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The mountains would be a less diverse place without his contribution. Also a reminder to give the plums a quick check..
ah man thats sad. 65. like my dad. Too young, but what a legacy.
That's sad news, I can't imagine what snowboarding would be like without Burton. They've been there from the beginning. I'd even go as far to say they injected life back into skiing. We'd still be jump turning on 215, stiff, straight skis without snowboarding.
howsyourdad1:
I recommend the Black Diamond Compactor poles. They are quick to assemble and fold up small enough to fit inside your pack. Not having poles sticking up / flapping around when you're riding is something you really appreciate, even if it's never bothered you! Some online reviews suggest people have had problems with them breaking, but I ride splitboards for a living and mine have done a couple of seasons without any problems at all.
Enjoy the board, which bindings are you using?
@stevomcd Do you do adhoc guiding or are you all in, ie accommodation, food, guiding? Where are you based?
+ for the Black Diamond Compactor poles and for being able to put your poles in your backpack.
My only criticism with the Compactor is that they would feel a bit flimsy/noodly if I had to put my full weight on them when negotiating certain technical kick turns or icy sections and I've managed to shave quite a bit of aluminium off the bottom section using them to stop my lower spitboard-half from slipping on short, but really icy traverse sections etc when using 'ski crampons' would involve a lot of faff for a short distance.
I'm now using the Grivel - Trail 3, which also folds up small but feel a bit more stable under full load. I also really like the grips but this is very much a personal choice
and yeah ... #RIPJakeBurton 🙁
@bluebird I do both. I run about 6-8 weeks of camps/courses throughout the winter and work as an independent instructor / splitboard guide in between. I'm mostly based in Sainte Foy, but also work regularly out of Tignes & Val d'Isere, Les Arcs and La Rosiere. I run a camp over in Areches Beaufort too. www.whiteroomsnowboarding.com
Yeah, RIP Jake. Sad day for a snowboarding. Absolute legend. I've gone back and forward with how much Burton kit I actually ride, but it's always bothered me that Burton got stick for being "the man" and too corporate. In a market filled with half-assed, rider-fronted but venture-capital owned brands regurgitating all kinds of re-branded gear, Burton, despite being by far the biggest snowboard brand, remained 100% owned by Jake. I firmly believe Jake always had a very strong eye on the good of snowboarding as well as his own bottom line. They have been continuous innovators of product tech over the years and were way ahead of the wave on many aspects of board shape or tech which we now take for granted.
First peau of the season, snow good, wind awful.
Yeah, been out a few times on the snow de phoque. Really good start to the season here in the Alps. Tignes is opening lifts ahead of schedule this weekend.
Picked up some Black Diamond Exhibition 3 poles for 45 quid. Cheers for the tip
@stevomcd - yep ... completely agree with your take on the industry and Burton!
I never understood what seemed to be some form of inverted [brand] snobbery.
I've never owned many Burton boards, but to be honest I've gone back to Burton's 'solid board' bindings again and again over the years ... the Mission & Cartel bindings just ticked all the boxes and could be considered design classics they now been around that long!
My fear with Private Equity and Venture Capital 'ownership' of so many ski, snowboard, outdoor & lifestyle brands is that when the brands have been 'bled dry' and crippled with massive debts, the Private Equity companies etc will just move on to the next market segment leaving a massive hole in the industry. I understand the need for such PE companies as otherwise it's very difficult for an organisation to grow and expand (especially since the banks aren't lending), but I can't help thinking of the PE companies as just 'loan-sharks' in designer clothing.
Just booked accommodation in Madonna di Campiglio for a week in February.
Anyone been? Care to share the good, bad and ugly?
Just booked accommodation in Madonna di Campiglio for a week in February.
Anyone been? Care to share the good, bad and ugly?
I don’t think they do ugly there do they? You’re not ugly are you 😉
Just booked La Plange for 15/12. #pray for snow!
Going to do a mates w/e at beginning of Feb plus another pre Easter at probebly Sainte Foy.
Bring it on!
I don’t think they do ugly there do they? You’re not ugly are you 😉
isworriednow
So after a steer from here, I ask the odd question on the snowheads forum - v informative and useful but whilst it looks like something from the early 90's OMG it highlights how clunky and frustrating this platform is. It's quick to load, has sensible links to your own posts at the top of the page etc etc. Appreciate this place has to wash its face with the ads, but performance is v poor in comparison.
Thats all...carry on!
pedlad wrote:
So after a steer from here, I ask the odd question on the snowheads forum – v informative and useful but whilst it looks like something from the early 90’s OMG it highlights how clunky and frustrating this platform is. It’s quick to load, has sensible links to your own posts at the top of the page etc etc. Appreciate this place has to wash its face with the ads, but performance is v poor in comparison.
Thats all…carry on!
quoting that for feedback for Dadmin on snowheads, he'll be pleased that his efforts have been recognised
SH Search works too! And the classifieds is easy.
So after a steer from here, I ask the odd question on the snowheads forum – v informative and useful but whilst it looks like something from the early 90’s OMG it highlights how clunky and frustrating this platform is. It’s quick to load, has sensible links to your own posts at the top of the page etc etc. Appreciate this place has to wash its face with the ads, but performance is v poor in comparison.
Thats all…carry on!
Burn the heretic, etc etc!
Any solo snowboarders who are also bikers (or just lovely people) want to come and keep my best mate company while I ski lesser distances and still feel knackered at the end of the day? Ski plans/groups are hard to arrange!
Obergurgyl 1st week of January. Love snowboarding
Just been told I have to take from the 16th of December to 3rd of January off work. So booked a trip to cervinia from the 26th to the 3rd. Spending NYE in a refugee at 7'500feet should be pretty cool
Spending NYE in a refugee at 7’500feet should be pretty cool
Figuratively and literally! Enjoy!
Does this displaced person know what you have in store for them?
Were all looking at the webcams, right?
Folks already up the ridge at Bridger this morning. Gits.
Does this displaced person know what you have in store for them?
Aye, just noticed that typo😂
Snow looks good in Obergurgl already Jedi, not many boarders out there that I've seen when I've been but they have put plenty of money into their parks over the last few years.
You been there before?
Good splitty today
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To answer my own question on MXP care hire with snow tyres - Hertz do a few options where the guarantee snow tyres not just chains so hopefully there won;t be too much of an argument in the airport to get a suitable car! Booked a 4x4 Panda on snow tyres so will keep arguing till they at least give us a 4x4 on snow tyres (and not be fussy over make/model!)
First day back on snow yesterday. Piste cruising and getting legs working again at Mayrhofen. Pistes great but needs a good 50cm + off-piste.
I like winter.
Obergurgyl 1st week of January
That's our plan too. The snow is looking good at the moment.
@howsyourdad
Was planning on bringing the play board to åre, so you reckon it is worth bringing the pyl and seeing if I can get any off piste stuff arranged?
@grahamt1980 sure i would. It has been a record early opening and it has been snowing regularly since mid november, bar a week of töväder (above 0c after a cold period)
skisstar do off piste days but i dont think they are up yet.
https://www.skistar.com/en/inspiration/skiexperiences/Off-piste-experiences/?fo=56262
The best stuff is on the the back side (baksidan)
Mint, that decides it then, I get the chance of bringing 2 boards anyway as a friend is borrowing one. Pyl and the typo then. Cannot bloody wait
I'm sure this has been asked many times, but what is the standard recommendation for insurance cover in the Alps? Not been down for about a decade, but might have lined up a week or so touring out of Chamonix area so best get something sorted.
5 days to go, just spent the evening waxing skis and packing bags. Can’t bloody wait. There’s a fair amount of snow already and another 4ft forecast by the weekend!
I’m sure this has been asked many times, but what is the standard recommendation for insurance cover in the Alps? Not been down for about a decade, but might have lined up a week or so touring out of Chamonix area so best get something sorted.
Been recommended True Traveller by a few people and now use that, but don't know of anyone that's claimed but on my last read the T&C were fine for Touring and Off-piste
another 4ft forecast by the weekend
That's a substantial dump, where are you heading to?
Les Arc is looking good for xmas. So excited I could poo.
Was looking at the Les Gets webcams last night and they had lights along the side of quite a few of the pistes - Tulipe for example.
Never seen that before.
Anyone know if it is for work getting the pistes ready or they are going to have evening skiing?
Neither seems that likely.
So excited I could poo.
I'd suggest doing this before you ride, always harder with the pipes fully loaded!
Which one of the Arc's are you in again Jim? I can recommend the cafe at the bottom of Arcabulle (the bubble as we call it) although I've avoided the lavish seafood platters in the past!
I’d suggest doing this before you ride,
Definitely, going with bib pants this year 🙂
We’re in 2000, was looking today, our accommodation is near the bottom of that little button lift.
Will give it a go, I suspect we’ll be in that area on the first day whilst we find our feet 🙂
Another one for Les Arcs here, although I'm not out until end of Feb.
Proper excited. Looks like snowmageddon this weekend!
@bluebird Belle Plange in La Plange. Forecast has in fairness calmed down a little but still over 3ft by the weekend (on top of the 2-4ft already there)
Also pooing with excitement!
We’re in 2000
There's a lovely boulangerie in 1950 if you are are the hunt for fresh baked goods. And there is a little lift between the 2 villages that runs till late should you end up in the 'Irish' pub in 1950 as well. As for the button, you will likely be able to get straight onto the piste from most of 2000 as it's all purpose built.
Enjoy, Les Arcs is a lovely ski area.
Some nice skills on show👌 up there with the Korua vids.
Great vid. Just bought myself a Nidecker Mellow and will be riding it in Samoens in a few weeks. May not be quite shredding like those chaps though
I've a Nidecker Axis, first snowboard in 20 odd years. Amazed how good it is. Would also love to carve like that too.
Trip booked: Obergurgl, 4th Jan. Anyone been? Any tips on where to head for the best riding?
Been to obergurgl a few times. There's a couple of fun parks over in Hochgurgl, one high up in Obergurgl at the top of the Festkogelbahn, and another lower down accessed from the Steinmanbahn lift.
I'm mainly a piste skier so can't help much on what's good for boarding.
Konigstall is popular when there's lots of snow for off piste and it's only a 10 minute walk from a lift, access from the Plattachbahn chair I think. Some bits in the Gaisbergtal too. You'll probably need a guide for all of them.
New KirchenKhanbahn upper lift apparently gives lots of off piste access too. Lots of stuff off the schirmerbahn lift off to the sides.
Run to the bottom of Hochgurglbahn is a nice long red but if it's warm it will be slushy at the bottom. Bumpy around the Nederhutte and top of Steinmanbahn from 2pm onwards.
Bus to Solden is free and only takes 20 minutes - not been yet myself - will probably this year though.
Other than the Nederhutte, there's not much Apres, umbrella bar at the bottom of the Rosskarbahn outside the edelweiss is popular for a post ski beer but it can be a bit smokey.
Where are you staying?
Hitting Glencoe tomorrow for some early season fun. They've had a fair dump over the last few days. Lower mountain fully open and I reckon they'll get some mid mountain opened tomorrow
@bluebird so at the bottom of the Festkogelbahn then. If you do go for apres at the Nederhutte the run home can mean a bit of walking as there is a flat bit as you go past the Gottard Hotel on Blue 6.
You really need to keep speed up to get through to the Festkogel piste - alternatively ride back in the skidoo. They re-piste the run back from the Nederhutte as soon as the lifts close so there's less accidents after a few Schnapps!
There's a testing black(13) and unpisted red(14) from the top of the Festkogelbanh bubble - if you get fresh snow - head there if your looking for powder.
The unpisted red routes off the Hohe Mut are good if there's fresh snow around too - Route 9 isn't that great really but it can be a quieter route home - there's a couple of narrow sections on it but it's not too steep.
When they have the night-skiing they use the Festkogel bubble so you're handy for that and for getting across to Hochgurgl.
Run red 12 gets a bit bumpy in the afternoon so if you've got heavy legs and you're in Hochgurgl you can catch the free bus home.
The vorderer wormkurgl drag lifts are evilly steep and very exposed - difficult enough on skis, on a board - good luck!
If it's windy most people head to the Steinmanbahn sector - there's a few trees here with lots of routes through between pistes. The restaurant at the bottom is good for lunch too.
Anyone else been watching "Ski A&E" on W channel? Quite an eye-opener as to the number of injuries on the slopes. Bit of light entertainment at 8pm of an evening 🙂
The vorderer wormkurgl drag lifts are evilly steep and very exposed – difficult enough on skis, on a board – good luck!
I read this to my better half last night, and the response was, "Well, I think we need to see how hard it is." 🙂
Thanks for all the pointers.
Anyone been to Zell am see?
Going for a week in feb boarding
Also anyone used drsno for a days guided off piste?
New board ordered. Just over two weeks to go. Snow still falling/forecast. Getting excited!
Was in Zell boarding in January, had a great 4 days, lovely resort. Verbier mid Jan this year, excited!
Any recommendations for mittens? Sick of cold hands!
Any recommendations for mittens? Sick of cold hands!
Hestra heli ski - or anything with the single finger and the mitten pocket. They can actually be too warm for me sometimes.
Removable, washable liners too.
Edit: these - https://hestragloves.com/sport/en-gb/gloves/alpine-pro/30572-army-leather-heli-ski/560/
+1 Hestra, Army 3 finger here. Better dexterity than mits, very warm.
I rate Dakine Titan mitts. I snowboard so I'm not keen on leather palms as they can get wet, not really a problem if you ski.
I have Dakine Titan gloves, they've been great, I can see that the mitts would be warmer. Hestra heli is the normal go-to though
High 3 Jimdoubleyou!
@cat69uk try these https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genuine-Goretex-Waterproof-Extreme-Weather/dp/B07JJNVBTP/
great value for money,very warm and stay dry. Three pairs in family Stoner now. Original tip off was an STWer a few years ago IIRC.
Anyone been to Zell am see?
Going for a week in feb boarding
It’s linked to Saalbach now via Viehofen so part of a mahoosive area.
Great little burger place by the lake.
That would be me @stoner. They are fantastic , I get messages every now and again from satisfied nazi glove wearing STWers!
Arrived in Levi (Finland) this morning and got on the (nursery) slopes for a couple of runs. I was surprised how quickly it took me to get back into it after a 7 break.
Got back onto the proper slopes soon after and looking forward to a good day tomorrow and ice karting in the afternoon!
My mates in Cervinia for Xmas and I'm joining him on Friday.
Phoned me earlier to say his board was stolen today outside one of the mountain restaurants. Stopped for a coffee, put his board alongside multiple other skis and boards. Came back out 10 minutes later and it was gone.
Absolute scum. It's not a common board so chances of it being mistaken identity are slim
He has insurance through RBS but I'm imagining the theft cover will be void as it wasnt locked up and was out of his sight?lets be honest, no one locks their skis or boards up when they stop for a drink etc.
I always lock my board up if it’s on a rack.
You don’t see many T.Rice Pros (at least in Europe). Mine’s a great board, I’d be absolutely gutted to lose it and locking it takes two seconds to do.
Just spent last two days in crappy weather up at Arc 2000 - wet snow, windy, not many lifts.
All of that has been made up for an awesome day today, fresh snow, blue skies proper bluebird day.
Found my limit trying to ride switch in foot deep powder, which is a good day in my book 👍💪🏂🤟
Yup, we lock our boards, normally end up locking them together and round something to make it bloody awkward to make off with
I am going on my first skiing/boarding holiday for 20 years in March, Saalbach Hinterglemm. Struggled to find some suitable accommodation, the usual hotel booking sites don't seem to have much coverage in the ski resorts. Anyone got recommendations for better sites or tips to find places in ski resorts?
Booking.com and Airbnb are my 2 staples. Pretty mainstream, so I guess you’ve tried them? You could also try homeaway
Original tip off
🤣
Anyone done a weekend trip using the Caledonian sleeper to Fort William to get there for ~10am to ski for the day? Not got any holiday left for this season and spotted I can the do the reverse 7pm Sunday evening to get back to work on Monday. This should give 2 days (or 1 2/3 to be precise) of skiing for £145 although will have to sleep in the chair which I imagine won't be overly comfy!
I've probably missed something obvious but it looks doable as long as I can get to crewe for 11pm (easy) and on the return I may a little late for work but nothing crazy.
The other option to get a weekend fix is to wait for good snow and skin up on the lakes or maybe do a day on the Raise tow assuming it's not a members only weekend.
The fort William sleeper gives you easy access to Nevis Range and less easy access to Glencoe. It’s definitely worth considering. Just remember that it doesn’t run Saturday night in either direction. I also think that the sleeper should actually be called the dozer. I’ve never had a good nights sleep on it. The recently refurbed carriages may be better. If you can, get a berth in the centre of the carriage, being over a bogey is not good.
You can always get to CairnGorm on the Inverness sleeper, but even if there is snow, uplift is going to be problematic with the train currently borked.
Yeah I'd ruled out Cairngorm from the lack of train up and Glencoe from the long walk from the station, also lack of cheap accommodation at the lift.
Yeah lack of sleep is my main worry, can't justify a cabin as can do a all inc france weekend for similar money (can get to London/Birmingham airports easily). Will have to see nearer the time if the snow is worth it!
Been a leisurely start to the season with low snowfall over all. Despite that Sweajnr managed to ski some "fresh tracks" one day at Nakiska.
And sweamrs has continued to enjoy practicing racing gates on her fast GS skis (which apparently only really start to work at 60kph+
I spent a few days at Sol Mountain lodge doing some backcountry touring during the first proper storm of the season with over 1m of snow in 5 days!!
We're going to try Whistler for the first time in a couple of weeks. This is the last year sweajnr is free to ski there and he's of an ability where we're no longer just shadowing on greens and so can do some proper exploring.
I am going on my first skiing/boarding holiday for 20 years in March, Saalbach Hinterglemm. Struggled to find some suitable accommodation,
We left it late to book a lads trip to Saalbach In March and really struggled. We eventually found a place that I reckon could only have been a cancellation as it was perfect. so keep looking in case you get a similar situation.