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What did you go for?
I'm still using 15yr old El cheapo drakes.
*wonders about upgrades *
What did you go for?
Does it matter? He'll still look like a middle aged ball bag just like the rest of us!
Harsh but true
What did you go for?
Some Flow jobbies, ex-display from Absolute-snow, felt ok while snowboarding on a parquet floor last night anyway. Certainly comfier and lighter than my previous ones.
Oh , that does matter . Flows! Noooooo
[url= https://mpora.com/articles/skier-vs-snowboarder-man-falls-25ft-chairlift-disagreement-aspen ]Skier throws snowboarder 25ft off chairlift[/url] 😯
How can people get so stressed in the mountains?
I dunno, maybe they'd forgotten their phone to post some more pics or their tandem paraglide had been cancelled.
(Read that story a few weeks ago...if it's true, Jeez!)
So they didn't have the safety bar down... the snowboarder didn't try to grab anything or fight not to be thrown off... sounds like utter bs to me.
Flows
hur hur hurrr.
You know you're not going to be allowed to blame your bindings when you make a tit of yourself next month 🙂 At least you have the coming trip to work on your snow-covered-gallic-shrug....
I remember reading with surprise on the TGR forums that in some US resorts they consider putting down the safety bar to be a noob/gaper thing. 😕
Others, like the one in the photo accompanying that article, don't have safety bars at all:
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Love my Flows. Keep trying other things, but for piste work, they're quick getting off the lift and comfortable all day.
but for piste work
Which, next week, is pretty much all I'll be doing... 🙁
Am off again in March with a couple of asshats who aren't up to much to be honest, one big clumsy eejit who isn't sure whether he wants to board or ski and one who hasn't skied for around ten years, so I'll probably have to spend some time on my own getting some quality stuff done. I've heard they're a bit painful in deep stuff, but I don't think I'll be seeing too much of that.
Australians dont put safety bars down. FACT. They see it as weak and not manly. Like holding doors for others.
Apologies Aussies
but I don't think I'll be seeing too much of that.
every thing's deep when your chin is only 3ft off the deck.
US / Canada - common not to put the safety bar down. We had it loads when biking in Whistler in the summer too...
And yet they were the first ones to insist that everyone wore a helmet.
Go figure.
My experience is based on Australians in Canada , of which there were many .... A heady mix of bravado
Had flows for a while DD. They were great, apart from trying to start anywhere away from bashed piste.
Mine were old and heavy though being from about 2003 and the newer models look pretty good now but I went back to 2 straps and haven't regretted it.
They were great, apart from trying to start anywhere away from bashed piste.
Yeah, I can see how they would. These ones have the option of side entry if needed anyway - they certainly tighten up like traditional 2-straps.
That's good.
It's always nice to have the option of rear entry, but sometimes that can be difficult to slip into and a more traditional approach will get you there faster.
Fnar, fnar.
Do they ratchet from the front then? The tension adjust was all in the flip up lever on the back in my pair, could be adjusted from the front but not ratcheted tight.
I loved them for piste stuff as I could slide off the lift and put my foot in and go at the same pace as the skiers I was with.
That's why I used to love step-in bindings back in the day: with practise you could step in literally as you slid off the chairlift or drag and be heading down the piste before the skiers had got their poles untangled.
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Do they ratchet from the front then?
Yep. These are dem.
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Ah, very good. Seem like a decent all round option then. Flows were definitely more comfortable on the front of the boot but the slight movement at the back took a bit of getting used to. Boot dependant of course.
Never went down the route of "board-spd" GrahamS. Didn't you need to use proper stiff boots for that?
Yeah the boots were stiff and heavy (though not by ski boot standards) some had ratcheting heel straps on the boots. And you needed the right boot for your system (Switch, Burton SI, K2 Clicker etc).
I used the Switch Special X system - so my boots had little metal bars on each side which fitted into the clips. It was Crank Bros level of simplicity though - a nice open design that was self-clearing.
This shows it in action (though the guy must be new to them because he fluffs the first entry completely):
This explains the system better - but appears to have been filmed with a potato:
Wouldn't use them these days obviously!
Changing the subject to skis 🙂 I am skiing a couple of times a year these days, but am struggling to justify buying some. The cost of them initially, the cost to take them on planes, the ongoing upkeep, the hassle of lugging them around etc against turning up and hiring a pair in perfect condition every time and for not a huge amount either.
Thoughts?
I think the provision in resorts is far better for renting good skis than it is for renting good boards.
I used to regularly do the park nights/jumps and rails at Tamworth or Manchester so it was nice to have my own board as it got regular use. I reckon if you only use them once or twice a year they are definitely a luxury.
I wouldn't say the same about boots though.
I think the provision in resorts is far better for renting good skis than it is for renting good boards.
Yep. I use whatever the shiniest rental option is. Helps when I know to shop, but haven't been let down yet! Great choices in Montana last year, for example.
No service, no storage, no travel issues, etc. Plus, trying new stuff and changing with conditions.
Unless you're skiing five times plus a year, can't see the point.
If I was a skier, I'd definitely rent. My experiences with rental boards have all been a bit crap - y'know, not awful, but the bases have always been absolutely wrecked; whereas Mrs DD's rental skis have always been fine.
the bases have always been absolutely wrecked
Ah fond memories of doing a "Ski To Door" on rental boards after a few steins.
It wasn't [i]meant[/i] to be a ski-to-door you understand, but as long as you leant back a bit you could make it across the tarmac roads...
I think the old buy or rent dilemma depends on loads of factors. I have my own skis and did whilst my other half rented his, I don't know whether it was bad luck but he did get given some junk from shops.
I hate the rental shop on changeover day especially if its a package holiday and everyone in the hotel is there at the same time. Also, when you are outliers on the normal distribution curve (ie me - short and him - tall) the choice can be limited.
Some ski shops are just great though, my other half was renting, thought about buying and they mounted brand new skis for him to try, if he hadn't bought them they would turn them over to team rental team. Great service.
Own skis are a bit of a faff but for me they are worth it, especially as both pairs fit in a dakine board bag. Costs £30 ish to take them and 25 euros for an edge and wax 1 x yr. I've also been pretty lucky selling my old skis and a pair of salomon Xreams cost me £300 and I sold them 4 yrs later for £100...they were incredibly popular when they came out.
Buying means you get to keep them and display them in your man cave
Shocked about someone being pushed off a chairlift.
We've skied a few Utah resorts including Alta, where there are no safety bars.
safety bars are a funny thing. you're sat in a seat, angled backwards. How are you going to fall out? It's almost certainly going to nobody's fault but yours. And I'm inclined to believe that's the case with chappy who's claiming he was pushed off.
It's nice to be able to lean on something while you talk to your mates 2 seats away, and it's much more comfortable to have somewhere to rest your board/skis than having them hang, but your safe without a bar.
Euro bars are better than US ones as they usually have a ski/board rest on them as well. Nice to take the weight off tired legs!
Not as true with children Ned. Particularly our 5 year old (but also our 9 year old) slides forward as his thighs are shorter than the seat. The safety bar (with the flappy additions or upright parts) is very useful
nedrapier - Member
safety bars are a funny thing. you're sat in a seat, angled backwards. How are you going to fall out?
Never been on a chairlift when they've done a proper emergency stop then?
Yup, all fair points!
Wife rented a board in St Anton. She loved it. Capita Birds of a Feather.
Umming and ahhing between getting her one of those and some solid bindings, or some Spark Surge bindings for her split and some K clips to tighten it up for resort riding.
Both options would cost about the same, after you factor in the crampons.
Solid board and bindings would be better for resort riding, but would still leave her a sloppy split, and heavier, ill-fitting split bindings. (originally mine, I'm size 10, she's size 6)
Compromises... can't really justify both.
Anyone fancy buying some Spark Ignitions and with Mr Chomps and spare pins?
Btw, harking back to the "what board bag for mincers/gapers/middle aged ball bags/international stationery [s]sales reps[/s] business development managers?", I eventually went for a Snokart...available for similar money to the DaKine LoRoller and Burton WheelieGig (which I reckon are the two most popular) if you hunt around.
It's very nice indeed! Very well padded but still light enough (which is a consideration with Sleazy's 20kg limit). Has taken:
Board (which being my length, is pretty light anyway...)
Boots & Bindings & socks (compartments either end for those...with plenty of room to stuff base-layers, gloves around.
Helmet, goggles ( 😀 ) ski/board gear, baselayers for two and tools in the main compartment (bindings are attached to boots as advised by someone intelligent ^^^ up there somewhere).
All in at 19kg. 😮
One niggle: the wheels are massive...which might make for easier rolling but more chance of them being shagged by baggage handlers.
(Bear in mind that the 20kg weight limit applies if this is your only bag. If you have two bags booked in, you can make it up to 40kg any way you want as long as any one isn't over 32kg.)
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So, it's Avoriaz time! Any top tips? Anyone know if you can book a 'taxi' before arriving to save dragging bags miles when everyone else is after the same?
Also, any recommendations for things to do other than skiing and a good restaurant for a milestone birthday dinner?
Can't wait 🙂
Swimming? 😉
Aquariaz if it does appeal
What time you flying nemesis?
Flows and Step-in-bindings ... I thought I'd opened the 'the STW ski & snowboard thread. The 2005-2006-season' thread by mistake!
Each to their own, but I always thought Flows sacrificed performance for comfort as they rarely locked the foot completely in place and tended to fill up with compact snow.
Board rentals have definitely improved in many resorts these days, but I would agree with others that ski rental offers more choice than board rental.
Plus (ski touring/telemark bindings aside) skis tend to have pretty much standard & adjustable boot/binding interface, whereas on snowboards bindings it can still be a bit hit and miss to get the setup right for your chosen boot so it's another reason/justification for having your own!
Each to their own, but I always thought Flows sacrificed performance for comfort as they rarely locked the foot completely in place and tended to fill up with compact snow.
Yes but the binding's impact on performance is nothing compared to my own ineptitude. And I like comfort.
Yes but the binding's impact on performance is nothing compared to my own ineptitude. And I like comfort.
Fair enough - I like comfort too, but I wouldn't go fell running in my carpet slippers! 😉
8 tomorrow, dd
Thats actually pretty cool GrahamS. Weird how different the actual tracks of the runs can't be reflected accurately on a piste map. Sometimes piste maps just don't make any sense when you're trying to link up long days but I think that site might work a bit better.
Also, putting Morzine on top of Sheffield makes Rotherham into Avoriaz. So many parallels in architecture I can see how they tie up.
Might see you there nemesis...0650 here (if you're going from Brizzle).
You're all the week before me. The curse of having a teacher for a partner. Try not to slide all the snow off the mountain for us DD & Nemesis.
PDS area is bigger than the whole Malvern Hills AONB 🙂
Nemesis - best on piste restaurant IMO, is the Marmotte at the bottom of the Lindaret bowl (before you pass through the rocks to the Goat Village)
+1 for Aquariaz, good fun as long as it's not too busy.
I like the Matafan restaurant in Morzine, but I guess you're not planning on coming down the mountain once you're up there.
I'm going to be flying out to the flat on Tuesday for the week, PM me if you want to catch up as I will be on my lonesome and definitely heading up to Avoriaz/Fornet/Cuboret and over the Swiss Wall too.
Why no love for La Grave on this thread? I thought there were lots of us who like the off piste yet I never hear it mentioned. They could really do with your support....
I will be on my lonesome
Story of your life mate... 😀
Why no love for La Grave on this thread?
Have you ridden it? Is it rideable by us intermediate mortals?
I've looked enviously at it from the connection at the top of Deux Alpes but I gather you needs full avi equipment and a guide (according to Neilson anyway) and the prices for a day trip were pretty eye-watering.
Story of your life mate...
when you're able to catch up with me, then I'll be all warm and snuggly.
Graham S, Well it is off piste so you should have full kit. Lift pass is about 48 euros. No obligation to have a guide. But you should be competent off piste. Not skied there this season. Normally it is about 1hr45 from ours (5km from grenoble airport. Give us a wave as you land. I regularly ride a track just beyond start of runway)
and what, pray, is La Grave?
is it just a lift to the top of an unpisted mountain?
Yep.
Steep and deep.
Why no love for La Grave on this thread? I thought there were lots of us who like the off piste yet I never hear it mentioned. They could really do with your support....
I was in Les Deux Alpes for a week and the link to La Grave was closed the whole time due to the avalanche risk. In retrospect it's probably a good thing as I had no clue and no gear but would probably have had a pop, probably on my own. 🙂
when you're able to catch up with me
Not a chance...
...too much momentum.
Thanks CFH - I'm liking that!
@ 1:28 is a helluva 'crux move' - not sure I'd be happy doing that on a board without a rope!! ... and the sheer speed that he drops that cliff above the bergschrund! Wow! 8)
No obligation to have a guide. But you should be competent off piste.
And have a map, a proper map and be good at using it. Not a place to go following your nose without a very good idea of where you are.
Missing a traverse could see you at the top of a 300m cliff back into town. Following a few tracks over rolling wide powder fields and steepening terrain and chutes can put you at a pinch point needing a 30ft abseil or a 3 hour hike back up again. or death.
Just get a guide. Not that expensive if you join a group. Snowlegends, Band of Boarders (they also ski) or the Bureau des Guides. They'll take you to the funnest places and the best snow, and you might end up having a private guide at the end of the day because the others are tired or broken.
Love the place, very special. Been a few times, once for 10 days on my own, once for the Derby de La Meije with a couple of mates (bonkers top to bottom race - Megavalanche equivalent) and once on a road trip with the wife.
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Nice vid CFH!
I was asking our guide about riding Le Pan de Rideau ("The Pan" in the video - it's a big feature in the main valley - you see it from the lift on the way up) and he was saying it's a lot more involved on a snowboard due to the top abseil/traverse/shuffle. I can see what he means!
Ha!
Just been googling Pan de Rideau, ended up on UKClimbing, on a thread about the World's Best Skiing Lines, and look who's there:
stevomcd - on 24 Oct 2007Nope, haven't been to Sainte Foy before! But doing a season there this winter. Quit my job in 3 weeks time, head out there on the 24th. Can't wait.
Working out OK then? 😀
Have you ridden the NE face of the Courtes since then?
he was saying it's a lot more involved on a snowboard
'involved' eh? 🙂 ... that's putting it mildly!
Just get a guide.
+1 ... the guides will either know an area well or be have the skills and gear required if things end up getting 'involved'. they also talk to each other a lot and will know if something is in condition or not.
Ian Mcintosh has done some insane stuff (including the massive fall last year that he blamed on not having his morning poop!). Still hires a guide though!
Well, this has been a superb holiday. I eagerly anticipate being ****ing miserable come Monday morning.
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Lol yardsale
I eagerly anticipate being * miserable come Monday morning.
**** deserve it yer bastard.
Anyway, we have the pleasures of DD spamming the forum with his pics as of Sunday.
I can just see* his wee oirish red cheeks tucked under the duvet now, all fizzing with excitement. Bless.
* that reminds me, I must turn of the baby monitor while he's away
Jeez.
red cheeks tucked under the duvet now
Too much information.
Cheerleader alert!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/winter-sports/35446555
Woodsy might want to check his DIN settings!
However, the boy has skillzzzz!
After a couple of hours lesson with Charlotte Swift (Easiski for the Snowheads among us) years ago, I really wanted to go and do one of her On 2 Off courses around L2A and La Grave. Unfortunately they were never on during school hols (understandable). I understand she's stopped doing off piste instructing now as she's said she's too old!
Yes great skills from Woodsie.
Ho
Lee
FICK!
Ragdoll moment!
Geneva airport terminal two.
The illusion of Swiss precision and efficiency ruined.
WTF is terminal 2?
Round the back of the bike sheds just past the bins