Thinking of a week in Le Praz with Skivo2 who include instruction. I've been with them before but ages ago. I just wondered if anyone had been with them recently ?
Recommended ?
Yeah....I've skied with them the past two years. They have some very good Instructors, some better than others, but its a good set up and nice people.
Painey, in that case you could always try this guy: www.whiteroomsnowboarding.com 😳 😳 😳
I'm based in Sainte Foy, but ride a lot in Tignes/Val d'Isere and really happy to come up and ride/guide up there.
Col Pers is cool BTW. Main line is a bit mellow, especially on a snowboard, but there are some steeper variations which are really good.
Thinking of a week in Le Praz with Skivo2
Skivo McDougal? I think I've heard of him.
Col Pers is cool BTW. Main line is a bit mellow, especially on a snowboard, but there are some steeper variations which are really good
Cool, cheers. I don't mind it steep.
Thoughts on toddler leashes / harnesses?
Sweajnr (3.5) doing well on the bunny slope but I can already foresee that his desire to go fast is going to out pace his ability / strength to stop. My instinct is not a good idea as probably teaches bad habits etc but I've recently seen some that attach to the boots and so avoids the issue of pulling them off balance etc.
Anybody got any positive experiences?
I'm sure to get a flaming for this but, we used a retractable dog lead on ours for a couple of runs when they were very little.
It was a good confidence booster for the kids (& Mum)
They had a harness on anyway, which is great for getting on and off chair lifts and for holding on to them when skiing with them between legs. Also good for getting tired and stroppy kids on the ski bus.
With the lead it was quite good as you can stay back a bit, not take any weight off them and just have it there to stop them if required. Just used on very quiet runs, we didn't want anyone bombing between us and snaring them!
I have a couple of harnesses & a dog lead we no longer need, if you are interested.
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Some images from the first few days of Whistler.
Blackcomb opens tomorrow but it's currently pishing down with rain almost all the way to the top, so tomorrow could be an interesting day!
Anyone using Flow bindings? I'm looking at a package and for a bit more can get Flows. I've always fancied them, the lack of buckle faff is very appealing. I thought they'd be more prevalent than they are.
Also if anyone has a Salomon Pulse board I'd be keen to hear your thoughts, everything points to it being a great board for the money.
don't do it they suck. They suck less than they did, but they still suck. This is a FACT .
Pulse is soft to mid flex I think, haven't ridden it but I imagine won't be stable at speed but will be a laugh and will turn and spin good. a fun board.. No carves though I doubt, especially if paired with flows 😀
Yeah, friends don't let friends ride Flow.
Got my first turns of the season in yesterday. After I picked up my free season pass. Having a LOT of good moments right now! 
Cheers, I'll save a bit not buying Flows. Pity the idea doesn't work in practice, I also see clip in has been sacked too.
More help required please. I'm a lapsed boarder and haven't done much since the 90's, a few days here and there. Back then I seem to remember choosing a board really by whatever came up to your chin and adjusting slightly for fun or fast. Seems to be more to it these days.
I was all set to buy the Salomon Pulse as mentioned above and I'd looked at their Rhythm bindings, the shop I'd been browsing had a recommend me a board type contact page which I duly filled in, mentioning the Salomon board. The shop has suggested three other boards(Salomon Sleepwalker, Burton Ripcord, DC Ply). How much of a factor is weight? Lots seem to be made of a boards flex and wotnot, could the Salomon be too light for me? I'm 90kg+. I reckon I could have got everything boots,bindings and board for the same price as the boards that were suggested though I don't won't to buy something that is unsuitable.
All I'm planning for is a couple of days up north if we get any snow and some indoor stuff to get some practice in, most of the reason I was looking to get kitted out on a budget.
Where are you based? If you’re near an indoor slope Ellis Brigham generally have demo boards.
Don’t listen to me though - I like my Flow bindings. I also have Now bindings and I have had Drake and Burton. But I like the Flows. But then I’m just cruising really.
Back then I seem to remember choosing a board really by whatever came up to your chin and adjusting slightly for fun or fast
In terms of sizing, weight and foot size are probably more pertinent these days.
Most decent board manufacturers will state a weight range or maximum weight.
If you take a boot size > UK10 then you might want to look at a wide board. Broadly speaking a longer board gives you more 'float' in powder whereas a shorter board is more 'maneuverable'.
To be honest if you are only doing a few days here and there and in a fridge then I wouldn't worry too much. even at 90kg+ you don't need float for riding in a fridge and a short board can allow for shorter radius turns*
As igm says: Have a look at rentals from Ellis Brigham. And have a look at the 2nd hand market - you don't need to spend a fortune to have fun
... but please ... avoid the Flows! 😉
*subject to board design
(just kidding , though I am DEEPLY, deeply, jealous)
Don't be, it rained all the way to the top last night so today was like an ice rink!
*makes note to sharpen edges*
Father Christmas has come early (I've been a very good girl).
Volkl Attiva Sol arrived, luckily not down the chimney. 😀
I'm hoping they'll be the equivalent of a Full suss, to be all singing, all dancing and turn me into a skiing goddess.
This time next week I'll be in Leogang/Saalbach! Looking like my early season cheap gamble is going to pay off
Can anyone recommend some decent but not expensive sunglasses for snowboarding?
Saalbach looks super at the moment, you lucky thing! We went Christmas ‘14 and it was pretty dire 😆
Any of the skis half decent in this Black Friday sale
http://www.skishopweb.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=659_660_673
Made a return to the slopes last year in Scotland and of to Austria in January for a week. Not sure what length I would need I am about 6'1'' and my weight is the wrong side of 15 stone!
Cheap sunglasses, choppersquad? There’s a song about that you know.
^
Skishopweb.com mentioned above is a counterfeit site.
If it sounds too good to be true my friend...
Can anyone recommend some decent but not expensive sunglasses for snowboarding?
Unless you're touring I'd forget the sunglasses and buy some goggles that fit with your helmet if you're wearing one.
Glasses invariable don't offer the protection from glare (unless they are the Jublo Glacier glasses or similar), make your eyes prone to watering when you pick up speed or the wind is blowing and they tend to go flying off when you bail ...
Goggles for sure ... 🙂
Quick location question. What would you all recommend out of:
Chamonix in mid Jan
Chamonix in mid March
Arinsal, Andorra at any point
In terms of snow base, snow fall, weather conditions, and fun-level of pistes/off-piste.
Thanks!
Duane:
Cham in Jan for sure, out of those options.
I'd probably go somewhere else though.
Thanks digby.
Goggles on my Christmas list then.
Stevomcd - thanks.
Change of question - if you could pick any European ski resort, where and when would you go, taking into account price (on a tight budget - accom, ski pass, travel from London), snow/weather conditions, and fun-ness for middle level skier and snowboarder.
Thanks!
Following on from choppersquad’s q - what’s good in goggles? Aldi at £7.99 too cheap? Family trip, and unlikely to get repeat use for a few years. Think I had Smith ones a decade ago on my last trip.
Expanding on above question - thoughts on package holidays VS sorting it all my self (Airbnb etc) in terms of price? And any recommendations for package deals?
Thanks!
Duane
I did notice that Sports Direct had some cheap No Fear goggles that seem heavily reduced. Worth a go?
Hi Choopersquad
Depends on the lenses really, if they are grey they will be fine in bright conditions but awful if overcast.
For general use try and find ones with pink or orange tint, this helps with definition in flat light.
Anon helix come with 2 lenses-mirrored for sunny and persimmon for flat light. They're good value but may be out of your budget.
Expanding on above question - thoughts on package holidays VS sorting it all my self (Airbnb etc) in terms of price? And any recommendations for package deals?Thanks!
Duane
If your prepared to slum it a bit, then the UCPA/Action Outdoors packages are hard to beat.
Hi Duane
We're doing a package and a DIY this year. Cost wise might not be too dissimilar by the time you factor in flights/transfers/food/driving costs.
We got a bargain luxury holiday for 13th Jan with skiworld (50% of list price), try iglu ski for the offers then google the accommodation name and have a look at the companies actual website as the prices may be different. Depending on budget le Ski do good chalets.
I didn't particularly enjoy Chamonix if I'm honest but it'd be boring if we all liked the same things.
I didn't particularly enjoy Chamonix if I'm honest but it'd be boring if we all liked the same things
Absolutely - a lot of folks don't like the fact that the ski areas in Chamonix Valley are really spread out and it can be a real grind on busy buses.
All kinda depends on what you like I guess. Personally I love Chamonix, but I do appreciate it might not be to everyone's taste and conditions have been pretty mixed there for the past few years.
Thanks for replies. Any recommendations for other package sites - I have been on a UCPA holiday before which was fun - but can't find any prices that beat those on skiweb.co.uk
Looking for a week or so from mid Jan, including flights from London, transfers, ski pass - prices so far of around £500 self catering (half board would be ideal), to places like Flaine, Le Grande Massif.
Any tips to get better?
Thanks!
Snow on the way for the Alps and Pyrenees. Should be enough for the festive season. 8)
After a weekend of staring at boards and reading and watching reviews I've plumped for a Nidecker Axis with Drake bindings. Its a bit smaller than recommended for my weight but not outlandish, hopefully a bit more nimble for indoors.
Just need boots now. Do people still size up? I remember getting a half size bigger for thick socks before. This is something I'm going to have to get out and try on though.
Had a glisshop moment on Friday - was planning new skis for her lady ship but also got a touring setup and new avi gear. Skint but total was circa -56% from everywhere else !
[quote=Duane... ]Thanks for replies. Any recommendations for other package sites - I have been on a UCPA holiday before which was fun - but can't find any prices that beat those on skiweb.co.uk
Looking for a week or so from mid Jan, including flights from London, transfers, ski pass - prices so far of around £500 self catering (half board would be ideal), to places like Flaine, Le Grande Massif.
Any tips to get better?
Thanks!
Skiweb.co.uk? Are you sure about that?
That site looks like it was built before netscape died. Can you post a link to the site you've been looking at? If prices are that good I might use them for my march trip. However there's that old maxim, if it looks too good to be true...
and if you want to get better, get lessons. They're included in the price with UCPA, remember...
Just need boots now. Do people still size up? I remember getting a half size bigger for thick socks before
Depends on the brand but generally either shoe size or half to one size down rather than up since the boot will pack down over time.
Personally I prefer thin-ish socks to thick socks as they rub less and double socks is a big no-no/recipe for sweaty feet & blisters.
If/when the liners pack down you can pop another insole in to take up some of the volume.
nbt - sorry, www.sun.skiweb.co.uk ! Heads-up - accommodation is fairly basic!
I did look at UCPA, and yep instruction would be great, but it doesn't look like you can get transport included with their packages, so they get expensive quickly!
Thanks,
Duane.
Just got a quote from NUCO which was pretty similar too.
did you mean https://ski.sunweb.co.uk/ ?
If you;re looking at UCPA, their UK partner is Action Outdoors
http://www.action-outdoors.co.uk/
You need to arrange your own flights, but they can sort out airport transfers (they can even do coach from London if that's your thing). I went to Flaine with them in march 2015, looking at going again with them this season
nbt - Haha sorry yes, that's the one!
Yeah, been looking on Action Outdoors - can't seem to find any mention of coach or transfers?
Edit: sorry, figured out you can add coach or transfer when looking at specific trips.
So I have 3 pretty similarly priced trips, and need to figure out which one to go for.
1. Flaine, Le Grand Massif (town at 1600m, max area height 2480m)
2. Les Arcs 1800, Paradiski (town at 1800m, max area height 3250m)
3. Bella Plagne, Paradiski (town at 2050m, max area height 3250m)
Thoughts on which would be best? I am a fairly confident snowboarder (minimal flat connecting runs please!), my gf is a confident skier, keen to try out some off-piste and tree skiing. Don't need super fun town-atmosphere, but need to be able to buy food (to cook) as will be self catering. Main priority is good snow (for mid-Jan) and good slopes.
Thanks,
Duane.
Sounds like La Plagne would be good for you dude. I've done 7 UCPA trips now, and going again with a mate (that I met at UCPA) for xmas to VT. I've stayed at the La Plagne UCPA and at the time it was the nicest centre that they had.
I hated La Plange on a board- too many flat bits. But it may have changed - plate tectonics and all.
Glencoe opening some lifts tomorrow, hopefully an early start and not a false one. Forecast looks promising too.
If you're going UCPA with your girlfriend, I'd say Flaine - there are lots of twin rooms with en-suite facilities for a small extra cost (about £40 per head) rather than having to bunk in with others. The off piste course there is great too, I really enjoyed it. If you're going there self catering, check out where the apartment is - there's not much in Flaine itself, and there is a large "village" that's a couple of KM up the hill
Of the other suggestions, I much prefer Les Arcs to La Plagne personally, and 1800 is a very mice village, much nicer than LP or Flaine
Thanks all.
Not looking to go with UCPA - prices aren't as good as other options (although no instruction will be a shame).
Flaine is through sunweb, and Les Arcs and Bella Plagne is through NUCO.
Hi folks, just posted this in the Cairngorm thread but thought I would share it here too for information/discussion.
What's happening? See here [url= http://www.winterhighland.info/forum/read.php?2,174047 ]linky[/url] and here [url=
post from 27th November.
In summary resort people/owners entered SSC hut which they do not own and physically removed webcam belonging to Winterhighland because they don't like Winterhighland and they want exclusive ownership of webcam views of the hill! Pretty shocking behavior and I would encourage folks to look into the issue and boycott CGM for now. Difficult request as Aviemore is a great place to stay for a snowsports break but Natural Retreats need to get the message that this is unacceptable.
Bitten the bullet and booked an Easter apartment in Val Thorens, hopefully there'll be some snow left. Was OK last year 🙂 Probably mix it up with board and skis depending on conditions/inclination. Kids aren't doing lessons this time, hoping to get a couple of proper Big Days Out...
And they're off at Cairngorm
Will be interesting to see what if any base there is down. 😯
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Glencoe opens this weekend. Lecht are hoping to open, but Glenshee and Nevis are both saying there's not enough base yet.
As LD says above though, much as it pains me I'm avoiding Cairngorm until the situation with NR improves. IN any case, Glencoe's the best place
Looks like it has been dumping it down in Austria this morning. I arrive in Leogang tomorrow afternoon 8)
After a couple of years of missing out on any fresh, I'm trying not to get overexcited!
[url= https://webtv.feratel.com/webtv/?cam=5241&design=v3&c0=0&c27=1&c3=0&c5=0&c6=0&c8=0&c11=0&c12=0&c13=0&lg=en&pg=121E2E32-862A-4791-8936-B41853615FB6&s=0 ]Webcam[/url]
Anyone in grands massif area?
Tempted by a quick pre Xmas few days if snow is ok
So my next toddler skiing question. Sweajnr is a very tall (3'7" or 1o5cm) 3 and a half year old. His skis are 100cm long and were purchased at a local ski shop and fitted there. This morning the instructor comments that they're a bit long for him. The logic being that despite being as tall as some 5 year olds he's only got limited balance and strength and would do much better with shorter skis.
This has made sweamrs a bit grumpy as we'd hoped to buy ahead of the season etc. Being a gear obsessed dad I'm all set to go and buy more kit but wondering what other people's opinions might be.....
I'd listen to the instructor.
This:
I'd listen to the instructor
Plus y+1. And He’s going to use the bigger skis at some point.
May as well make it easy to ski if not on your wallet.
Or hire some shorter ones for a session or two and see how he gets on. Go back to same hire shop if you choose to buy. Don’t they usually refund the hire if you buy?
Or hire some shorter ones for a session or two and see how he gets on. Go back to same hire shop if you choose to buy. Don’t they usually refund the hire if you buy?
Sage advice.
Thanks all. I shall show this to sweamrs and break out the credit card. The instructor implied the local ski shop will help out here and it won't be too painful on the wallet.
From a person with too many pairs Of skis in his loft and hidden at work.
Get him a snowboard and stop trying to fight it
Is the instructor any good? Or are they a glorified baby sitter? If it's the latter I'd not sure I'd trust them. Some of them rock up here and can hardly ski themselves....
That's a bit long. 3.5yo they still have reasonably weak levers so shorter is better.
You buy skis on ability, strength and weight. Height has nothing to do with it-femur length has more relevance !
I have a 4.5yo, 109cm tall but skinny and she will run 90cm skis for another season.
Col ex instructor and instructor trainer.
Instructor seems good. Not a babysitter as we're hanging around close by. He was in his 50's and spent time chatting ski touring with us as we're both on semi AT kit.
From a person with too many pairs Of skis in his loft and hidden at work.
See page 8 of this thread. 😳
Not sure if I'm more impressed with sweajnr forward or sweamrs going backwards....
Have seen a few posts concerning UCPA. If you can, go on a UCPA week, they are really really good and once you factor in the tuition fees/ lift pass/ food they really are pretty cheap. I went to Tignes UCPA on my own and had a great time.
Not sure if I'm more impressed with sweajnr forward or sweamrs going backwards....
Nice! Sounds like the instructor knows his stuff. He'll grow into the current set by the sounds of it.
So based on the above 80cm or 90cm? 80cm seems short but 90 still too long?
The renting suggestion is actually more hassle as I can visit ski shop at lunchtime at least for a preliminary conversation.
Shorter better to begin with
Is there not a load of used kit in circulation out there?
Especially kids kit.
Get on FB local family group?
I haven’t bought new skis for a while.
Just bought a second hand cool bean
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I'll be pairing it with these bindings I got at the end of last season. A strong look
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Union Bindings. Mmmmm. All others are second class.
Except of course for the new Burton Step-In system. But my god have you seen the price! Robbery!
Can't wait until a cheaper version comes out though... talk about saving half your energy up on the hills.
What makes union bindings so good???
i cannot wait to go away snowboarding............just saying