[Closed] The STW Ski & Snowboard thread. The 2018-2019 season

Had a great week in Avoriaz last week (apart from an abysmal ski school experience for my missus. Avoid Evolution Ski School at all costs!)

Lovely nice cruisey runs all day. Great place. Also got to test out the new GoPro 7 Black. Blown away by how much better it is than my old Hero 3

If we're posting PDS vids, here's one of mine from last Tuesday, which was a fantastic day!
linky

So just back from an incredibly sunny week in VT. Pistes held up pretty well to the high temps but no fresh powder. All our group are skiers so wasn't a problem. Off piste was fairly heavily tracked but still fun on skis. Got good use from the 3 valleys ski pass but to be honest best skiing was VT especially towards the end of the week. Stayed and skied until 4pm on the saturday for the first time and though it was well worth it, reminded me what skiing was like before kids and I was forced to go at HT.

Grand Massif advice please. Out there soon (hopefully it will put somne snow down), looking for recommended restaurant accessible for a non-skiier with a lift pass. We'll be based in the Samoens / Morillon area so can access those lifts easily, Sixt and Les Carroz a little more difficult, Flaine probalby a no-go

Also, recommended restaurants for days when we're just skiing around would be good. Last time I went I was in the UCPA in Flaine so we went back for lunch each day

Hi NBT
Check out La Reposette in Vercland, it is by the side of the Piste and right next to the road from Samoens to the Ski area. It must be possible to get a bus there from the Village. It's Dutch owned and very good.

Just returned on Sunday from a week in Les Saisies, 3rd time there now. Snow conditions were decent, although about half as deep as this time last year. Clear blue skies and strong sun, air temp around 5 or 6 degrees so the pistes were turning pretty slushy in the afternoons. No new snow forecast for another week or so at least.

As I plan to keep going once a year now, was thinking about investing in my own pair of ski boots. Where would people recommend I look for a decent selection and also not to be ripped off?

Off to Chamonix for a week in mid march, only been snowboarding one other time in Andorra. Chamonix looks good with a few different places to go, anyone else been? Anything to recommend or avoid?

Is it still snowy in Avoriaz?

Not going until 14th March and if the weather keeps up like it is here in London I might be taking a bike instead of a snowboard 😛

mrprops wrote:

As I plan to keep going once a year now, was thinking about investing in my own pair of ski boots. Where would people recommend I look for a decent selection and also not to be ripped off?

Go to a reputable bootfitter (i.e. not just someone who sells boots) and get the boots they advise. Don't try and pick your own. Where do you live? There's be someone within reasonable distance of you

Chamonix looks good with a few different places to go, anyone else been?

I wrote the following a few pages back about a month ago which may help a bit.
Not much really in Chamonix for folks with only a week or so under their belt - especially in March when many of the lower slopes (apart from Grand Montets) will have vanished - especially during this very warm spell that the Alps is having!

anyway :

All depends on the weather/conditions I reckon – especially these days as it can be slim pickings in resort. (although there is always the option of getting the bus through to Courmayeur – when Chamonix is lacking, Courmayeur often gets the goods and vica-versa),

Buying individual day passes for each area can work out expensive so a 6 Day Chamonix unlimited *might* be better value but that depends on what you and your group have planned. The unlimited includes the Montenvers railway & the Midi, so if you get a guide for a backcountry day it can work out economical.

Family day long weekend in Canada and time for the annual family trip to Kimberley.  Yet again we lucked out with 20cm on the Saturday night which meant some powder skiing on Sunday.  20cm is a bit much for Sweajnr but he sort of got the hang of it in the end after some spectacular crashes.

Now back to arctic conditions (-28C) close to Calgary so some short runs until it warms up.

Chamonix stuff

Nice, thanks for that Digby! Hopefully the weather will be nice for when I go in March!

tetrode

re Cham. I got back 12 days ago (and promptly went straight to Austria!).

Agree with Digby's comments. Not sure if you are driving (or hiring a car) but we had a mixed group - 2 in a car and 4 using the buses. There were times, especially morning where the buses were infrequent and rammed - much swearing involved. I'd used them years ago and don't recall issues but it seriously impacted their holiday.

First two days were also bad weather and the info in resort was poor in terms of what was and wasn't open. The car gave the flexibility to drive elsewhere if for say GM had closures.

The only time we queued was at the telecabin in Flegere - its old and slow. If you intend going up that side (I would) then try and go up at Brevente and use the cable car to gain access to the Flegere side. If using buses you don't have to worry about which side you end up on! IMO Flegere has nicer runs but Brevente probably has better options for you as a newb (more blue stuff I think).

Apres wise, we didn't seem to find much in the town apart from the awful Swedish cover band destroying all kinds of classics in the Chambre Neuf (sp). Bighorn Bistro good for food. Intersport in the centre of town was a let down in terms of hiring gear - no interest at all. "What do you expect, they're all s*it hire boots" was a particular fav from the staff! Use a small independent, the rest of our group did and got top service

Thanks for that cb!

We'll be using the buses so that's good to know. Not too happy with having to get a bus to different resorts but it'll have to do. Do you know what times the buses start in the morning?

Good news about the Brevente car because our hotel, La Sapiniere is right by that one so at least that's in walking distance.

Not too bothered about Apre honestly, hotel is fully catered and we get free wine at dinner, combine that with most likely being shattered from the day like I was last time, and I probably will be asleep by 9:30!

Looking to rent gear at a smaller place close to our hotel, Desailloud Ski. It has good reviews from what I've seen.

So as predicted there was absolutely zero snow in Scotland over the half term so went to Plan B and stayed in a hotel near Braehead and just went to the Snow Factor snowdome for four days!

So yeah... not exactly the Alps or the Rockies, but it actually worked pretty well for the kids (5 and 8) because they got to repeatedly hit a consistent run in dry warm conditions with refreshments nearby. They both improved a lot. Admittedly I was a bit bored, but kids happy - I'm happy. Plus there was a ski-in bar that had a decent attempt at currywurst and had Punk IPA on tap. So that helped.

Youngest struggled a little getting onto the poma, having only ever done magic carpet, but the lifties were very helpful. The eldest had a two hour intro to snowboard lesson, but definitely preferred her skis. She'll learn.

https://twitter.com/WCGWVids/status/1096996708536340480?s=19

OOoft.

Prompted me to go and Jerry of the Day to cheer up my Friday.

La Reposette

Yes, this place is very nice. We went every night for apres when we were staying just below Vercland. Bus goes up from the GM Express main bus station and stops just by the bar. Nice staff - mainly Dutch IIRC.

Just back from Les Gets.
Good week if slightly spring like - but with absolutely masses of snow cover at the same time.
Needs freshening up, but I believe that’s happening this week.

CFH - Where on earth (quite literally) would have a drop like that unprotected?

Hivemind ask pls - 1 week from 6th April. Family of 3, child #1 of 1 is 6 and can do decent parallel skiing but not gung-ho and doesn't like T-bars or gnarly pomas. Seeking high resort within reasonable drive from Gva. Thinking Val d'I or Val T or ..... ideally nice open greens and blues for her. I'm happy pottering about a bit as I need to resit my Stage II so could use some time to do loads and loads of drills !

EDIT - Lazy man - if you have any accom suggestions as well - s/c 2 bedrooms.

Its raining here in Samoens, Grand Massif. The whole mountain is closed except a couple of lifts by the club med.
Storm is lifting now after thunder, lightening and high winds. Everybody a teeny bit fed up.
Only good thing is its put fresh down at the top, which was much needed. I ended up crying on one run yesterday with hard pack and too many skiers. Just lost it and the fear kicked in. Had a great pizza for lunch outside in the sun.
Finally it turned to porridge in the afternoon, which was preferable.

Had a great pizza for lunch outside in the sun.
Finally it turned to porridge in the afternoon, which was preferable.

Some of those French chefs can work miracles.

I was nearly sick then flashy, thanks for that!

The thought of the skiers knees and the tarmac is really, really unpleasant!

colp - I see what you did there :0)

CFH – Where on earth (quite literally) would have a drop like that unprotected?

My thinking is the US. Just somewhere out in the country, away from any lift or resort.

@NZcol we’re going to be in Les Arcs that week, Arc 2000 to be exact. High enough I hope! Saying that we had to put the chains on to leave Serre Che last easter(a week earlier though).

Other news, back from a great few days touring from the Franz Senn Hutte near stubai. Tougher than I expected in terms of fitness, but it is funny how your legs find some more energy when faced with a great bit of powder. Good mixed group of six plus the guide. Went with Mountain Tracks (owned by SCGB).

Meanwhile, in Serre Che...

https://twitter.com/SerreChe_EN/status/1103711994258096128?s=19

Nice. Trying to work out where in Serre Che that is?? Would like to see a time lapse of the build..

I think it's the valley between Cucumelle and Yret.

Today was raining at the bottom in Samoens with some snow and poor visibility at the top above Flaine.
Snow was great high up, slushy below mid station.
This week has been a bit hit and miss with too many people, an error on our part not realising its the Paris half term. Children and ski schools at every turn and queues at the lifts. However today (changeover) was superb even with the rain.
No queues, very few people on piste and some good snow to be found.
Snow is being washed away with the rain lower down but there's lots of it high above.
Temperatures have been mild for this time of the year, so let's hope it gets a bit colder in the next few days for others.

too many people, an error on our part not realising its the Paris half term. Children and ski schools at every turn and queues at the lifts

Yeah, we got that too. Did our first “boys’” trip four years ago, leaving 6th March - and have done 1st Sat in March ever since. Seems this year, we got caught out going too early in March and crossed with one of the French zones’ winter break. And, as far as we could make out, Belgium’s too. We’ll wind it back to Sat 7th March (which is the 1st Sat anyway, but will keep a closer eye on it in future) next year - the last French break finishes on 8th March. Noticeably busier at lifts this year for sure. I blame Stoner.

Snowheads forum always has a useful table of all the European s tool holidays for the next season.

Stool holidays are long breaks they have from pooing, the weirdos.

Back in Flaine for the rest of the season, drive down was busier than Jan and the rain for the last 3 hours of the drive made it tough going.
Our chalet is at 1700m and disappointing it's raining outside. Good news it's due to turn colder and snow with a foot due later this week.
Can't wait to try my new skis (Nordica Santa Ana 93) - will let the ladies of STW know how I find them when I finally get to use them (I bought them start of Jan but they didn't arrive in time)

Anyone who's out to the Grand massif feel free to contact us if they fancy trying to arrange a meet up. That even includes boarders, yes, you Cameron !

Bon ski tout la monde

Ha. yes Sprootlet we couldn’t have avoided each other better if we tried to!

Jealous you are there for all of the spring. Conditions seem to have been variable but at least the cover is good and should last. I am waiting to make a last minute call on an end of season week. Would like to make it for the telemark weekend at Morillon start April.

Enjoy your new skis.

Doz

DD I too blame Stoner :o)

Yes we have the full list from 'snowheads' for all the kiddie holidays but this was left out, will not be making that mistake again. You couldn't make a turn without nearly squashing a wee thing. It was embarrassing as most of them were better skiers than I was.

Sprootlet - there is plenty of snow high up above Flaine. Let's hope they keep the gondola running if there are high winds. We missed a day due to the mountain being closed last Mon. Made up for it yesterday though.

Good food to be had at Cafe/restaurant '1967' next to the yogurt pots. Half the price of the mountain restaurants.

Bunnyhop, picked this up from about-france.com. Shows the winter holiday dates for next year (though I assume, like us, you’ll be more “on it” next year).
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/1zDxtnsw/6272853-F-A2-F5-4548-8883-E5168-B5535-DE.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/1zDxtnsw/6272853-F-A2-F5-4548-8883-E5168-B5535-DE.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

EDIT: Probably obvious, but they’re the three zones left to right.

Interested to know if anyone else has experienced altitude sickness ('Acute Mountain Sickness') on a normal ski holiday. My friend had it last week at La Rosière. On the first day of skiing, we did two runs from about 2400m down to 2000m, then up to 2800m. On the way up the lift he said he was feeling a bit unwell, on the run down he rapidly became exhausted and had to stop, with dizziness, nausea, numbness in both arms and rapid breathing. I was initially concerned he might be having a heart attack, but he had no chest pain, his pulse was normal and both arms were affected not just the left one. He declined an asprin because he was nauseous and I didn't push it (I would have if he'd had chest pain).

We descended as fast as he was able to and once down to about 2100m he lay down for a while, feeling better, and after getting back to the chalet at 1850m the symptoms went entirely. A web search confirmed that the three principal triggers are rapid increase in altitude to above 2400m, physical activity and dehydration (all present). He rested that day and drank lots of water, skied a bit on the lower lifts the next and was skiing normally on the third day.

Apparently it's quite common when going straight from sea level to over 2400m but I've never seen it happen before.

It happens, have had people I'm teaching like that in V D'I in the past. Generally main thing is dehydration at altitude which seems to be trigger for it. Unusual but not a problem, i've got a heart murmur at altitude bizarrely - found it during my medical.

I've had mild symptoms when staying quite high. But, I was also coming down with a virus so hard to nail down the exact cause.

Heading to Avoriaz on Thursday for the weekend. Looks like some new snow might be arriving up top, which will be welcome!

DD - thanks that's helpful.

Re altitude sickness, I've only experienced it in the rockies (Breckenridge), where you really do need to drink a lot.

Quick question snow folks: wax/base cleaner.

Do you bother with a snow/wax-specific base cleaner like Datawax?

I've got a 2 boards and 2 pairs of skis that are manky and sticky after a week in a snowdome with a coolant leak. I was planning just to use some bike degreaser / chain-cleaner as I have plenty kicking about.

If it was me I'd just do a hot wax clean (i.e. wax and scrape when still warm), then re-wax and scrape as normal (when fully cold). I'd not use anything like chain cleaner as you don't want any residue left in there when you do come to wax. The base is porous and specific cleaners are designed to evaporate off - not sure if chain cleaner would do the same. I've got some Toko wax cleaner but tend to only use it on areas I'm going to repair, although I admit I've never spent a week skiing on coolant 😉

Dashed +1

Even using specific wax cleaning products is a subject of debate in Canada (some people do, some people don't).  I use them on the grip zones of nordic kit but try to avoid using them on glide zones.

The base is porous and specific cleaners are designed to evaporate off – not sure if chain cleaner would do the same.

My thinking was that most base cleaners just seem to be degreaser and evaporant. Bike degreasers tend to be water-soluble so I was just going to rinse it down after degreasing.

Don't think a hot wax clean will do the job as the bases are seriously sticky, but I'll give it a go.

In which case I'd be tempted by getting a specific ski base cleaner if it isn't total hassle...

One other (crazy perhaps) idea would be to use the same method as getting skin wax off the base.. namely newspaper and using the wax iron on a low temperature.  However not having done this ever personally as it seemed like an opportunity to get everything wrong I'm not sure if that's a great idea or the worst ever....

Not sure a wax is gonna help Gee. 😛

The Coolant is just going to be water based / glycol so not particularly troublesome to clean off. A bit of warm soapy water should be sufficient.
A bit of IPA on a cloth and a wipe won't do any harm to the bases I wouldn't think though.
Dry out properly before waxing.

I clean wax off the scraper with water from the kettle - I can't see that boiling water will do any harm to the base, it's cooler than the iron.