The STW Ski & Snowboard thread. The 2012-2013 season

Was looking at Marker Squire 11 90mm for both of them

Good call….As are these;
http://www.quiverkiller.com/html/system.html
Allows you to easily swap your bindings between skis. Could be a good idea for your needs.

Solutions4Feet get a great write up, so that’s where I’d head.

Yep, my snow plans are very limited due to the above! 🙂 Thanks! 🙂 Shall live a vicarious season through this thread instead! (Unless I get to Japan with work and sneak in a cheeky long weekend of snorkel-depth pow!)

I was reading about the quiverkillers on edge and wax the other day, they look great.
There’s only ~£30 difference between 2 sets of Squire 11’s installed, or 1 set and quiver killer’s installed on both so I can’t decide.

I doubt I’ll end up swapping the bindings on the 2 sets of ski’s I’ve bought as envisage by the time I need/if I need a higher DIN setting then I’ll have pretty much outgrown the ski. Very much in 2 minds about it all.

1 missed season doesn’t seem too big a sacrifice, sure you’ll manage to escape the season after/bring little CFH with you next time!

Have you skid Japan before at all? It looks incredible to say the least!

Nope, never skied Japan so far. Colleague was out there last year and sent some jealousy-inducing videos. Even if he was on a tray! 🙂 Looks ace! And the idea of Japanese food and sake as the après-ski? Even more ace!

Good point re the costs of the killers v new bindings. Re big DINs, how big are you? Above ten and you’re in to big race or big mountain territory. Might not be right if you’re lighter and/or less experienced.

Might even find the odd karaoke bar skiing in Japan too, looks and sounds amazing, if you manage to wangle a trip remember to give us a little write up 🙂

I’m 178cm, 70kg, ability wise, confident blue skiing, varying confidence on reds, from online guides I reckon that sets me somewhere between 4.5-6.0 DIN, so foresee the Squire 11’s lasting a while (DIN 3-11).

Yeah those should be fine. One thing to remember with bindings DINs is that you never really want to be skiing with them all the way on the extreme (so either 3 or 11).

Cheers Crispo, will definitely bare that in mind. Going to wait a week or so for bindings anyway as my card needs to recover a little.

Just out of interest, anyone thinking about/ or bought one of these??? Could be a life saver.

I just read a review of those BCA ones and they don’t sound that good seeing as you have to pull a chord to activate the air-bag, but others could be worth it. Obviously they wont be any help if you tumble down a cliff and hit your head hard a few times.

Don’t they all work by pull-cord?

Not sure tbh! Just thinking it might be a good idea for when I start skiing in Europe again after being in Canada. From what I remember, most places in Europe aren’t as well avalanche controlled as over here. I think its sortof unique here to have so much “off piste” thats still avalanche controlled.

Only just saw the news about Tom Sims a couple of days ago. 🙁
Wearing this in a little tribute

Michaelmcc – yeah that’s one thing I noticed while skiing in whistler last season. The off piste bowls are all blasted and patrolled so your reasonably safe when skiing them, it was fantastic! Even got Mrs Crispo enjoying the powder. Unlike here in Europe where once you cross under the rope your on your own! Best to keep an eye on the avalanche risk that they normally display at the bottom of the lift.

FWIW I’d probably just got for a decent transceiver, probe and shovel (so long as you know how to use them correctly!!)

Unlike here in Europe where once you cross under the rope your on your own!

So will I find everything in Europe really tame after being here for a season? What are the best resorts for off piste in France/Italy/Austria? Surely there must be some good ones.

It’s not about good v bad off piste, but more about the way the resorts approach it.

Some resorts now have “unpisted” areas that are still “in bounds”, so you’re still covered as skiing in resort, but get lots of that off-piste goodness! Serre Che (My fave place to ski!) has loads of stuff like that. There’s the “Brut de neige” sections and then soooooo much goodness in the trees that you never need worry!

It’s not about good v bad off piste, but more about the way the resorts approach it.

Ye that’s what I meant CF! Here in whistler there’s so much “off piste” that’s still within the ski area boundary and patrolled.
What resorts in Europe would be somewhat similar? I want to stay doing loads more slack-country when I get back but don’t want to make stupid mistakes about going about it either.

Well, as above, Serre Chevalier is my pick for that very reason. Loads of awesome pistes, in fact masses of them, 250km+! And then, masses of slack- and side-country to play on as well! If you have a guide, there’s masses off beyond the Cucumelle as well, but I wouldn’t go beyond those ropes solo or unguided.

Les Arcs is similar, but not as nice a place, IMHO!

Watch this snowboard mountain bike hybrid get a shredder back on the slopes

Nice vid this! Of course, no wonder it all broke, being Crank Bros! 🙂

Although, I do have to wonder why not go down this route;
Anna Turney ripping it up!

OK, so I get the idea that snowboards and skis are different, but surely Anna’s race speed and all round awesomeness is just better than wheels on snow! 🙂

All avalanche airbags work on a pull-cord system of some kind (although there are rumours of a remote-activated system so that a guide can set them off for the whole group).

I’ve previously had a ABS one, now have a Snowpulse.

michaelmcc – almost anywhere you go in Europe will have more freeride terrain than Whistler, simply because the resorts are so much bigger and the vertical drop so much higher. It’ll be be steeper and gnarlier too.

Whistler is one of the biggest resorts in NA and still small by European mega-resort standards.

I do find the whole “there is more off-piste in Canada/US” thing really funny, it results from a total misunderstanding.

In the US/Canada, ski patrol “guarantee” your safety within a defined resort boundary, so in theory you can go anywhere within that boundary.

In Europe, ski patrol “guarantee” your safety only when you are on the piste, as soon as you step off the piste you have to make your own decisions.

In practice, however, there really isn’t that much difference as most off-piste areas above/near pistes will be controlled in order to keep the pistes safe.

The bigger difference is that many north-american resorts have severe restrictions on going outside the ski-area boundary, thus massively reducing your backcountry opportunities. Generally speaking, you can go wherever you like in Europe.

The bottom line is that, when you’re off-piste anywhere, you should be wearing the appropriate safety equipment, know how to use it and know how to make your own judgement of the avalanche hazard.

Also, many (most?) Euro resorts have large “patrolled off piste” area or “itinerary runs” to keep the sheep in one place. You can always spot these from some distance away by the enormous moguls…

You can always spot these from some distance away by the enormous moguls..

😆

michaelmcc – almost anywhere you go in Europe will have more freeride terrain than Whistler, simply because the resorts are so much bigger and the vertical drop so much higher. It’ll be be steeper and gnarlier too.

I know they have a lot, not sure if they would have more as it’s hard to measure distances or areas of free-ride terrain in some kinda figure, right? Adding in and taking away all the areas that are either out of bounds or just un-ridable.. with huge cliffs or steep rocky areas. I’m pretty sure most areas don’t measure the off piste areas in any kind of size or number.

The bigger difference is that many north-american resorts have severe restrictions on going outside the ski-area boundary, thus massively reducing your backcountry opportunities. Generally speaking, you can go wherever you like in Europe.

Aware of that, I guess I just like feeling somewhat safe skiing off piste in Whistler. Ive found some good stuff in Zermatt and La Plagne, but usually I’m skiing on my own when looking for good off piste routes there, as no one else in my family I go with ever wants to come along with me 🙁 .
This year in Canada is the first season that I’ve really started to love off piste, rarely ski on piste anymore apart from getting to another nice off piste area!
Also, powder skiing and slack/back-country seems to be what everyone skis for here, and from what I remember about the last time I was in France, narrow carving skis seem more popular.

Well I guess I want to keep getting better at steep/deep off piste lines but don’t wanna do anything stupid either.

I’ll be in La Plagne a few times this winter, need to find myself some skiing mates there though!

Also, many (most?) Euro resorts have large “patrolled off piste” area or “itinerary runs” to keep the sheep in one place. You can always spot these from some distance away by the enormous moguls…

Not a big fan of moguls. I can ski them reasonably well but would rarely choose to ski them for fun!

And I know I probably should, but I don’t have any transceiver or beacon or shovel or anything like that.

And I know I probably should, but I don’t have any transceiver or beacon or shovel or anything like that.

Get one. Now. Don’t buy a new jacket/skis/goggles this winter. Buy a transceiver.

Any snowboarders on here who have dabbled in (or switched) to skiing?
I’ve been boarding for 15 years or so but am now spending more and more time with skiers and therefore hammering down pistes and only grabbing some off-piste when I can. I have a recurring disk problem in my back. For those two reasons I am considering trying to learn to ski this year, at least I’ll have the choice then of taking skis out on bad snow days and I’ll save the edges on my Jones for powder days…:-)

I’m planning to buy some ski boots and have seen some Salomon Quest boots that look good, but they are Freeski boots and I don’t know if that makes them unsuitable for use on the piste and/or a beginner.
They have a hike and ride function though, which makes me think they might be easier to adjust to, coming from snowboard boots…
Anyone had any experience of FreeSki boots – or is it marketing BS?

I live near the mountains so will be able to get a fair amount of practice in over the season (unless it snows every weekend in which case I’ll be boarding! 😉 )

beanum – I’m a snowboarder who also skis a bit.

You’ll find it very easy to learn if you’re a decent snowboarder, but you will inevitably have a couple of pretty slow days to begin with.

I’ve now got what I guess you’d call a Freeski setup (Movement Couloirs + Marker Barons + Garmont Radium boots). At my level of skiing, there’s very little difference between the Radiums and my Alpine boots, except that they’re half the weight and a lot more comfortable. I ski in them pretty much all the time. I don’t think a touring/freeski boot makes a lot of sense for a beginner though, on a cost basis if nothing else!

Ooohhh oohhhh why didn’t I see this thread sooner?

Off to Arabba in the dolomites for Christmas. Not sure about Easter yet, will probably be wherever we can get a free kids space as it’s the last year Jnr will qualify for one.

New purchases – I think I’m only going to get a new lens for my goggles. Currently have vermillion gun, which is a bit limited in range, will go for vermillion modulator.

This weekend we went to Limburg to watch the World Road Champs. Happened to stay at Snowworld in Landgraaf, so had a few hours on the slope there on Saturday evening. Excellent facility, well worth a weekend away if you ever want to get away and not sure what to do. They have mountain bike trails, go ape type thing, luge track, bars, restaurants and the longest indoor ski slope in the world. No end of deals which make it cost less for 4 or 8 hours ski time than it is for an hour at MK Xscape!

6.5 hours door to door using Eurotunnel and driving (from Bedfordshire). Can fly Stansted to Maastricht soon I think.

Thanks Stevo, I actually thought Freeski meant freestyle, I didnt realise they were effectively touring boots..
Price will be a factor so I guess realistically speaking I’m going to pick up some (well fitted) garish monstrosites in the pre-season sales and worry about what things look like once I’ve stopped falling over…

I actually thought Freeski meant freestyle,

It’s a little like freeride v All mountain! Marketing….!

Beanum, if boots are what you’re after, the Quests are really good, but only if you plan on walking/touring in them. I looked at them myself, mainly based on the fact they looked OSSUM, but bought Sally Impact 120CS instead. Nice and stiff, and once moulded/fitted with footbeds, super, super comfy. In fact, for my blend of piste and slack-country, with the odd day in the proper playground, they’re ideal. Top tip though – go to a good bootfitter! Sadly, my two top tips in That London have just left to brighter and better things (Chris and Neil, you’ll be missed, fellas!) but a good fitter is key.

Where are you based? Am sure one of us can recommend someone for you!

Spend over £100 and get £40 off….

Two Seasons

Use the code GETREADY at checkout.

Thanks CFH, I have a preference for Salomon boots as I’ve had a pair of Malamute snowboard boots for a while and love them. As for recommended boot fitters that might not be so easy as I live in Lausanne, Switzerland…:-)
There are plenty of decent shops around and the pre-winter sales will start soon, but it’ll still probably work out cheaper for me to go to a Snow and Rock in the UK when I’m there and pay excess baggage charges on the boot bag for the flight home though… 🙁

I have a preference for Salomon boots as I’ve had a pair of Malamute snowboard boots for a while and love them.

First rule of Ski Boot Club – Banish all preconceptions until you try ’em on! Go in to the shop with a totally open mind on brands/colours/styles etc. A good fitter will look at your feet, ask you loads of questions and then work out what’s right with you.

If it’s S&R, let me know which branch, might know the best fitter in store for you.

In Lausanne though, there must be somewhere! A quick google gives this;
http://www.sports-discount.net/achat-chaussures-ski-homme Buying locally seems to make sense to me, as if there are any tweaks needed in resort there’ll always be a shop, but once you’re back home, having someone close can be useful. S&R on High St Ken is my pick in London, but the main two fitters are leaving so would need to check who’s there. Covent Garden always has a good team in the basement, though.

Decent bootfitter won’t sell you a pair of Salomon and make them fit. He’ll sell you the right pair that fit, which may well be Salomon (was in my case even though I was expecting it to be Lange).

Might be worth making an appointment soon, though, as I guess they’ll be getting booked up now the new 2012-13 boots must be just about in stock.

Fun getting feet vacuum-bagged for the footbeds 🙂

OK, bit of ski advice required please.

Going to hire skis and boots from Outland in Serre Che when we go there in January. Their options are:

1. Blue package – for beginners – Rossignol ZS
2. Red package – for intermediates – Rossignol Xenith 76/Blizzard Bushwacker.

I’m not an experienced skier (confident on blues and get down reds without fuss) – will the beginner skis still be OK for me?

I’ve got two trips next year – is it worth buying my own boots or will the fact I still need to hire skis make it not worth it?

in Serre Che when we go there in January.

You’re dead to me now!

😉 Lucky blighter!

outland are pretty good, from what I’ve seen of them. (Check out Melquiond for teh bling, though!) Also, depending on where you’re staying, see if Outland have a locker at the foot of the Alphand. We use Twinner and their lockers are ace. Heated pegs for your boots to dry them out, and then walk back up the hill to the Plein Sud in normal shoes, no need to lug skis/boots etc.

I’d go for the better skis, but then I’m a tart. Boots? Well, if you’re going twice a year, then buy some. They’ll last you and will be sooooooo much better for your skiing!

Need some more Serre Che tips then? 🙂

Ah, I see with Twinner you can hire just the skis and no boots. We are staying in the Plein Sud (am I more deader to you now? :wink:) so I assume this will be a good option. Outland also has free lockers.

More Serre Che tips would be fab, thank you 😀

We are staying in the Plein Sud

You know, you can really go off people….!

Will sort you out a full list of tips shortly!

CF – interesting the tip about heated boot pegs. Colin @ Solutions 4 Feet said not to use them as they’re usually on too warm and can damage the boots.

wallop – I’m a very average skier and can’t tell the difference between skis when skiing. On a trip a few years back I had the basic package, the OH the package up from that (so blue, she went red)…. her skis were so much lighter than mine. Makes a difference if you have a trek to the lifts, so I always go for the mid range when hiring now 😆 😳

Hammerite, the ones at Twinner aren’t exactly hot and certainly no warmer than just keeping your boots in a shop/house/etc. They just seem to dry them out nicely!