Who’s going skiing and where 2019
Discussion
Jarcy said:
I've no reason to believe that ski tracks is inaccurate. It always gives consistent readings when skiing the same slope in the same style.
Sure it might be 1 or 2 mph out, but should be reasonably indicative.
....Otherwise you'll want to challenge my vmax 115.8kph (72mph) in Les Arcs..
Always like to hit 70 once a season, and it's not difficult on a nice wide quiet corduroy red.
I don't find ski tracks changes my ski style at all. Maybe when I first started using it, but now I just find it interesting to look at the data at the end of the day. Sure it might be 1 or 2 mph out, but should be reasonably indicative.
....Otherwise you'll want to challenge my vmax 115.8kph (72mph) in Les Arcs..
Always like to hit 70 once a season, and it's not difficult on a nice wide quiet corduroy red.
On speeds, I find I hit 40mph regularly (standard schuss)
>50mph feels "fast"
>60mph feels "Christ almighty this is bloody quick"
>70mph feels "I am now just a passenger and I think I've just shat myself"
I haven't hit 80mph yet!
Puts it in perspective when you see the downhill racers clocking over 80 all the way down. Nutters.
No idea if I've ever hit 70, possibly in my younger days, I think the fastest I've recorded on Skitracks is 57MPH, but I'm a much steadier skier now (better too!) than I was in my 20s! A broken knee will do that to you, although my daughter tells me I've speeded up again!
I've got an ancient pair of 'carver' skis (taller than me, but they aren't the dead straight things I used to have), but was going to rent a pair of skis this year - I was, that is, until I saw it was going to cost me £150 for a week!
I coughed up the £45 for ski-carriage and will be tackling the Streif on my old planks!
I thought diving was expensive, but I can buy skis cheaper than that!
M
I've got an ancient pair of 'carver' skis (taller than me, but they aren't the dead straight things I used to have), but was going to rent a pair of skis this year - I was, that is, until I saw it was going to cost me £150 for a week!
I coughed up the £45 for ski-carriage and will be tackling the Streif on my old planks!
I thought diving was expensive, but I can buy skis cheaper than that!
M
popeyewhite said:
Thanks, looking at St.Cristophe for Feb.
St Christophe is v small but has some great places to eat and drink ... all pretty traditional. The Hospiz Alm is a must but you need to be organised and get a table booked. You're bang in the middle of the whole Alberg ski area so location is good for getting to Lech or Zurs ... both tend to be quiet first thing in a morning so you can get some miles under your belt if you want to some quick and quiet runs. I've been a regular in St Anton for 20 odd years but we spend 2 or 3 days in Lech and Zurs each week weather dependent ... generally on the 'White Ring' which now doesn't require a bus due to a new lift from Alpe Ruez to Zurs and back.
Regarding the comments on self service restraurants, for the whole Arlberg ski area, they're actually pretty good ... certainly more so than French or Swiss ss restaurants. Especially when you want to be back out on the mountain asap.
marcosgt said:
No idea if I've ever hit 70, possibly in my younger days, I think the fastest I've recorded on Skitracks is 57MPH, but I'm a much steadier skier now (better too!) than I was in my 20s! A broken knee will do that to you, although my daughter tells me I've speeded up again!
I've got an ancient pair of 'carver' skis (taller than me, but they aren't the dead straight things I used to have), but was going to rent a pair of skis this year - I was, that is, until I saw it was going to cost me £150 for a week!
I coughed up the £45 for ski-carriage and will be tackling the Streif on my old planks!
M
Ski technology and shape has changed quite a bit. I enjoy taking out my 200cm Dynastars once a year, to remind myself. Then I hop back on some Rossignol S7 or my new purchase Head Kore 99. I've got an ancient pair of 'carver' skis (taller than me, but they aren't the dead straight things I used to have), but was going to rent a pair of skis this year - I was, that is, until I saw it was going to cost me £150 for a week!
I coughed up the £45 for ski-carriage and will be tackling the Streif on my old planks!
M
Maybe try a one day rental? If you like carving skis, I can 100% recommend the Head Supershape iTitan.
Whoozit said:
Ski technology and shape has changed quite a bit. I enjoy taking out my 200cm Dynastars once a year, to remind myself. Then I hop back on some Rossignol S7 or my new purchase Head Kore 99.
Maybe try a one day rental? If you like carving skis, I can 100% recommend the Head Supershape iTitan.
I’d second the Head recommendation. They’re on point at the moment IMO.Maybe try a one day rental? If you like carving skis, I can 100% recommend the Head Supershape iTitan.
I have a pair of Supershape I-Rally’s for going fast on groomers and a pair of Salomon QST106 for going backcountry and they are worlds apart if you’re on hard pack.
That said, I wouldn’t even bother taking the Heads off-piste but that’s part of the joy of a quiver
marcosgt said:
I've got an ancient pair of 'carver' skis (taller than me, but they aren't the dead straight things I used to have), but was going to rent a pair of skis this year - I was, that is, until I saw it was going to cost me £150 for a week!
No need to spend anything like that much; there are always deals. It sounds like you would notice the difference.
Just booked a trip to Whistler for the first week of April. I did the whole thing via BA's own booking site which seemed to be competitively priced compared with the big/usual agents. They offer a live-ish table of prices depending on departure dates with price comparisons shown so if you're flexible with dates it's easy to select the more cost effective flights. It also means you get a good price on the posh seats on the plane without an agent hitting you with their version of a luxury tax.
Still have to pay a single supplement for the hotel though.
The only thing I need to book separately is transfers to and from resort. BA offered cabs/private hire with a starting price of a monstrous £680! But you can book the local shuttle bus for $69 CAD each way.
But ten nights at Fairmont Chateau Whistler and business class seats each way (Heathrow-Vancouver) came in at £4200. Expensive, but it's just me so I don't mind treating myself.
Not been to Whistler for about twenty years - long before the peak to peak gondola was much more than a wishful thought and I'm really looking forward to rediscovering the place. Poutine night sweats here I come.
Still have to pay a single supplement for the hotel though.
The only thing I need to book separately is transfers to and from resort. BA offered cabs/private hire with a starting price of a monstrous £680! But you can book the local shuttle bus for $69 CAD each way.
But ten nights at Fairmont Chateau Whistler and business class seats each way (Heathrow-Vancouver) came in at £4200. Expensive, but it's just me so I don't mind treating myself.
Not been to Whistler for about twenty years - long before the peak to peak gondola was much more than a wishful thought and I'm really looking forward to rediscovering the place. Poutine night sweats here I come.
Cold said:
The only thing I need to book separately is transfers to and from resort. BA offered cabs/private hire with a starting price of a monstrous £680! But you can book the local shuttle bus for $69 CAD each way.
That's a good rate for the transfer. You might save $15 shopping around, but no more than that. You may have to wait around for other passengers up to an hour once you board, but you get the luxury of sleeping while heading up. As the BA flight lands at 1900-ish, there is little point staying awake for the drive once you're through Vancouver.Cold said:
ten nights at Fairmont Chateau Whistler and business class seats each way (Heathrow-Vancouver) came in at £4200. Expensive, but it's just me so I don't mind treating myself.
Sounds like a bargain, frankly. Did you get lift passes as well? If not, research the cheapest possible combo before you arrive. Daily passes are CAD180(!) and most of the day-trip locals are skiing other resorts this year as a result. The Fairmont is in the Upper Village and you may want to plan heading down into the main village a few times, even if only for a beer and people watching. If you like your food I can give you recommendations, some off the beaten track.
Cold said:
Not been to Whistler for about twenty years - long before the peak to peak gondola was much more than a wishful thought and I'm really looking forward to rediscovering the place.
The P2P has transformed how people ski the mountains. If mates are skiing another mountain, or if the weather changes, or even if you fancy a change of food, it's now a 12 minute ride not a >1hr ride down and back up. New lifts in the last 20 years are Harmony (just about), Symphony, and Blackcomb Gondola, and speedier/bigger capacity lifts at Emerald, Crystal, Harmony and Catskinner. ETA: I may be there the first week of April as well, depending on how SWMBO negotiations go.
Edited by Whoozit on Thursday 3rd January 22:12
Disastrous said:
I have a pair of Supershape I-Rally’s for going fast on groomers and a pair of Salomon QST106 for going backcountry and they are worlds apart if you’re on hard pack.
Try the Head Kore 99s I mentioned. They are the mythical one-ski quiver. They are stiff, and it takes some technique to keep them on point, as result my knees are sore laterally for the first time ever! However their ability to take every snow condition in their stride, at +30% leptons, is compelling. As is the fact they are 1.88kgs a ski, if you are thinking of back country. I mounted alpine bindings on mine and even so have a super stiff, wide, carbon matrix ski with reliable bindings for <3kgs a ski. Edited by Whoozit on Thursday 3rd January 21:56
Whoozit said:
Cold said:
The only thing I need to book separately is transfers to and from resort. BA offered cabs/private hire with a starting price of a monstrous £680! But you can book the local shuttle bus for $69 CAD each way.
That's a good rate for the transfer. You might save $15 shopping around, but no more than that. You may have to wait around for other passengers up to an hour once you board, but you get the luxury of sleeping while heading up. As the BA flight lands at 1900-ish, there is little point staying awake for the drive once you're through Vancouver.Cold said:
ten nights at Fairmont Chateau Whistler and business class seats each way (Heathrow-Vancouver) came in at £4200. Expensive, but it's just me so I don't mind treating myself.
Sounds like a bargain, frankly. Did you get lift passes as well? If not, research the cheapest possible combo before you arrive. Daily passes are CAD180(!) and most of the day-trip locals are skiing other resorts this year as a result. The Fairmont is in the Upper Village and you may want to plan heading down into the main village a few times, even if only for a beer and people watching. If you like your food I can give you recommendations, some off the beaten track.
Cold said:
Not been to Whistler for about twenty years - long before the peak to peak gondola was much more than a wishful thought and I'm really looking forward to rediscovering the place.
The P2P has transformed how people ski the mountains. If mates are skiing another mountain, or if the weather changes, or even if you fancy a change of food, it's now a 12 minute ride not a >1hr ride down and back up. New lifts in the last 20 years are Harmony (just about), Symphony, and Blackcomb Gondola, and speedier/bigger capacity lifts at Emerald, Crystal, Harmony and Catskinner. ETA: I may be there the first week of April as well, depending on how SWMBO negotiations go.
Edited by Whoozit on Thursday 3rd January 22:12
Managed to convince my girlfriend that she'll enjoy it and she's now well up for going. The problem is she's never skied before and I wonder what would be the best way of getting her tuition? I note that Crystal do a beginners ski pack, which is hire, pass and ski school in the morning, what's this like?
Means I could go off and ski the harder stuff in the morning and join her in the afternoon, but if she's not making great progress it might be easier to get private lessons?
We're thinking Alpe d'huez as I think it's a great place to learn, probably the week before half term so shouldn't be too busy, one would hope.
Means I could go off and ski the harder stuff in the morning and join her in the afternoon, but if she's not making great progress it might be easier to get private lessons?
We're thinking Alpe d'huez as I think it's a great place to learn, probably the week before half term so shouldn't be too busy, one would hope.
Are you close to an indoor ski slope?
Would be well worth her learning the basics so she can at least snow plough on her first day.
Plus grapple with her boots. They are a nightmare when you start.
If you can afford one to one lessons I'd definitely recommend that. She will make much swifter progress.
Would be well worth her learning the basics so she can at least snow plough on her first day.
Plus grapple with her boots. They are a nightmare when you start.
If you can afford one to one lessons I'd definitely recommend that. She will make much swifter progress.
Yeah, we're not far from the Chillfactore at Traffrord, I don't particularly like the place but was planning on taking her there for some lessons so she can at least practice a snowplough.
I can afford to pay for private lessons for her, but she's a bit funny about that and would rather pay her own way, so will need some convincing that it's the way to go. I've always been lucky enough to have private lessons, just wondered how they compared. I think ADH is a good resort to learn in though.
I can afford to pay for private lessons for her, but she's a bit funny about that and would rather pay her own way, so will need some convincing that it's the way to go. I've always been lucky enough to have private lessons, just wondered how they compared. I think ADH is a good resort to learn in though.
Rojibo said:
Yeah, we're not far from the Chillfactore at Traffrord, I don't particularly like the place but was planning on taking her there for some lessons so she can at least practice a snowplough.
I can afford to pay for private lessons for her, but she's a bit funny about that and would rather pay her own way, so will need some convincing that it's the way to go. I've always been lucky enough to have private lessons, just wondered how they compared. I think ADH is a good resort to learn in though.
If you book a "guide" it will be for both of you! I can afford to pay for private lessons for her, but she's a bit funny about that and would rather pay her own way, so will need some convincing that it's the way to go. I've always been lucky enough to have private lessons, just wondered how they compared. I think ADH is a good resort to learn in though.
Both go out together and you can ski off as she practices technique with the guide.
I did this for a few seasons with wife and kids and I am now comfortably the worst skier in the family.
Rojibo said:
Managed to convince my girlfriend that she'll enjoy it and she's now well up for going. The problem is she's never skied before and I wonder what would be the best way of getting her tuition? I note that Crystal do a beginners ski pack, which is hire, pass and ski school in the morning, what's this like?
I elected to take my, now ex, to an outdoor dry ski slope about four or five times before going. Then when we were there I just taught her myself, it was actually fun but you have to just let go of actually skiing like you want to for that one holiday. Admittedly she was young, 28, and very in shape being a yoga instructor, so with good balance she even skied a few blacks before the end. Shame she ended up sh*****g my then best mate.
desolate said:
If you book a "guide" it will be for both of you!
Both go out together and you can ski off as she practices technique with the guide.
I did this for a few seasons with wife and kids and I am now comfortably the worst skier in the family.
Ahh, clever, bill at if it's for both of us. A good idea actually, I usually prefer to ski with people rather than on my own. Both go out together and you can ski off as she practices technique with the guide.
I did this for a few seasons with wife and kids and I am now comfortably the worst skier in the family.
Over over under steer said:
I elected to take my, now ex, to an outdoor dry ski slope about four or five times before going. Then when we were there I just taught her myself, it was actually fun but you have to just let go of actually skiing like you want to for that one holiday. Admittedly she was young, 28, and very in shape being a yoga instructor, so with good balance she even skied a few blacks before the end.
Shame she ended up sh*****g my then best mate.
I was thinking if I put her in ski school, I could ski the stuff I want, but then spend the afternoon working on her technique, perhaps the best of both worlds, or maybe just not achievable. I think I'll try and get the private lessons sorted and join her for some of those. Shame she ended up sh*****g my then best mate.
Rojibo said:
Managed to convince my girlfriend that she'll enjoy it and she's now well up for going. The problem is she's never skied before and I wonder what would be the best way of getting her tuition? I note that Crystal do a beginners ski pack, which is hire, pass and ski school in the morning, what's this like?
Means I could go off and ski the harder stuff in the morning and join her in the afternoon, but if she's not making great progress it might be easier to get private lessons?
We're thinking Alpe d'huez as I think it's a great place to learn, probably the week before half term so shouldn't be too busy, one would hope.
Crystal is great for beginners, they have their own English speaking instructors and enough beginners booking through them to put your girlfriend in a decent lesson group with people of a similar age and level. Means I could go off and ski the harder stuff in the morning and join her in the afternoon, but if she's not making great progress it might be easier to get private lessons?
We're thinking Alpe d'huez as I think it's a great place to learn, probably the week before half term so shouldn't be too busy, one would hope.
However as someone else mentioned if you have a nearby dry slope or even better a snow dome get some lessons in first, just the basics of snow plough, turning and stopping is a major head start.
As a place to learn Alpe d'huez also has a great selection of wide green runs serviced by dedicated lifts which helps keep the queues down. The only downside is the limited blues to help progress with most of the higher runs being reds. It all depends on how quickly she picks skiing up because some of the reds are easy enough with a bit of confidence.
Having gone through this with my son he learnt more skiing with me in the afternoon than the 2 hour lesson just through putting the mileage in. Even though it meant sacrificing my skiing to a degree it was worth it in the long run because he can now ski anything.
I have skied on modern skis (last time I skied in 2017, so not long ago), but I still like the straight line stability of my old ones over the twitchier modern skis.
A few years ago in Wengen one of the older service guys was enthusing about the build quality of my skis over modern ones.
You certainly work harder to turn my skis than the newer ones, but they're not terribly hard work.
My grumble was more about the cost of renting than a great like of old style (or dislike of modern) skis.
I certainly couldn't find any great deals around when I looked - Maybe the Kitzbuhel area is just expensive - Anyway, my trusty old planks are coming along for another outing now
M
A few years ago in Wengen one of the older service guys was enthusing about the build quality of my skis over modern ones.
You certainly work harder to turn my skis than the newer ones, but they're not terribly hard work.
My grumble was more about the cost of renting than a great like of old style (or dislike of modern) skis.
I certainly couldn't find any great deals around when I looked - Maybe the Kitzbuhel area is just expensive - Anyway, my trusty old planks are coming along for another outing now
M
Cold said:
Just booked a trip to Whistler for the first week of April. I did the whole thing via BA's own booking site which seemed to be competitively priced compared with the big/usual agents. They offer a live-ish table of prices depending on departure dates with price comparisons shown so if you're flexible with dates it's easy to select the more cost effective flights. It also means you get a good price on the posh seats on the plane without an agent hitting you with their version of a luxury tax.
Still have to pay a single supplement for the hotel though.
The only thing I need to book separately is transfers to and from resort. BA offered cabs/private hire with a starting price of a monstrous £680! But you can book the local shuttle bus for $69 CAD each way.
But ten nights at Fairmont Chateau Whistler and business class seats each way (Heathrow-Vancouver) came in at £4200. Expensive, but it's just me so I don't mind treating myself.
Not been to Whistler for about twenty years - long before the peak to peak gondola was much more than a wishful thought and I'm really looking forward to rediscovering the place. Poutine night sweats here I come.
Very jealous of that itinerary, I loved Whistler when I went and Spanky's Ladder on Blackcomb, in a lot of powder, remains one of my all time favourite runs (although it's a bit of a bugger to get too and from.Still have to pay a single supplement for the hotel though.
The only thing I need to book separately is transfers to and from resort. BA offered cabs/private hire with a starting price of a monstrous £680! But you can book the local shuttle bus for $69 CAD each way.
But ten nights at Fairmont Chateau Whistler and business class seats each way (Heathrow-Vancouver) came in at £4200. Expensive, but it's just me so I don't mind treating myself.
Not been to Whistler for about twenty years - long before the peak to peak gondola was much more than a wishful thought and I'm really looking forward to rediscovering the place. Poutine night sweats here I come.
Strangely Sushi Village also has some of the best Sushi I've eaten also but you may have eaten there even twenty years ago as I believe it opened in the 80s.
Best place for a beer after you've hit the slopes and for people watching is around one of the fires outside the Irish Bar next to the gondolas in the main village. Or at Longhorns although I imagine that place would be less than appealing if you're on your own as it's a bit of a lively bar (great buffalo wings though!)
marcosgt said:
I have skied on modern skis (last time I skied in 2017, so not long ago), but I still like the straight line stability of my old ones over the twitchier modern skis.
A modern ski can be superbly stable- it just depends upon the type. Just choose one in a longer length, with not too short a turn radius, and ideally one which is 'full camber' ie. doesn't have a lot of tip or tail rocker (which are softer and so can flap about a bit at higher speeds).
If you do that you will get lots of stability. Example of such as ski would be a Kastle MX84.
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff