The STW Ski & Snowboard thread. The 2016-2017 season

Nasty, but as you say lucky it wasn’t an inch higher.

Ouch .
You need a T shirt with ” You should see the other guy” on it.

I was on the bus in Morzine that links one of the cabins down from Avoriaz back to town about 20 years ago. Someone had put their skis on the overhead rack. – You know exactly where this is going – Bus goes round corner and skis fall off overhead rack and smash into this poor womans head. iirc she was undamaged but it must have really , really hurt. Lots of shouting and french people waving their arms about alot

Then there was this time in Chamonix where i crushed this womans toes………

Pffft, I ran over my own thumb with my skis last season. Needed 4 stitches to tidy that one up…

And Stoner’s that tall it’s surprising he could actually reach down as far as his skis.

There is a facial surgeon in our hotel (obvs 😆 🙄 ) who told me a story last night about his mate who popped out of his own ski and fell onto it, slicing through the artery which connects onto his femural artery (or something like that) – completely horrific and thankfully saved by his newly qualified medic of a son who was with him… eek!

Don’t let Stoner give you any tips.

He’s running out of them fast.

Omg Stoner, you won’t have many digits left at this rate.

In Whistler many years ago, it was snowing heavily, so the piste bashers weren’t out. The pistes were really bumpy and I had an over the bars moment. Luckily a binding released, my ski flew and caught me in my left knee. Dusting myself off at the side, something felt warm. On further investigation blood was trickling out of my trews. The edge had sliced through the trousers and thermals, showing a gash which needed 7 stitches. The journey down to the waiting ambulance in the death wagon was incredibly bumpy. After a while I started to relax. Through a crack I could make out the snow park. At the foot of the hill, I climbed out of the sled and walked to the ambulance which took me to Whistler hospital. Knee was heavily bandaged and a little swollen. On Day 10 it was time to have the stitches removed, the Dr. wondered why I’d arrived in my skiing gear. Apparently I shouldn’t have been skiing, in case the gash popped open again. Too late, as soon as I could bend the knee a bit I had been out and about. The scar is a constant reminder of a freak accident, that isn’t common but could happen at any time.

And what we learn from this is that skis are clearly the devil’s work and will try to maim or kill their owners at a moments notice. 😀

Haha, fairplay Bunnyhop – at least you didn’t let it ruin your holiday – it’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission!

My other half ripped through his trousers with the end of his ski pole today – luckily not through the bottom layer though so no blood, just a very long bruise!

Wallop you are having a holiday never to be forgotten.

Oi GrahamS – behave 😉

In happier news (I think, not sure) my wife who hasn’t skied in 13 years and had only done one week then, did the pole to parallel course at Xscape today and is now happily paralleling.
Why is that only “I think”? She’s spent the last 13 years on a board. Both the boys ski (and our eldest said naah after trying a board one afternoon last year).

I may be the only tray in the family.

Igm, I actually said to the missus today (after v much enjoying myself on skis) that I wish I had learnt to ski rather than board 15 years ago. I love that I’m confident at both now, and come the powder days the ability to board can’t be beaten, but for thrashing around the resort on mediocre snow skiing wins hands down imo

And mine said she reckoned I might be able to ski.

I might try over the summer

My old roommate had a ski pre release on him when we were doing GS training and it went into his mouth bindIng toe piece first. His dad wa s a dental surgeon which was just as well really.

Wallop – You look hard as nails!

The dude who did his artery must’ve been wearing clothes made of cheese!

I dunno about anyone else but my ski kit is fairly hard wearing. I’d hate to think how sharp my edges would need to be to cut through my kit, skin, tissue and artery!

One of my friends is doing a season as a Chalet host this time around.

Her guests this week are Ben Kay, Martin Corry, Austin Healy and Leon Lloyd.

They helicoptered her over to Val D yesterday for a day out. Seriously jealous! I’d post the pics that she’s sent but not sure it’s the done thing given their profiles etc

F’sake that sounds brilliant Tom.

(mind you, having read the exploits of “Belle de Neige”, I hope she is just a friend to you 😉 )

Sounds dreadful to me given the behaviour of some rugby players off the pitch. I suspect she’ll have more cleaning to do than usual.

A British rugby club played the local side then went to a bar where they amused themselves beating crap out of a husband who objected to them groping his wife.

Hope your friend survives without mental or physical trauma.

Yep she is just a friend 😆

She’s had a great week with them by the sounds of it (aside from when she’s been getting sexually assaulted/working overtime cleaning 🙄 )

On a different matter, anyone got any clothing/layering tips for a week of splitboarding (probably going up over 3000m)

You should definitely wear clothing.

anyone got any clothing/layering tips for a week of splitboarding

Obviously everyone is different and has different ‘temperature gradients’ when exercising.

From my own personal experience of splitboarding I would say the key points are:

1) layering
2) trying to avoid letting yourself become too hot or too cold … see point 1)

In order to achieve this I try and skin at a pace that allows me to have a conversation in order to try and avoid ending up as a ‘puddle’ at the summit/change-over point.

Take a layer off before you get too hot and put a layer on before you get too cold. This can mean frequently ‘micro-managing’ your layers as you ascend etc.

In terms of actual clothing I favour merino base layers and GoreTex shells with ample venting. When skinning I will normally just wear 2 x LS merino tops (or 1xLS & 1 SS merino if it’s mild) on my top-half and vent my trousers as required. (I normally wear merino 3/4 long-johns in all but mild spring temps). As temps drop at altitude, I will add a thin breathable layer on top of the merino and then put my shell jacket on as soon as I stop/changeover. If it’s really cold I will also put a synthetic insulated mid-layer on to prevent cooling down too much during changeover. I will normally remove this before the descent.

Let me know if you need any more info etc. Like I say it can be very personal, but I’m happy to share my thoughts.

This thread is the best.
Such good advice.
Such generosity.
Such funny posts.

Keeping me sane. Thank you all x

I normally run quite hot tbh…..just worried that with a merino base layer and a shell I wouldn’t have enough insulation when it’s cold. Last few times I’ve been at 3500m in French resorts it’s been around -10….wearing an insulated jacket was fine, but doubt I’d have been too happy in just a base layer and hardshell.

I’ve got a rab alpine light down jacket, not too warm as down jackets go, but never worn it for Snowboarding, only hiking.. I think it’d probably be too warm, maybe a fleece as a mid layer?

Last week at about -10 windchill on the lifts (2600m at Les Arcs) I was ok in a long sleeve layer and ski coat (no insulation just wind resistance). I also ‘run warm’ so with the addition of the worlds best buff (Icebreaker merino) I was happy. If you are making your own heat then I;d say 2 layers will be ok, but always good to have a mid layer around as an option.

I normally run quite hot tbh

Same here – the key for me is the ability to be flexible with layers.

To be honest, I find hiking/skinning in 2xMerinos plenty warm as long as you are moving even down to minus temps at altitude. Obviously if there is a strong wind then this changes the situation.

I personallly avoid padded/quilted/insulated Ski/snowboard outer jackets for touring as they tend to be bulky and take up a lot of space in your backpack.

Likewise, I steer clear of down jackets for touring, as even if I don’t overheat on the way up, my back will be sweaty which will impact the effectness of a down jacket when I put it on. So whilst a down jacket can pack pretty small I tend to favour a synthetic one such as my Rab Generator Alpine or Arc’Teryx* Atom AR. As I mentioned earlier these will probably be only worn during ‘change-over’.

Instead of a fleece mid-layer I prefer a 2nd long sleeve Merino. but if the forecast is for super cold at altitude then I might take a fleece as well. But fleece layers don’t pack down very well either so a light packable windproof layer (Arc’Teryx* Squamish jacket or similar) can be a good alternative.

when skinning in minus 20 last year I wore 2 x Merinos and an Arc’teryx Fortrez Hoody*

*Other outdoor clothing manufacturers are available 🙂

On a clothing note, ladies, I have been wearing one of those Findra MTB tops as a mid layer all week – absolutely superb!

This one – https://findra.co.uk/shop/tops/marin-cowl-neck-stripe-charcoal-base-layer/

Merino base underneath, and a merino gilet on top – topped off with my shell – toasty warm all week!

I’ve got a Rab Alpine Light down jacket too. I’ve felt chilled with it under a Schôffel ski jacket and over three fleece layers. That was on the Tignes glacier one Christmas. It all depends on the conditions, anything from a T-shirt (earlier this week) to Arctic wear.

Bunnyhop – Member
This thread is the best.
Such good advice.
Such generosity.
Such funny posts.

Keeping me sane. Thank you all x

Year after year.

Thanks, everybody!

More fun than the Brexit thread since 1876

Tom B, have fun! where are you touring?

For me skinning: legs: thinnish merino leggings under trews with full length zips (like jackets, but for LEGS!). Never forget Vent No.1 – front middle, can be delicious. Occasionally nothing underneath if it’s very warm.

Top: warmth from merino, one or two, LS/SS. Plus a windshell – I’ve used a Rab alpine lite (can’t they think of some new names?) unlined pertex endurance. sometimes I’ve ridden down in just that, it’s very windproof, and very waterproof. A Buff to keep my baldie head warm while taking up barely any room. poss synth insulated gilet for stops/trannies if it’s warm and still and likely to stay that way, sometimes a light dowwn jacket – it it’s windy and you have to wait for people to faff, de-ice something, climb back down for something lost, just be a bit slower, it can be a godsend and doens’t take up a huge amount of space. plus obviously handy in an emergency.

In colder weather, I’ve skinned and ridden in a Rab Vapour Rise (the trad., brushed tricot-lined Pertex Equilibrium one) jacket – vented pits and front pockets for the up, all zuipped up for the down.

Only time I’ve skinned in a hardshell is in wet snow and predawn starts.

And the best prep you can do is practice your transition routine – even in your head – efficiency, touch everything only once. Google “splitboard transition routine” more advice and tips than you can shake a stick at!

Colltex skin socks are worth a tenner or whatever they are. especially if it’s windy!

And clothing is as dependent on your partners as the weather – if you’re going to be clipping along working hard, short stops and off again, you’re going to need less on than if you’re in a group with some slower people who you might be waiting for, or slowing yourself down to match and not generating as much of your own heat.

Never forget Vent No.1 – front middle, can be delicious. Occasionally nothing underneath if it’s very warm.

Gosh … I keep getting a hot flush every time I read this … maybe it’s the word ‘delicious’ … 😳 😳

And clothing is as dependent on your partners as the weather

and that’s a very good point. Keep it flexible and keep it simple but a extra thin layer ‘just in case’ at the bottom of your backback isn’t a bad idea if you are uncertain.

For super cold conditions, I find a Brynje base layer best underneath merino – it wicks better and holds air pockets next to the skin well. It works well underneath a Gabba top on cold days on the (road) bike too.

It looks flippin’ weird though, but you’re always wearing something else over it!

Brynje Super Thermo shirt

digby – I was too carefree with “nothing” – pants at the very least!

I stand by “delicious”, though!

I’m touring in/around Argentiere Nedrapier….booked it through UCPA, really looking forward to it, I do a lot of hiking/easy mountaineering and really fancy doing Mont Blanc in winter some day.

Plenty of good info on layering for me to mull over there chaps, thanks!

Awesome. Plenty to go at up there! Post pics!?

read mine again. I need a proofreader!

“a windshell – I’ve used a Rab alpine (what’s the point having names if they’re all called the same? – http://www.climbers-shop.com/9804624/products/rab-alpine-jacket.aspx ) unlined pertex equilibrium. sometimes I’ve ridden down in just that, it’s very windproof, and very breathable, not waterproof[/b]!” – It would just about keep the rain off for a bit, but I wouldn’t go much further than that! Fabric’s not very durable though.

Anyway get a windshirt – loads about, plenty are cheap, pack down small and well worth it! Have a look in Technique Extreme in Cham if you don’t get one before you go.

Won’t bother with the typo’s too may of them! Sorry for bringing down the standard of writing on theis theea

Sorry for bringing down the standard of writing on theis theea

Thanks for clearing that up nedrapier! 😉

touch everything only once

I think this is the best bit of transition advice I’ve ever been given. You just haemorrhage time if you start putting stuff down and picking it up again.