Who's going skiing and where - 2021 #postcrisis
Discussion
normalbloke said:
BBC Website said:
Austrian ski slopes remain open for locals, but not for foreigners.
Police said the foreigners included Danes, Swedes, Germans, Irish, Romanians, Poles and Australians. It is not yet clear how many British have been quarantined. All of them must also show coronavirus PCR tests.
The police checks took place at 44 hotels and chalets in the resort on Friday.
Seems like easy pickings for the police - not many 'locals' will be using the hotels.....Police said the foreigners included Danes, Swedes, Germans, Irish, Romanians, Poles and Australians. It is not yet clear how many British have been quarantined. All of them must also show coronavirus PCR tests.
The police checks took place at 44 hotels and chalets in the resort on Friday.
Welshbeef said:
News today it’s sounding more and more like a “passport” will become available and be a key part of being to travel. Ie no passport which confirms vaccination no entry to a country.
If this plays out the freedom/big brother brigade will go into utter meltdown.
A few mums at my primary school have been stating for months they would never have any vaccinations.
The thing is that I cannot see any way around it. The good thing is that if it's a foreign government insisting on a vaccine certificate/id proof then there's not a lot they can moan about. Double whammy is that it'll significantly cut down on the number of thick bIf this plays out the freedom/big brother brigade will go into utter meltdown.
A few mums at my primary school have been stating for months they would never have any vaccinations.
ds embarrassing us abroad. Winner!EU voted for vaccine passport last Monday. It will be valid for all EU countries . The initiative is being led by the Greeks as they really need a summer season this year ,
The aim is to have it up and running by the end of Feb.
Loads of snow in Bulgaria over the weekend , many avalanches , resorts are open and very busy.
The aim is to have it up and running by the end of Feb.
Loads of snow in Bulgaria over the weekend , many avalanches , resorts are open and very busy.
while we wait to see what happens with the remainder of this season, scotland being the closest i’ll get, Ive cast my mind forward to next season and looking at what options I have.
does anyone have any tips/ advice on taking a 2yr old skiing? Now from the outset I’m expecting this to be a snow/ winter holiday and not a skiing holiday. at best thinking maybe 2hrs skiing a day, late starts, everyone having lunch together, playing in the snow/ sledging, going swimming etc......
at the moment I’m trying to weigh up- catered chalet who have childcare or DIY and taking grand parents for childcare. grandparents have zero interest in skiing but would love to spend time with grandkid. but that’s an expensive option (eg me paying for them) and only really taking them to look after the kid.
anyone done either option? does it work? or am i best parking this until the kid can ski? this is my 2nd year contemplating no skiing, not sure i can go a 3rd!
does anyone have any tips/ advice on taking a 2yr old skiing? Now from the outset I’m expecting this to be a snow/ winter holiday and not a skiing holiday. at best thinking maybe 2hrs skiing a day, late starts, everyone having lunch together, playing in the snow/ sledging, going swimming etc......
at the moment I’m trying to weigh up- catered chalet who have childcare or DIY and taking grand parents for childcare. grandparents have zero interest in skiing but would love to spend time with grandkid. but that’s an expensive option (eg me paying for them) and only really taking them to look after the kid.
anyone done either option? does it work? or am i best parking this until the kid can ski? this is my 2nd year contemplating no skiing, not sure i can go a 3rd!
We waited until our eldest son was old enough to ski - I'm thinking 4 or 5... But we took our second son when he was only 2 or 3 years old. Skied with him on my back in a backpack on a blue slope..!
Mostly it's sledging, snowballs, snowmen, swimming, etc.. and even when they are a bit older - they shouldn't be on the slopes 8am - 5pm..
Maybe 'only' half a day or so, otherwise they just get too tired by the end of the week and hot chocolate stops, etc
I think Chemmy on Ski Sunday (a week or two ago - see the iPlayer) said that once they can jump down by themselves from a small ledge or something then they could be ready for skis..!! It's more about hip strength or something like that.
At least when they're little their skis are little!!
I'd be inclined to take them to the Milton Keynes indoor slope or similar and try to work out if they like being in the cold - they do bum boarding sessions or something iirc. But of course who knows when those sort of places will be open again?
Our first time was with Esprit and was fantastic. Our second time with Esprit was not so fantastic. I think after that we did Club Med, which was good. Since then I think we had a couple more catered chalets and then a self catered chalet (!) which was easy enough - but then we've always gone with a family that we've known for ages and shared the cooking etc..
Mostly it's sledging, snowballs, snowmen, swimming, etc.. and even when they are a bit older - they shouldn't be on the slopes 8am - 5pm..
Maybe 'only' half a day or so, otherwise they just get too tired by the end of the week and hot chocolate stops, etcI think Chemmy on Ski Sunday (a week or two ago - see the iPlayer) said that once they can jump down by themselves from a small ledge or something then they could be ready for skis..!! It's more about hip strength or something like that.
At least when they're little their skis are little!!
I'd be inclined to take them to the Milton Keynes indoor slope or similar and try to work out if they like being in the cold - they do bum boarding sessions or something iirc. But of course who knows when those sort of places will be open again?
Our first time was with Esprit and was fantastic. Our second time with Esprit was not so fantastic. I think after that we did Club Med, which was good. Since then I think we had a couple more catered chalets and then a self catered chalet (!) which was easy enough - but then we've always gone with a family that we've known for ages and shared the cooking etc..
Edited by eps on Wednesday 3rd February 15:52
gusko said:
EU voted for vaccine passport last Monday. It will be valid for all EU countries . The initiative is being led by the Greeks as they really need a summer season this year ,
The aim is to have it up and running by the end of Feb.
I can't see it helping much this year with the rate of vaccinations currently worldwide, I mean we might get everyone vaccinated by the end of the summer, but what about the other countries? I can't see Russia (as an example) getting everyone who wants to go on holiday done this year.The aim is to have it up and running by the end of Feb.
I'm planning on a solo trip for the first time in 2022.
Planning so far is that booking date and location will largely be based on snowfall and cost with the aim of going last minute and getting the best of both which is one of the perks of solo boarding, apparently.... remains to be seen if it works out that way but Tignes has good back country that looks like fun to explore.
Wherever I end up, first day will be spent getting back into it, second day go with a guide first thing to show the sweet spots in the back country, from there it should be non-stop powder runs (hopefully). I would also consider a heli-boarding day but 50/50 on that if the backcountry plan pans out ok.
Feel free to comment if anyone has tried a similar approach to any of that.
Planning so far is that booking date and location will largely be based on snowfall and cost with the aim of going last minute and getting the best of both which is one of the perks of solo boarding, apparently.... remains to be seen if it works out that way but Tignes has good back country that looks like fun to explore.
Wherever I end up, first day will be spent getting back into it, second day go with a guide first thing to show the sweet spots in the back country, from there it should be non-stop powder runs (hopefully). I would also consider a heli-boarding day but 50/50 on that if the backcountry plan pans out ok.
Feel free to comment if anyone has tried a similar approach to any of that.
DoubleTime said:
I'm planning on a solo trip for the first time in 2022.
Planning so far is that booking date and location will largely be based on snowfall and cost with the aim of going last minute and getting the best of both which is one of the perks of solo boarding, apparently.... remains to be seen if it works out that way but Tignes has good back country that looks like fun to explore.
Wherever I end up, first day will be spent getting back into it, second day go with a guide first thing to show the sweet spots in the back country, from there it should be non-stop powder runs (hopefully). I would also consider a heli-boarding day but 50/50 on that if the backcountry plan pans out ok.
Feel free to comment if anyone has tried a similar approach to any of that.
All sounds good, just from a safety aspect I wouldn't do much riding alone if you're venturing off-piste as tempting as it is. Even if you do the same runs the following day without a guide, weather, snow conditions can change ... try and ride with at least one other person, even more so if you end up in a area you don't have much knowledge of. Planning so far is that booking date and location will largely be based on snowfall and cost with the aim of going last minute and getting the best of both which is one of the perks of solo boarding, apparently.... remains to be seen if it works out that way but Tignes has good back country that looks like fun to explore.
Wherever I end up, first day will be spent getting back into it, second day go with a guide first thing to show the sweet spots in the back country, from there it should be non-stop powder runs (hopefully). I would also consider a heli-boarding day but 50/50 on that if the backcountry plan pans out ok.
Feel free to comment if anyone has tried a similar approach to any of that.
I have done solo trips, usually to somewhere I know, but have taken risks and have been v lucky. Now older ... I won't say wiser, but less risk-averse, I like to err on the side of caution. Plus riding with other people is far better.
Heli-boarding can be hit and miss with weather, do all the prep and research before you go so you are ready if you can. There can be a people who've pre booked already so there could be a queue if you get a few bluebird days and a fresh snowfall. You generally will need to pay for the uplift and a guide, so a group with 3 others + guide and you will split the cost between you.
Anyway, go for it!
JEA1K said:
All sounds good, just from a safety aspect I wouldn't do much riding alone if you're venturing off-piste as tempting as it is. Even if you do the same runs the following day without a guide, weather, snow conditions can change ... try and ride with at least one other person, even more so if you end up in a area you don't have much knowledge of.
I have done solo trips, usually to somewhere I know, but have taken risks and have been v lucky. Now older ... I won't say wiser, but less risk-averse, I like to err on the side of caution. Plus riding with other people is far better.
Heli-boarding can be hit and miss with weather, do all the prep and research before you go so you are ready if you can. There can be a people who've pre booked already so there could be a queue if you get a few bluebird days and a fresh snowfall. You generally will need to pay for the uplift and a guide, so a group with 3 others + guide and you will split the cost between you.
Anyway, go for it!
Some good points r.e. Safety and heli boarding. I had thought about the safety aspect and I too am not so young anymore and need to consider hse (this will be the 1st trip wearing a helmet for example as stupid as that sounds.... ahhh to be young and carefree) I have done solo trips, usually to somewhere I know, but have taken risks and have been v lucky. Now older ... I won't say wiser, but less risk-averse, I like to err on the side of caution. Plus riding with other people is far better.
Heli-boarding can be hit and miss with weather, do all the prep and research before you go so you are ready if you can. There can be a people who've pre booked already so there could be a queue if you get a few bluebird days and a fresh snowfall. You generally will need to pay for the uplift and a guide, so a group with 3 others + guide and you will split the cost between you.
Anyway, go for it!
Perhaps it’s best to split the week with guide for the risky stuff and the rest on the regular runs to keep things interesting but safe. You definitely don’t want to get lost up there or caught in a snow storm and spend the night with only a hip flask for company.
Appreciate the input!
DoubleTime said:
Some good points r.e. Safety and heli boarding. I had thought about the safety aspect and I too am not so young anymore and need to consider hse (this will be the 1st trip wearing a helmet for example as stupid as that sounds.... ahhh to be young and carefree)
Perhaps it’s best to split the week with guide for the risky stuff and the rest on the regular runs to keep things interesting but safe. You definitely don’t want to get lost up there or caught in a snow storm and spend the night with only a hip flask for company.
Appreciate the input!
You're welcome. You'll probably get to meet others so could ride with them, just remember to make your own decisions. I've seen some reckless behavior from experienced and inexperienced riders alike. Perhaps it’s best to split the week with guide for the risky stuff and the rest on the regular runs to keep things interesting but safe. You definitely don’t want to get lost up there or caught in a snow storm and spend the night with only a hip flask for company.
Appreciate the input!
I've worn a helmet for over 20 years after a fall in Dec 1999 in Courchevel. Thankfully no long term damage but it really rattled me, so I bought a helmet ... they were not a common site then but I wasn't bothered. Since then I've worn one every time I've ridden ... and I've broken a couple, so they've done their job.
DoubleTime said:
Perhaps it’s best to split the week with guide for the risky stuff and the rest on the regular runs to keep things interesting but safe.
While hiring a guide will let you explore more of the back country in safety you will still be limited on where the guide will be able to take you - quite simply 2 people are not very avalance safe. So while you'll get some fresh snow, safe in the knowledge nothing's going to fall on you/you're not going to fall off anything there will also be places you won't be able to go.The solution here is to try and organise something yourself or look at a solo traveller company that does off piste.
SnowHeads.com would be a good place to try and reach out, even quite last minute with a "Anyone else in X resort this week and fancy sharing an off piste guide on Wednesday?". you might get nothing but you might get a couple of people and suddenly you have 4 + guide, which means in the event of an accident you can split, one pair staying with the victim/the other going for help, or if you're at the bottom of an avalance there are upto 4 people searching for you, not just 1...or 0 because both you and the guide are caught.
Alternativly you could look at someone like Hofnar.com. Limits you on location and dates (almost always the Portes du Soleil and only 2 off piste weeks/year - usually the last 2 weeks in Jan) but does mean big-enough groups that the guids can take you almost anywhere, so always find some untracked snow.
A chilly start to the day in the Canadian Rockies this weekend. Sunshine and Nakiska are opening late due to the low temps, but interestingly Lake Louise is benefitting from a temperature inversion with the top of the hill being a balmy -10°C. Excellent snow conditions all round by all accounts.
Late January, early February is usually when I pop over. I'm really missing this, our attempt at snow doesn't compare.
Late January, early February is usually when I pop over. I'm really missing this, our attempt at snow doesn't compare.
//j17 said:
While hiring a guide will let you explore more of the back country in safety you will still be limited on where the guide will be able to take you - quite simply 2 people are not very avalance safe. So while you'll get some fresh snow, safe in the knowledge nothing's going to fall on you/you're not going to fall off anything there will also be places you won't be able to go.
The solution here is to try and organise something yourself or look at a solo traveller company that does off piste.
SnowHeads.com would be a good place to try and reach out, even quite last minute with a "Anyone else in X resort this week and fancy sharing an off piste guide on Wednesday?". you might get nothing but you might get a couple of people and suddenly you have 4 + guide, which means in the event of an accident you can split, one pair staying with the victim/the other going for help, or if you're at the bottom of an avalance there are upto 4 people searching for you, not just 1...or 0 because both you and the guide are caught.
Alternativly you could look at someone like Hofnar.com. Limits you on location and dates (almost always the Portes du Soleil and only 2 off piste weeks/year - usually the last 2 weeks in Jan) but does mean big-enough groups that the guids can take you almost anywhere, so always find some untracked snow.
Thanks for that. Will need to look into it further and weigh up the options available. The solution here is to try and organise something yourself or look at a solo traveller company that does off piste.
SnowHeads.com would be a good place to try and reach out, even quite last minute with a "Anyone else in X resort this week and fancy sharing an off piste guide on Wednesday?". you might get nothing but you might get a couple of people and suddenly you have 4 + guide, which means in the event of an accident you can split, one pair staying with the victim/the other going for help, or if you're at the bottom of an avalance there are upto 4 people searching for you, not just 1...or 0 because both you and the guide are caught.
Alternativly you could look at someone like Hofnar.com. Limits you on location and dates (almost always the Portes du Soleil and only 2 off piste weeks/year - usually the last 2 weeks in Jan) but does mean big-enough groups that the guids can take you almost anywhere, so always find some untracked snow.
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