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nbt - looks v nice! That chute actually looks like something I could handle... so long as it's not as steep as it looks in that penultimate pic!
Ed, staying at Lofoten Ski Lodge
[url] http://www.lofotenskilodge.com/ [/url]
driving down from Tromso with a warm up day at Narvik resort then 9 days touring on Loften - should be amazing 8)
I want to go to Lofoten, how do I go to Lofoten , why can't I got to Lofoton? Man that looks good. Are you doing any splitting?
I love the video and I especially love the bit where the guy goes for a high five and is left hanging! Ha! At 07:32
Should be amazing
I think it should, yes! The best thing about touring in places like that is that the whole experience is so fantastic (properly fantastic, as in: like a fanstasy!), that it's going to be an incredible trip if the snow's not that great. Pow would be the cherry on top!
Had a spin through the site: £1,500 isn't too bad for a week's full board and 6 days guiding.
Love the sauna with stairs to the sea. That got me more excited than the snow! Loads of places to ski, but not many saunas with steps to the sea and a white sand beach...
You're flying from Gatwick with Norwegian I'm guessing?
I'm sure you are, but if not, check it out - cheap and quick.
Ed, yes looks like a great place. We are just using the lodge and taking out one of our regular guides (Si Christie) who has done several trips up there before.
Norwegian Gatwick - Tromso makes it very easy...
hmm maybe a hovercraft split needed for this trip 💡
How much is it accomm only? I couldn't find that on the site.
Looking at Lofoten or Lyngen in the 1st week of march. no midnight sun, but days aren't too short, and there's a full moon, high in the sky that week...
What's your current split?
Not sure on the accommodation only as Simon is sorting it all for us. They may only offer this to visiting guides (not sure) with groups. Probably worth emailing them
Got a Jones Flagship and voile mojo split -
mojo is rather old now and fancied a hover for ages.
http://www.dpsskis.com/en/lotus-120-spoon-386.html
Saw some skis from this lot in Montana earlier this week. Delicious!
Got to love a bit of "increased slarvability", eh?
hmm maybe a hovercraft split
I rode with a guy earlier this year who was rockin' an Ultracraft - the thing weighed absolutely nothing, but by his own admission was probably a bit too light and sketchy for him.
I tried a Hovercraft (non-split version) for a day last year and was really impressed by it - it was Sooooo much fun to ride!
I think the current Hovercraft split only goes up to 160 though so might be a tad small (even though it 'rides big') if you are a heavy-ish rider (or carrying a ton of backcountry kit) - I ride the 168W Solution and 164w Flagship (85Kg without kit)
Digby
yes got a 163w flagship, but only 75kg naked.. they say you can ride the hover quite short, thats kind of the point of it as surface area pretty big - i reckon could get away with the 156, same surface area as a 175 normal apparently.
i find the 163w a touch to slow edge to edge. I am size 10 feet so kind of borderline on having a wide board.
won't need glacier gear up in lofoten so pack should be fairly light..
oh and my mate has just offered me his nearly new one for 250 quid! 😛
Booked onto my uni ski trip to Tignes in January - stoked!
Going on the alumni trip - same time and place as main uni trip, but with the option to upgrade to flights, and 4* accommodation.
Sorted!
Saalbach. Anyone been? Still lining up options for Christmas week and it seems like it's a resort with plenty of atmosphere. Apparently there is good snowmaking for when the dumps don't show.
Hello all.
Any suggestions on Ski holiday insurance?
It's for a student going on a Uni ski trip (Europe).
Thanks
Off to Lofoten for 10 days snowboard mountaineering in April
That place looks amazing. Please post a review after you've been.
MrsGrahamS has just suggested that I go off for a 2-week trip to Canada this season with the boys so I can do some cat-skiing (well "cat-boarding") for my 40th 😆
I've reluctantly agreed.
Now to waste the rest of the [s]day[/s]week browsing Canadian cat-skiing operations and drooling a lot...
oh and my mate has just offered me his nearly new one for 250 quid!
You clearly have nice mates! 😛
I'm determined to try and lighten my pack this coming season - and hopefully drop a few Kg myself.
I've watched that Lofoten video twice now ... Wow!
Now to waste the rest of the dayweek browsing Canadian cat-skiing operations and drooling a lot...
Fernie Wilderness Adventures & Island Lake Lodge are definitely both worth considering.
From memory I think you've been with FWA for a day haven't you Graham?
Baldface lodge in Nelson also gets good reviews.
Like many of these things tho' the secret seems to be having a group with similar abilities and tastes so you don't have to compromise.
Cheers Digby. I've been to Fernie, but we didn't do FWA. Should have, but we were less experienced then so wouldn't have got much from it.
We're side-country riders really, we're looking for our first proper backcountry experiences - that don't involve doing any splitboarding (because I can't ski) or hiking for miles (because I'm fat). Hence why we're looking at cat-based stuff. (Heli would be nice but waaaaaay too pricey)
Valhalla powder cats are very good. got onto some good terrain with them.
Digby, Hover is now mine 😛 just need some spark magnetos now..
FWA is easier on the pocket - Island Lake Lodge (setup/co-owned by Craig Kelly) is luxury accommodation/fine dining. (a friend of mine has driven the cat at both!)
Heli not so popular in the Rocky Mountains anyway as the weather system would probably mean too many down-days, whereas a cat-ski operation can run in any conditions - with loads of areas below the tree-line for low-vis/white-out conditions!
wallop - MemberSaalbach. Anyone been? Still lining up options for Christmas week and it seems like it's a resort with plenty of atmosphere. Apparently there is good snowmaking for when the dumps don't show.
I went last year, snow was awful. Very warm. I could see the resort had potential but i personally didnt like that you had to go down into town to swap sides. others loved it as you can take lunchj in town and head up again.
just need some spark magnetos now..
Be very interested to know how you get on with the Magnetos ... especially the 'clog-free' claims.
Be very interested to know how you get on with the Magnetos ... especially the 'clog-free' claims.
Me too, wondering wether to upgrade the baseplates on my Burners.
Graham S
+1 Valhalla and their sister operation Snowwater Heli.
Not far from Red Mountain and Nelson,
Do a day of heli it's worth every hard earned penny.
I will return, one day.
Had a good day with these guys – http://powdermountaincatskiing.com
And another vote for these – http://fwapowder.com
I'd also recommend Revelstoke, we only rode in bounds but the riding is incredible. I'd love to go cat skiing there. Baldface is on the want to do list. Bella Coola also gets a lot of rave reviews.
I've been heliskiing once in Whistler. For me although being in a helicopter was ace, the riding was no better that cat skiing. But then I like trees, if you prefer big open bowls then heli is for you.
Bella Coola does look ace!
I have to say that Snowwater Heli setup looks pretty darn sweet! Love the idea of a Snowcat backup so there's no 'down days'! 8)
approx £2,400 for a 3 day all inclusive heli looks pretty good value (when compared with similar Alaska/Russia type trips)
Head to Whitefish Montana
CHEAPERBETTERNOREAWESOMETHANCANADA
and great cat skiing too
I been to pretty much all the canadia resorts and none of them touch whitefish
I'll mention 1 dollar beers just because
Snowwater is brilliant, I've been three times and it has got better and better.
When I first went, it was quite basic, rough and ready, the last visit was a much more upmarket experience. The skiing was brilliant each time, the best bit was being there during filming for a snowboard movie. The way the groups worked out, I ended up in the chopper with the Pro Boarders and the guide, they did their thing I skied with the guide/owner. At one point they had the door taken off the chopper for filming. Epic day out, which I will never forget.
approx £2,400 for a 3 day all inclusive heli looks pretty good value
I'm sure it is in [i]relative[/i] terms, but sadly my missus only gave me permission to go to Canada.
I think she'd draw the line at selling the children or robbing a post office before I go.
😀
Wallop - we went in March. Snow was o.k first thing in the morning, then a slush fest after noon.Saalbach. Anyone been?
Great apres ski (as in most Austrian resorts).
Plenty of skiing in both areas. I've been a few times now and enjoyed it.
I'm sure it is in relative terms, but sadly my missus only gave me permission to go to Canada
In which case FWA is probably more appropriate as lots of Post Offices have closed over the past few years ... 😉
How do you rate FWA Digby?
My boarding buddy has a workmate who who lived out in Fernie for a year and he reckoned the FWA terrain was a bit "flat".
But then I'll be 40 and not exactly looking for cliff drops so maybe that's a good thing?
I think what we are after is a "normal" 2-week Canadian (or similar) boarding holiday with a bit of guiding and a day or two cat-boarding on the side. Does that make sense?
Graham, TBF it was quite a while ago the exchange rate with the cad dollar was much more in our favour and it was pre wife and kids. Also the tax and cost on flights has jumped quite a bit since then.
I really really enjoyed FWA. I think they have access to similar elevation to Island Lake, but perhaps not as steep or varied
For sure there is some mellow terrain in the area they operate, but there's also some steep stuff and some optional cliff drops if you want!
As I mentioned earlier, to get the best out of things like this it's an advantage if everyone is riding/skiing at a similar level as they will tend to steer the choice of terrain towards the technically 'weaker' folks - which can sometimes be an issue with 'Public' groups
The advantage with FWA is it can be a 'bonus' / 'value-add' day out to your resort based trip as opposed to an 'all-inclusive package' inc accommodation at the like of Island Lake Lodge (2 day only options are available, but they tend to be limited availability and only during early & late season)
I don't think you would be disappointed with FWA. Like most of these things you get out what you put in - as long as your expectations aren't set unrealistically high!
Sounds like a great idea for a 40th! (you spring chicken!!) 8)
howsyourdad1 & Bunnyhop - cheers for the heads up. Will perhaps only go if the snow turns up before Christmas... 😆
Dang nabbit! Waited too long and flights from Scottish airports to Geneva over new year are now £500 plus. Each.
Nothing for it but to look for a last minute deal. Does this work for folks?
Looking at trying to sort a touring/ski mountaineering trip to the Lyngen Alps in northern norway.
Has anyone been?
Would love to do the whole sail and ski experience, but seems likely to be too expensive for the moment.
I did a day at FWA years ago and, to be honest, I wouldn't go back. Too flat. The snow wasn't great when I was there, which didn't help, but still, I wouldn't go back.
These days, unless I win the lottery or something, I could never justify paying for cat / heli. Better terrain and better snow to be had for free*. People ask us about doing heli drops all the time and I never recommend it. If it's worth paying £200 to get one run in a heli, it's worth walking for an hour to get something at least as good.
*Payment in sweat may be required....
it's worth walking for an hour to get something at least as good
This. Earn your turns.
Spin - have you checked flights from Liverpool? Generally pretty cheap and available and not to hard to get to from southern Scotland / central belt?
If it's worth paying £200 to get one run in a heli, it's worth walking for an hour to get something at least as good.
I hear you Stevo, but isn't that the voice of someone who lives out there for a full season, knows how to snowshoe and splitboard, and has the time to wait for good conditions on slopes that can be walked to safely?
Coming at it as someone who only gets two weeks, can't ski/snowshoe/splitboard, and would find an hour hike through deep snow at altitude pretty exhausting - I can definitely see the draw to the heli/cat.
Spin - have you checked flights from Liverpool? Generally pretty cheap and available and not to hard to get to from southern Scotland / central belt?
Cheers for the idea but we're in Inverness with relatives in Glasgow so really got to be central belt.
Looking at trying to sort a touring/ski mountaineering trip to the Lyngen Alps in northern norway.Has anyone been?
Yep - I did a trip there in 2012 but stayed at the 'Lyngen Lodge' rather than on a boat. The sail & ski trips do look great, but I'm getting old now and there's something quite appealing about comfort and dry boots.
It's an absolutely amazing place and it was a fantastic experience - but then we were incredibly lucky with the weather.
[url= http://www.lyngenlodge.com/ ]http://www.lyngenlodge.com/[/url]
Let me know if you want any more info etc
I think nedrapier has been a couple of times as well ...
I did a day at FWA years ago and, to be honest, I wouldn't go back. Too flat. The snow wasn't great when I was there
... and to be fair, when I went it had snowed 100cm+ blower powder in the previous 24 hours 8) - I probably would have had a great time anywhere, but I still think it's worth checking out for a day if you don't want to 'hike for your lines' etc
Spin: have you looked on [url= http://www.skyscanner.net/transport/flights/edi/gva/141229/150105/airfares-from-edinburgh-to-geneva-in-december-2014-and-january-2015.html?rtn=1 ]skyscanner[/url] for flights?
Quick search suggests they have some easyJet flights from Edinburgh to Geneva for £337. Which is crap but better than £500 each way! Depends on your dates really.
No there's an idea.
Fly out a day or two early and get a cheap hotel somewhere. Might be cheaper than £500 weekend flights.
This looks worth a watch:
Higher is free today - best of the Jones Trilogy but a long way.
[url] http://www.redbull.com/en/snow/events/1331683612414/red-bull-exclusive-jeremy-jones-higher-premiere [/url]
Just got out of hospital and I definitely won't be snowboarding when we go to Morzine in 14 weeks. If I am lucky I will be able to drive and ride my road bike again in 8 weeks.
On the plus side hopefully this will fix my ankle for good and I will be able to ride properly again.
[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5611/15598255646_500bcb9e64_o.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/29930426@N04/15598255646/ ]No snowboarding for me :-([/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/29930426@N04/ ]i_ache[/url], on Flickr
Ouch. Best wishes and I hope you have a good physio.
I know some good bars and restaurants in Les Gets if that helps.
Thanks. I new it was going to happen but was hopeful that I would be able to get a day or two in but my Surgeon says no way. I think I'm just going to chill out drinking beer and relaxing.
I'll probably give night sledging a go but nothing more adventurous than that.
Really fancy trying Austria (St Anton) this year, any top tips? Most places seem to require a ski bus to the lifts, is this a real chore or super efficient?
Mixed group of abilities ranging from early intermediate to seasonnaires with 5 years experience....
A friend went there last year (St Anton)and his daughter is Chalet maiding there this year and they all seem to love it. The ski buses in Austria are pretty good, but obviously its not like a 50 yd walk to the lift.
Ive just booked a cheeky five days from 27th Dec staying at Worgl but with a car, so can drive to various spots in the area such as Auffach, Kitzbuhel, Soll etc. Has anyone been to Hopfgarten as that is quite close and looks pretty extensive?
Also I noticed its 197 euros for a five day pass. How does that compare with other areas and France?
St Anton is the best riding in Austria in my view . It's also known as St Manton as there seems to be a high proportion of dudes there.
On another note , insane snowboarding
http://mpora.com/articles/watch-one-snowboard-video-week
I spend a lot of time in St anton and, assuming you book a place in town you'll be within walking distance of the lifts. My favourite place in Europe - great lift accessible back country, some even better touring if you fancy taking a guide and fantastic boozy après.
Pistes can get busy at the end of the day and a I know a few people that think the pistes can be a little tough for newbies.... But my wife learnt there and didn't have too many issues.
I've been entered into some mental race there at end of season. Think megavalanche but on skis... The wife's idea of a fun birthday gift
Also I noticed its 197 euros for a five day pass. How does that compare with other areas and France?
€197 for 5 days (and presumably around €235 for 6 days) is on the spendier end of the scale. Not quite Switzerland though.
I hear you Stevo, but isn't that the voice of someone who lives out there for a full season, knows how to snowshoe and splitboard, and has the time to wait for good conditions on slopes that can be walked to safely?Coming at it as someone who only gets two weeks, can't ski/snowshoe/splitboard, and would find an hour hike through deep snow at altitude pretty exhausting - I can definitely see the draw to the heli/cat.
Sure, but cat/heli is no guarantee of good conditions either. If it's sun-baked or wind-scoured in/around resort, it's sun-baked and wind-scoured where the cats and helis go too. OK, so it's probably going to be less tracked than easy-access resort slackcountry stuff, so that does help, but you are not guaranteeing conditions by opening up your wallet.
I'd say spend the same money on getting a guide for a week as you might pay for a cat/heli for the day. Better odds of good conditions as they may well change over the course of the week - you'd be gutted if you'd paid for a heli on a Tuesday, then it dumped on the Wednesday!
There is very little skill required to snowshoe or splitboard (you definitely don't need to be able to ski to use a splitboard). Anyone can pick it up in a day. If you've got a group, split the cost of a guide and get personalised service for a week. If it's just you, join a backcountry camp for a week.* Either way, you'll save a ton of money over cat/heli and have an awesome time.
On the other hand, if you have the means to afford 2 weeks of heli in somewhere like BC where conditions are close to guaranteed then don't let me stop you!
*Purveyors of such things are never too far away, cough, cough! 😳
Trigger finger is itchy this morning.
Feeling Austrian as well.
God I hope that's not a euphemism 😯
cat/heli is no guarantee
Yes, I agree with you there. I've been lucky enough in past seasons to go away for months rather than weeks. That gave us the freedom and the time to get into skinning and learn when and where to go.
I find it hard to justify a day's cat boarding these days. For me the biggest problem is being in a mixed group. I'm no Johan Olofsson (showing my age) but when you've just paid out £250+ and you spend the day waiting for the slower riders, or worse still watching a huge field of fresh snow get trashed by a greedy idiot it's incredibly frustrating.
bluebird: my biggest worry is [i]being[/i] one of those slower riders 😳
Johan Olofsson (showing my age)
Me too, Johan was the man. Still the smoothest, most impressive big-mountain rider I've ever seen.
Can't seem to find a link to his part in TB9 right now, but check it out if you get a chance. It's what made me want to be a "big mountain rider"!
What Stevo says is true there are no guarantees. We went to sleep one night at Snowwater, the trees were laden with snow, we had been skiing waist deep all afternoon. Woke up the next morning, green trees and rain... I nearly cried.
Not all bad, we flew in the chopper to Red Mountain, landed in the car park and felt like a rock star. It wasn't what we planned but was a great day out. Next day we found powder after a big drop in temperature. Pay your money, take what nature throws at you...
Never mind all that serious chat....watch this!
If only I was half as good as these guys!
That's bonkers!
Do you mean TB5?
3:03
The start looks a bit dated, but that descent still stands up now. Xavier De La Rue is the only guy I can think of who charges like that today.
bluebird - nah, TB9, although his part in TB5 was cool too.
(Nicked from Snowheads)
Wallop, that's a beautiful looking film. I wonder how much post production went on to make it look like that?
I'm thinking there must be a fair bit. Essentially they can only see as far as their LEDs will allow them - they are skiing into darkness!
Tronskis! 😀
Wow. That was stunning.
@sprootlet St Anton is on my all time top list (FYI Verbier, Val D'Isere, Jackson Hole), I've been skiing 35 years and have been to loads of places.
Great combination of both serious mountain and motorway pistes and everything in between, great town and nightlife, short-ish transfer.
I don't recall ever having got a bus, it can be a few mins walk from accommodation to lifts, sometimes we've been able to ski to the bottom station.
Got confirmation earlier this week that I'm off to Zermatt for a week at the end of January!! 😀
As I'll be partway through training for Ironman Austria, I'll be logging it as a week of "Altitude cross training"! 🙂
@wallop, top movie/post. Could have been a strong clear moonlight night, you can see quite a lot once your eyes get settled (clearly I've done nothing like that but I have always been amazed at how much you can see on a sailing boat at night under full moon)
BTW love that sound track; First Aid, Swedish Folk duo, playing Hammersmith in Jan 🙂
I saw them in Bristol a few weeks ago - they were fantastic! Really strong live. And a little something different might take you by surprise 😉
It snowed in the Tirol this week with over 30cm falling and lying right down to 1400m 😀
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