Glad there was no-one under that, torso. I wouldn't fancy hiking up that way either. Although it does mean you're much less committed than coming over from Flegere. Sounds like an unpleasant, but useful day out. And as much a lesson on group dynamics as anything. A smaller, closer knit group with 1 guide and better communication would very likely have seen you turning back earlier for an alternative, or coming up with a better option to start with. Also, that "guide" does not equal "god" so it's well worth finding a good one!
This bit further up the Berard valley, a few years ago. Big, very wet release along a couple of hundred metres, basically down to the ground. One of those moments where you think about the actuality of having to dig through it, and the idea of someone at the bottom coming out alive seem very, very slim indeed. Metres deep, set like concrete.
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mugsysm8 - have an awesome time in Norway! Are you connected with Magic Mountain Lodge on fb? pics today of a fresh dump and blue skies!
Been a bit of a weird season for me, loads of time on the hill, but so very focussed on getting my BASI4 finished that very little of it has been "fun time".
Highlight hopefully still to come, but otherwise I guess my high/low-lights would both be from my Snowboardcross race season:
Highlights:
Feeling super-competitive at my first ever race in the Czech republic, managing to stay in touch and even overtake people in the heats. Getting points in my first ever race.
Stepping it up in my second qualifier at an Italian race to go 2 seconds faster and, I thought, get the rest of the points I needed.
Finally getting the points done in grand style at almost the last race of the season in Switzerland.
Lowlights:
Actually missing the points target by 0.02 points in the Italian race.
Crashing on both race runs in the Italian nationals, despite flawless training runs.
Feeling very out of my depth at the French nationals (the course contained the 2 biggest kickers I've ever hit in my life, with high-consequence flat landings if you got them wrong).
Race photo from the Swiss nationals at the weekend:
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Missed the "what I've learned" bit. Lots of things, but importantly:
If I get some advice on the best line from the UK No.1 rider, add some ferociously expensive wax, generate as much speed as I possibly can through the rollers, summon up all my courage and pop like I've never popped before, I STILL won't clear the first kicker on the French national snowboardcross course. Oh no, I'll drop out of the sky like a lemming in lead boots and explode on the flats just short of the knuckle.
We are still having a great season up Cairngorm (sorry to hear about missj geoff)
Highlight for me has been seeing my 4 year old progress from his first turns during the Christmas holidays to shredding the whole mountain and turning parallel (ish) and flying down a gunbarrel full of moguls!
lowlight, erm, the aforementioned 4 year old is now nearly as good skier as I am and far more relaxed and natural on his skis. I reckon by the end of next season he will be better than me.
If I get some advice on the best line from the UK No.1 rider, add some ferociously expensive wax, generate as much speed as I possibly can through the rollers, summon up all my courage and pop like I've never popped before, I STILL won't clear the first kicker on the French national snowboardcross course. Oh no, I'll drop out of the sky like a lemming in lead boots and explode on the flats just short of the knuckle.
Sorry, but I laughed at that! 🙂
It's OK CFH, that was my intention! 😉
The kicker was ridiculous, only about a dozen of the men were able to clear it and they had to re-route the course to avoid it for the women's race. It wasn't that the size of it was that massive (big enough though!), more that there was effectively an uphill run-in, so you had to generate the speed miles in advance and then hold on to it. The cut-off point for getting the speed right was way back before you even saw the jump and, with fresh snow on the course, it wasn't really running fast enough.
I should have done what a friend of mine did and just accept that there was no chance of clearing it and go for damage limitation. He speed-checked, stalled on the lip, rode down the reverse-slope of the kicker and got on with his run. Probably cost him a solid 3 or 4 seconds, but better that than the 20+ seconds I lost scraping myself up from the bottom of the landing zone and having to hop up the next roller...
The last hit on the course was even bigger, but at least it had a long, steep run-in so getting the speed up wasn't an issue. My internal monologue went something like:
"Point it! You have to point it! This is a race, there's no other option!"
"Oh *, it really is huge".
"Keep pointing it! You can vomit later!"
"Jesus ** Christ it is not getting any smaller."
"Flat base, flat base, flat base!"
"Transition!"
"*!"
"*!"
"LIP! *! POP! POP HARD!"
"*!"
"Open your eyes!"
"LANDING! *! LANDING! Please God, please God, please God!"
"Knuckle! It's the knuckle, I've passed the ***** knuckle, I'm not going to die!"
"BOOM!"
"Ride away like it was no big deal..."
I actually didn't make it on the first practise run. Between that and coming up short on the top kicker twice in practise and once in the race, I bruised the soles of my feet! Was walking around like I was on hot coals for a couple of days. Count myself lucky I didn't do anything worse.
Overall, it was all a bit French*. Their bike parks are often similar - "We beeld ze crazy sheet! Die Eengleesh pig-dogs!"
*I love the French, really. But every other course I rode on all season, in 3 different countries didn't appear to be built by someone who actively wanted to do me harm.
High, Big family ski, My Mum & Dad, Sister, two nephews, one niece, Mrs DT's and our two kids.
Low, not seeing much sun (The snow was good though)
Learnt, Skiing with small kids is great they love it & dad's hearing is deteriorating!
Aim for next year, I want to race in the Inferno (Murren)
High - Even though I couldn't ski this season my hubby and friends all enjoyed their trip. Also I picked a good season 'not to go'.
Lows - Not going skiing, also finding out that my skies are knackered and I have to find pennies now to save up for a new pair.
Learnt - it's not the end of the world if you find yourself unable to ski one particular year. Although I did shed a little tear, when I waved everyone off in the taxi.
I know this season isn't completely over yet, however bring on the next one.
Highs - Seeing our 7yo daughter go from total beginner to (totally controlled) guided missile in 6 days. The video I took over the week really shows the dramatic transition. Makes me smile every time I watch it.
Being back up a mountain after 10 years.
Knowing that we are going again next year, 'cos I've bought a new board and bindings in the sales and must use them.
Low - Ice and repeatedly finding the same, exact point on my backside to land on, EVERY ******* TIME.
Learnt - I need to stop swinging my arms so much. Going to have a couple of lessons next year to correct bad habits.
Low altitude resorts can be good. Chamrousse had better snow in the first week in January than many higher resorts. The variety of runs was good too.
I need to buy padded shorts - any recommendations?
Only 9 months to go......
nedrapier: Iam but hadn't seen it. Thanks.
SteveO; great write-ups and chapeau!
thetallpual: Chamrousse is pretty good. Did you get to go les7laux and Villard-Correncon? All my local day hang-outs!
Stevo, this behemoth at 1m45ish?
Chamrousse isn't that low, is it? First place I experienced freshies on a snowboard. In hardboots, in the eighties.
Ocrider - that's the chappy! I'm actually in the background of that video at one point! Pleased to see the filmer (who was racing in the heats so was at least in the top 32) was only just clearing the first hit!
It does look like it would be a happier kicker in a park and I see what you mean about the run in, there's nowhere to find speed anywhere!
@ mugsys_m8: Didn't make it to the other areas, but that was due to having to pick up our daughter from ski school. We may be going back next year, but going to get flights to Grenoble and then wait to see what the deals are for accommodation nearer the time.
@ ocrider - May be that my perception of what a low resort is for France (previous resorts have been Tignes, Alpe D'Huez, etc levels). We were really lucky that the resort had collected a good amount of snow before we arrived. On the day we left, a strong thaw had set in and the bottom slopes were almost bare. Really felt for the people just arriving.
Need to make sure that I record the fastest speed next year out of our little group. Miss TTP reached 57.1 kph on day 5, and was still popping little bunny hops whilst singing 😀 . She was obviously very happy, so holiday mission accomplished, and regular ski trips now established 
Still looking for padded under-trollies recommendations if anyone can help. Cheers.
Under trollies: cut up camping mats duct taped to your legs is an option.
Alternatively the shorts with most protection I have used are 'Crash Pad' impact shorts. They are tight but give very good protection all over. Have handled many a rock and rail for me.
Other than that RED do decent shorts that cover your boney bits (hips, ass bone) but don't really protect your bum itself . You have to depend on your 'natural' padding.
@Stevo, interesting stories, good to know even the good skiers/borders get a little out of their depth from time to time.
@cobrakai - I rarely ski with more than 2 other people, trying to do so in a mixed group is always a nightmare. I like to ski fairly slowly on steep mogul slopes and off psite other friends who have been skiing as long as me like to blast around at 100mph on flat red runs. In your case just arrange a lunchspot and "see you if we see you". Organizing the accommodation/travel doesn't have to make you the MC. Of course I used to go on many trips on my own !
Padded shorts, you might like to look at some of the rugby ranges (Cantebury/Kukri) or even MTB like 661 although I suspect the padding might not be in the right places.
re padded shorts.
I'm still using a old pair Dainese impact shorts (the ones without the hard plastic 'tail bone') for icy piste days etc.
However, I'm hearing very good things about Force Field Body Armour. They are a UK company with heritage in motor sports and currently sponsor Snowboarders Jamie Nicholls and the lovely Jenny Jones!
[url= http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/snow ]http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/snow[/url]
Thetallpaul,
May be that my perception of what a low resort is for France
No so much the vertical rise, but the bottom lift is above 1600m, iirc. I'll grant you that it doesn't go that much higher, but compared to resorts like in the PDS, it's actually quite high for the station base.
Thanks for the write up stevo, I enjoyed that!
Made me think I should be doing more to push my riding. Last time I did anything to really push me out of the comfort zone was the Derby de la Meije in (oh lordy, time flies!) 2007. Just been mincing around touring for the past few years.
Which is lovely and everything, but there's nothing quite like a good dose of that "Holy ****!!!" feeling that comes across so well in your BC posts!
Same here Stevomcd ... thanks for the amusing write-up! 😉 That snowboardcross course just looks insane!!
I take it that your BASI 4 is now 'in the bag'? Nice one - that's fantastic news! 8)
I'll take a look at the Force Field stuff, cheers Digby
Thanks for the other suggestions too. Used to wear a windsurf harness turned upside down when on the dry slopes.
HYD - Over the last year I've managed to remove most of my natural padding (rather pleased to have lost over a stone), but there is always a disadvantage 😥 😆
ocrider - Must admit to mostly looking at the top run altitude in the past, not the resort. I am now a much wiser, and happier person (cos I have so many more resorts to consider now).
Friends have just come back from a family skiing holiday in Finland (Levi, I think) and loved it. Need to have a proper talk with them later.
I'd just like to say thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread. It's one that I keep open on it's own tab constantly. Do we have to stop for summer?
Just followed that link Bunnyhop.
Our 8 year old is now just about at the see you at the lift stage. Makes you think.
Digby, no, still got the big exam to get through, plus a couple of other minor hoops.
Steezy.
I have only ever tried out a practice rail, and fell off and broke a rib.
Anyone get anything in the end of season sales?
Sweet Protection Supernaut salopettes here. Goretex Pro material, shell only, with zip-off braces and many many pockets. And the biggest vents ever. Eye blinding "Apple Green".
£185 delivered from that there SportPursuit.
Liking them. Roll on next year.
It's too soon to let this thread go.
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A drop in temperatures and snow showers next week should keep us going into the May BH weekend.
🙂
Yup, I believe it is getting better and better up there. I haven't been since the easter hols but my oldest son is up constantly [s]especially now it is study leave[/s]
I think we might go for one last blast on may day monday. Shame they are closing after then...
Went for a final weekend in Norway last week. Slushy madness . Fair few lifts open and such good fun.
Alas now it's time to wax the boards and put them in the basement for 8 long long months. A very depressing thought .
Bit damp
http://www.snowboarder.com/photos/avoriaz-resort-in-france-under-water/#e2KyeZ8M86H8yCs8.97
Heh, Whistler is open until the 7th of June 😯
Really weird with the bike park being open 2 weeks early.
Mix of folk in shorts and full face helmets and spring skiers and boarders
Might be going to Leogang for a DH week at half-term, so a day at the Kitzsteinhorn will be on the cards, season ain't over yet!
Last weekend of the season on Cairngorm Mountain coming up. Still a fir bit of snow around too!!
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You and me Scotroutes are speaking to deaf ears. Hardly anyone on here is interested in the awesomeness that is the Scottish backcountry. Their loss.
I'd love to be up there!
Longest lived STWS&ST evah? I think it might be!
Soon be August and time to start the 15/16 edition! 🙂
I'm afraid to say I've lost a bit of interest myself but it looks like there will be quality stuff to be done in Scotland well into June. Assuming you're willing to earn your turns.
I just bought fleece trousers to go under the Sweet Protection Goretex shell salopettes I bought. £3.59 a throw at Decathlon - at that price it seemed rude not to.
Spin - Member
You and me Scotroutes are speaking to deaf ears. Hardly anyone on here is interested in the awesomeness that is the Scottish backcountry. Their loss.
What would you like us to say?
What would you like us to say?
You don't need to say anything. It was just an observation that there are lots of folks on this thread who are clearly keen skiers but very little chat on the excellent backcountry skiing to be had in Scotland.
Okey dokey
Forgot about this. We had a great time in the Lyngen Alps in N Norway. If you are into offpiste/ touring then the Lyngen Alps or the Troms area in general isn't really worth going to....... 😉
[url= https://plus.google.com/photos/110361311258430367736/albums/6141022709287224369?authkey=CKePyYyGksSykwE ]Photos of our rubbish trip[/url]
Nice
