are shut and the snow higher up is very hard.
Mentally preparing a check list now....
1) Looking for good playlist selections. Someone ^ suggested She Sells Sanctuary - which having listened to for the first time in many yrs, sounds like a good call for skiing
2) Anyone skiied on Volkl Tigersharks? Quite fancy a go on a pair. Nordica spitfire also sounds tempting as an energetic quick, turny type ski...
Did anyone see this report on BBC news?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16715883
Snow at Val D'Isere looked lovely.
[i]Did anyone see this report on BBC news?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16715883 [/i]
Oh no, not a HELMET DEBATE!!
Fairly balanced report on helmet use that. It even mentions risk compensation. TJ would be proud.
I didn't wear a helmet for years. They weren't even available in the late 90's when I started (or wrist and bum guards!).
Got one a couple of years ago because they are compulsory at the snowdomes and I didn't want some sweaty rental jumping with teenager nits.
Don't mind wearing it at all. Gives me a bit more confidence amongst the trees.
Also on BBC News, I see Slovakia is getting enough snow:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16735047
😯
Don't worry T.J. doesn't read this thread 😉
Interesting helmet article, although I suspect the speed you are travelling at, and the speed your head de-accelerates at are two completely different figures. Still, I wouldn't ride without mine anymore.
I didn't wear one until I smacked my stupid head on the snow this year and went all dizzy. 🙁
Now I got a nice Giro.
I didn't wear a helmet for years. They weren't even available in the late 90's when I started (or wrist and bum guards!).
It's funny isn't it - a few years ago almost no-one wore them - now most people do and it seems dangerous not to wear one.
I took one but never bothered with it on my trip - I would wear it if I was doing sketchy off piste or park stuff though. It was partly cos there was so much lovely soft snow everywhere when you fell over it didn't hurt at all 🙂
I don't usually go out with a plan for what sort of riding I'll be doing that day. We just wing it depending on what the snow is like. So I wear the helmet all the time now, plus it's nice and warm. 😀
Does make you a bit deaf though.
Pardon?
The main window display item in shops in Val d'Isere was helmets this year.
As said, very few people wore them years ago.
[edit]A groomed piste is nearly always gonna be 'ard!
A groomed piste is nearly always gonna be 'ard!
I've whacked my head a few times on bulletproof pistes (including Scotland). That never made me want a helmet. Just made me want to avoid doing it again 😀
Interesting helmet article, although I suspect the speed you are travelling at, and the speed your head de-accelerates at are two completely different figures. Still, I wouldn't ride without mine anymore.
If you're boarding and catch an edge, I swear your head hits the deck 10 times as fast as you were moving when upright.
Nordica spitfire also sounds tempting as an energetic quick, turny type ski...
Fast as a very fast thing! Only for the groomers, but great fun at speed!
Don't worry T.J. doesn't read this thread
I did a little LOL....! 🙂
Another glorious day here. Early low cloud was low down, so up above was stunning. Hit Yret first off, then played around above Monetier for a while before heading back for a superb lunch! Much playtime around the Grand Serre area afterwards, then in to the "Melezone", a sort of natural obstacle course on show, with some jumps, rails etc, all made from wood. Great fun!
I now have a Leffe 9 to contend with, so later posts may be somewhat incoherent.....! 😉
Meanwhile in Jasna, Slovakia:
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Oh my, pillows ^^ 🙂
Any pictures CFH? (not of the beer)
Sorry, Bunny, none online. Have hardly taken any, been too busy skiing my whatsits off! 🙂
Typically, a dump is due this weekend, starting on Saturday, my last day here!
Ho hum.....!
Pistes are in awesome condition, food is sublime (epic steak tartare today for lunch!), oh, and my arse really hurts....! Fell over this morning after picking up skis! 😳
[i]
If you're boarding and catch an edge, I swear your head hits the deck 10 times as fast as you were moving when upright.
[/i]
makes me whince just to read that!
I wakeboard in the summer, and catching an edge out there REALLY hurts!
Knocked myself out once! 😳
Oh, and can I just say....
I love this thread! 8)
Hol # 2 Just Booked , my CC actually groaned .
10 Mar - 17 Mar. Chamonix in a SC apartment with a group of 5 other randoms , all from inside the internet. The joys of being [s]a looser[/s] single...
Its only a week , as long as its twin beds will be aok ( fingers crossed)
Only for the groomers, but great fun at speed!
Ach, skinnies for the win! If you want ski knee deep powder, then you need to be *in* the snow not *on* the snow. This predeliction for fat skis is somewhat worrying (72mm underfoot on the last powder day I had - admittedly will be packing 92mm for the off piste trip to Serre Che in a few weeks)
If you're boarding and catch an edge, I swear your head hits the deck 10 times as fast as you were moving when upright.
Aye, that or your arse - its like a pivot point, one minute you're fine, next you're staring at the sky saying "why is the snow blue? What just happened?"
Oh dear I seem to have gotten myself some rather nasty sun burn today. The skiing is great in Morzine at the moment IMO.
Disclaimer: I have only been skiing for 4 days and am loving it.
Sweet pic Graham!!! Makes me wanting snow in the Peaks now!!!!! Cold snap coming nxt week better bring some snow!!! I'm holding out for a holiday in Cham in March!!!
Not taken by me!!! But!!! Thanks!!!! 😉
Just watched "Art Of Flight". Wow!
Recommended!!
Graham S - cracking picture. Conditions look excellent.
I've got used to wearing a helmet for skiing. We tend to ski in Finland and Sweden so it's a great way to keep your head warm as well 🙂 Hitting a tree was also a good reminder on why they might be useful.
T-minus 2 days 🙂
Anyone see Ch5 last night - daredevils or something?
some awesome skiing / boarding / ski base / paddling etc
RIP Sarah Burke
rkk01 - Member
Anyone see Ch5 last night - daredevils or something?some awesome skiing / boarding / ski base / paddling etc
Just watched it. That skiier going off the cliff and setting off the avalanche... unbelievable 😯
Just finished packing (and weighing) for flight to St Anton tomorrow and then a Piste To Powder course for next week 🙂
At the airport waiting for my 06.50 flight to Geneva. Would be awesome if i hadn't left my ski jacket at home!
Not looking forward to how much ita going to cost me to buy a replacement in resort!
You know those days when you wake up, pull back the curtains and see that it's been dumping all night, and is still snowing hard?
This is one of those days! 🙂
And you have to trudge through 1 mtr of powder to get to the coach to the airport . . .
Yes , last 2 hols I have had to do that and it sucks .
Tried to stay in verbier but couldnt stay with Inghams as their accom was full
Glad everyone's having fun!
I've been sent a Very Interesting Proposition.
stevomdc, there's a couple of friends of mine living in a van in St Foy at the mo, Julia and Warwick. She splits, he skis. I said they should look you up. Hope that's OK?
Looks like it's heaving down in the Alps again!
3 weeks til my holiday. I hope there is still some snow left in the sky by then!
Yes, yes, yes. Baqueira-beret (Spain) 2001. As mentioned above, it was the day we were travelling home. Before the storm came in the pistes were all but bare 👿You know those days when you wake up, pull back the curtains and see that it's been dumping all night, and is still snowing hard?
*Fires up Wifi on phone at the bar at the base of the piste*
Does anyone know where I can get some new legs? Mine aren't working properly any more....!
Oh, and a new face as well. Mine is really aching from all the laughing and smiling!
Garcon! Pastis! 😀
Just back from an ace week in Menuires! Great snow there at the moment and more due this week in the 3V 8)
This thread needs a
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Pistenbully tastic 😀
15cm in the resort and more up the hill. Just like polystyrene packaging beads. The first time out on X-C skis in a few weeks and I'd waxed too warm. I'll join the queue for some new legs.
The drive back to Turin this morning was awful.
Because there was so much snow falling! Montgenèvre looked like it had seen a lot overnight. Snow was still falling hard in Serre Che as we waited for the bus at "OH GOD!" o'clock!
Great week, utterly knackered now. 🙂
White out this afternoon in Les Gets so we've called it a day and are sat with a beer using wifi at The Boomerang. Loads of snow. Should be blue skies and sun later in the week. 8-D
Ski Sunday, a beer and an early curry is the order of the day at Flash Towers. Exhausted.
Did anyone travel on the road from Les Gets to Cluses, I'm trying to find out what the road condition is usually like. I know it depends on the weather but just wondered if it tends to be fairly clear or should I expect some snow on it. I'm using winter tyres and carrying chains but snow driving is quite new to me...
You know those days when you wake up, pull back the curtains and see that it's been dumping all night, and is still snowing hard?
Yep! 😆 Been like that for 5 of the last 6 mornings here in Fernie BC! 😀
I've been sent a Very Interesting Proposition
Care to share this proposition with the group? 🙂
nbt
admittedly will be packing 92mm for the off piste trip to Serre Che in a few weeks)
When you going? We'll be there first week in March. 😀
Skippy: We came that way last night. Totally clear on the road. No ice or snow to speak of. With winter tyres you'll be fine. No need for snow chains. I've driven that road several times over the past few years and never had any problems.
Johnny, I'm just back from Serre Che. 'Tis a lovely spot, especially when there's some fresh up there!
Lovely, friendly, fun resort. I love it!
Happy to share any piste/restaurant/bar/other tips if you like!
Thanks Alphabet, makes me feel a bit better...
Am in les gets for a couple of days. nice bity snow on the piste today but misty. Rented a burton rocker board. Like it . I drove a corsa up from cluses at lunchtime and road was clear and grippy
Flashy, that would be great, ta. It will be my 3rd year out there, staying in the same place. Was going to be Tignes this year but circumstances forced us back to Chantermerle. It's a good area with plenty of variety but a god awful transfer. We prefer to fly into Grenoble & hire a car now.
We use an appartment about 5 mins walk from the lifts and usually eat in or at the Station bar. We did try a french restaurant opposite the Station one year. It was awful...
Much off piste at the mo?
Particularly enjoyed the 'itenerary' off the back from the top of the Yret lift at Monetiere.
La Taniere? Other side of the end of the piste? If so, the pizza is great, and the service is superb! It's where we usually finish the day watching people fall down the Alphand! TBH, I only use the Station for a few beers, not really for food (Can't say I'm that keen on fish and chips and the like when skiing.)
Tend to eat at Le Bercail, at the Aravet station. Not the cheapest, but very good quality and a little more refined than some! Make sure you try their sugar cubes......! 🙂
Other nice places, well there's a bar/shop in Chantemerle, just down the road from le Lapon (Forget the name, but it has a massive sofa just inside). Lovely food, and a really nice place to grab a beer or three.
Cafe Soleil at Serre Ratier is always nice, if you can sit outside. Le Pi Mai below La Cucumelle is lovely, just remember to head off the piste early for the best run in (It is signposted, but go earlier for a little woodsy fun!)
The OP stuff was pretty rubbish last week, as it had been a week or two since any proper snow. That proper snow seems to have arrived today, though! DAMN! There was a little left in the woods around the Aiguillete lift, and some around the Monetier end (Didn't get over to that bit you mentioned, was having too much fun blasting l'Yret!)
Pistes were all in epic form, though. Really well maintained!
Oh, and make sure you're at Sandrine's little coffee kiosk before the first lift from Chantemerle. Great coffee, lovely flirty service and all that buzz and excitement of everyone getting ready! 🙂
Anyone know how the Scottish 'resorts' are at the moment?
No, not La Taniere - had a few beers in there & always enjoyed watching the different 'styles' of folk on the Alphand. Other way, across the road from the Station. It was near and we don't seem to be that adventorous when eating out. I'll seek out those that you mention though. Think I've been in Le Bercail & Pi Mai but not sure. Here's hoping for lots of snow in the next 5 weeks 8)
grum - join snowheads.com
There is always a thread going with the various resort conditions everywhere in the world.
A friendly bunch too, very much the skiing, snowboarding equivalent of STW.
Edit - glad you had a great time flashy.
First stop for info on Scottish resorts is always:
http://www.winterhighland.info/general/
Glencoe was fully open over the weekend. But they could all do with more snow by the sound of it.
Just got back from Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Like the rest of the US, it's had a poor winter by it's own standard, but we drove up in a blizzard and took the snow with us. Fresh snow nearly every day and not a hint of ice. If you like the trees, it's the place to be and a really friendly place.
Bought an Endeavour Live RC for the trip and it was really good. It won't turn me into a great rider but it encourages you to get airborne and is really forgiving. I managed to hit all the landing ramps in the park (not something I am good at) & it loves powder 🙂
Only negative is finally admitting that my Northwave Legends hurt my right foot. Too tight across the toe's. Or does everbodys lead foot hurt/go numb?
I tried Burton Cartels instead of my Flows this time, but that made the pain even worse 🙁
Finally got to board on some snow in the Peaks this weekend!!!!!!!
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Love it! Grainy, mushy goodness! 🙂
Monday morning blues have hit hard. Especially on seeing this;
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🙁
Finally got to board on some snow in the Peaks this weekend
In a stream by the look of it?
Book another trip CFH (if you haven't already!).
We've finally got round to booking our next trip. Week in Kitzbuhel first week in April, hopefully it'll remain cold so all this lovely snow will stick about all the way down to town.
Hammerite, am pondering a late season play somewhere already! 🙂
Nice one. It makes sense.
Check out the Crystal sales mentioned somewhere above Flashy. Some right good bargains for full half board packages in Austria especially.
Yep, used Crystal for my trip last week. They were very good indeed, especially the in resort rep (Even if she did come round to the hotel room at a rather inconvenient moment on a couple of occasions....! 😳 )
2 wks to go....
8)
she did come round to the hotel room at a rather inconvenient moment
Were you "off piste" at the time?
PMSL @ Graham!
In the back country, playing with some lovely big pillows at the time, as it happens.... 😈
We're going with Crystal, managed to get a free childs place which really makes a big difference to the cost. Also going all inclusive, was only £200 more than a catered chalet.
Even if we eat out some lunches (get given packed lunch - but won't bother carrying it around everyday), and have drinks elsewhere I think we'll still save money as I'm sure I spent more than £200 on drinks all week in the hotel while in Cervinia.
Starting to pack tonight
digby,
It's got an A in it. And a K.
Lots of difficulties about going: work, relational, financial, and it's going to be hard to justify, maybe I won't be able to. But I'm torturing myself by finding out loads about it, just to be sure. arg.
How's Fernie? Still dumping? Saw a vid from the 17th of some insanely deep powder. Overhead turns all the way down, proper snorkel stuff. Amazing.