Who's going skiing and where? 23-24
Discussion
Visibility in the morning was awful, but snow good for this time of year when we found less skiied runs, or ventured off into the trees. It was heavy stuff, but fat skis made light work of chop, slush and bumps. Ran the Whitedot Preachers in the morning, the Lines Blade Optics in the afternoon.
The new Lines are absolute beasts. Much heavier and damper than the Whitedots, yet more playful too. Midfat skis have moved on in ten years, it seems. They like to be skiied from a centred stance - right over the middle of the boot. Drive the soft, heavily rockered tips too much and they dive into turns and lift the tails, the centre of the ski being so stiff (nose butters are easy). But those same tips, with very stiff centre and mid-stiff tails allow you to basically straightline rough terrain popping into the air when required (the Preachers prefer to drift the same snow sideways at speed). Technique adjustment required, but way friendlier than they look.
the DPS Phantom base treatment seems to work a treat, too - time will tell if it lasts.
The new Lines are absolute beasts. Much heavier and damper than the Whitedots, yet more playful too. Midfat skis have moved on in ten years, it seems. They like to be skiied from a centred stance - right over the middle of the boot. Drive the soft, heavily rockered tips too much and they dive into turns and lift the tails, the centre of the ski being so stiff (nose butters are easy). But those same tips, with very stiff centre and mid-stiff tails allow you to basically straightline rough terrain popping into the air when required (the Preachers prefer to drift the same snow sideways at speed). Technique adjustment required, but way friendlier than they look.
the DPS Phantom base treatment seems to work a treat, too - time will tell if it lasts.
How does the phantom feel compared to being hand waxed (I'm guessing you wax your own)?
I used to hand wax mine (normally 3 layers pending on the temp but normally a universal as a base then a layer for the correct weather or might have been the other way around) and the way they'd pick up speed was insane compared to machine waxed/rentals.
I used to hand wax mine (normally 3 layers pending on the temp but normally a universal as a base then a layer for the correct weather or might have been the other way around) and the way they'd pick up speed was insane compared to machine waxed/rentals.
Trash_panda said:
How does the phantom feel compared to being hand waxed (I'm guessing you wax your own)?
I used to hand wax mine (normally 3 layers pending on the temp but normally a universal as a base then a layer for the correct weather or might have been the other way around) and the way they'd pick up speed was insane compared to machine waxed/rentals.
I service my own skis, and part of the reason for getting Phantom was, well, I can't be bothered anymore.I used to hand wax mine (normally 3 layers pending on the temp but normally a universal as a base then a layer for the correct weather or might have been the other way around) and the way they'd pick up speed was insane compared to machine waxed/rentals.
Weird. Slow and catchy at very low speeds (lift line). Bit then pick up speed just like a general wax. No issues at all when hitting sticky slush - where Lady F's new Blizzards slowed down, in their factory wax.
You can wax over the Phantom too, if you need a warm wax for example. Temps hitting 20C later this week - let's see what happens.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Monday 1st April 22:13
Les Arcs 1950 this week (since Sat) lots of wind to start with and still a bit around, but so far, the best Easter I can recall for a decade in terms of off piste. Totally epic, even the basic stuff that's normally skied out by 10AM is still first tracks at lunchtime. Poor vis caused low level tree skiing this morning, but by the afternoon, everyone was back in the town, whilst the snow made even the most boring pistes worth doing. 12 Easters in a row and I think this one will be the best once the high stuff gets opened over the next 48 hours.
Huge powder day, and looks like a bluebird afternoon. Best day skiing all season, been out since 0830. Been off in trees whem viz was poor, still finding untracked at 1pm. Avoriaz crowded, Chatel empty.
Very lucky and privileged to be out here. Hope the rest of you have a great day too!
New skis are an absolute riot. Just want to slash sideways and get air, but if you want to, and you get down, drop a knee and hip, they will absolutely pull a slalom turn as long as you have sidewall depth snow. All the grip and handling is under the boot - they don't feel like slalom skis at all, yet grip like bugger if you tip them.
Most interesting planks I have ever owned.
Very lucky and privileged to be out here. Hope the rest of you have a great day too!
New skis are an absolute riot. Just want to slash sideways and get air, but if you want to, and you get down, drop a knee and hip, they will absolutely pull a slalom turn as long as you have sidewall depth snow. All the grip and handling is under the boot - they don't feel like slalom skis at all, yet grip like bugger if you tip them.
Most interesting planks I have ever owned.
We are going to Obergurgl next week. First family skiing holiday for us. Kids have done dry slop and Xcape a few times and the wife and I have been many years ago.
I’m slightly concerned about the weather. Conditions look great this week. Then on Saturday the temperature ramps up into double figures on Saturday and stays there all week with rain expected later in the week.
What can we expect in terms of our ability to ski? How quickly does the snow melt?
Ta
I’m slightly concerned about the weather. Conditions look great this week. Then on Saturday the temperature ramps up into double figures on Saturday and stays there all week with rain expected later in the week.
What can we expect in terms of our ability to ski? How quickly does the snow melt?
Ta
48Valves said:
We are going to Obergurgl next week. First family skiing holiday for us. Kids have done dry slop and Xcape a few times and the wife and I have been many years ago.
I’m slightly concerned about the weather. Conditions look great this week. Then on Saturday the temperature ramps up into double figures on Saturday and stays there all week with rain expected later in the week.
What can we expect in terms of our ability to ski? How quickly does the snow melt?
Ta
Short answer is don't worry. Conditions and weather forecasts change very quickly, so the 'forecast' for next week may not actually happen.I’m slightly concerned about the weather. Conditions look great this week. Then on Saturday the temperature ramps up into double figures on Saturday and stays there all week with rain expected later in the week.
What can we expect in terms of our ability to ski? How quickly does the snow melt?
Ta
The resort will make a lot of effort to keep its main slopes open, even if it has been raining. So even if the temps are high and it rains, you will likely still be able to ski.
Maybe worth checking your gear, so jackets etc are all waterproof. And I personally like to carry a spare pair of googles. If you have children, might be worth bringing a spare for them, as if their googles get wet and steam up, it makes learning to ski much harder than it should be.
I'm currently skiing in the Grand Massif, and I'm here for two weeks. Conditions have been very nice today but I'm not worried about what will happen later this week or next week. There will always be something good to do!
EddieSteadyGo said:
48Valves said:
We are going to Obergurgl next week. First family skiing holiday for us. Kids have done dry slop and Xcape a few times and the wife and I have been many years ago.
I’m slightly concerned about the weather. Conditions look great this week. Then on Saturday the temperature ramps up into double figures on Saturday and stays there all week with rain expected later in the week.
What can we expect in terms of our ability to ski? How quickly does the snow melt?
Ta
Short answer is don't worry. Conditions and weather forecasts change very quickly, so the 'forecast' for next week may not actually happen.I’m slightly concerned about the weather. Conditions look great this week. Then on Saturday the temperature ramps up into double figures on Saturday and stays there all week with rain expected later in the week.
What can we expect in terms of our ability to ski? How quickly does the snow melt?
Ta
The resort will make a lot of effort to keep its main slopes open, even if it has been raining. So even if the temps are high and it rains, you will likely still be able to ski.
Maybe worth checking your gear, so jackets etc are all waterproof. And I personally like to carry a spare pair of googles. If you have children, might be worth bringing a spare for them, as if their googles get wet and steam up, it makes learning to ski much harder than it should be.
I'm currently skiing in the Grand Massif, and I'm here for two weeks. Conditions have been very nice today but I'm not worried about what will happen later this week or next week. There will always be something good to do!
Jackets and bottoms are all waterproof. Hadn’t considered spare goggles so will pass that on to the boss.
We have developed a habit of going away at Easter and the weather not being great. This could be the first time it’s too nice
48Valves said:
We are going to Obergurgl next week. First family skiing holiday for us. Kids have done dry slop and Xcape a few times and the wife and I have been many years ago.
I’m slightly concerned about the weather. Conditions look great this week. Then on Saturday the temperature ramps up into double figures on Saturday and stays there all week with rain expected later in the week.
What can we expect in terms of our ability to ski? How quickly does the snow melt?
Ta
You'll be fine, we were there the 2nd week of March. Massive snowfall the first day, then warmed up to around 12 degrees in the village in the afternoon which got a bit sloppy on the home run. If it gets too warm just stay up high in Hochgurgl and get the half way gondola back down if you don't fancy the slush fest on the run back to the bus. Or bob over to the motorcycle museum runs, it never really gets too sloppy over there.I’m slightly concerned about the weather. Conditions look great this week. Then on Saturday the temperature ramps up into double figures on Saturday and stays there all week with rain expected later in the week.
What can we expect in terms of our ability to ski? How quickly does the snow melt?
Ta
Harry Flashman said:
Huge powder day, and looks like a bluebird afternoon. Best day skiing all season, been out since 0830. Been off in trees whem viz was poor, still finding untracked at 1pm. Avoriaz crowded, Chatel empty.
Very lucky and privileged to be out here. Hope the rest of you have a great day too!
.
I saw you today with your phat skiis. I shouted at you, but I was obscured by Jacinta and Ralph who were dealing with a crying child.Very lucky and privileged to be out here. Hope the rest of you have a great day too!
.
I'm teaching/ignoring my kids this week and they aren't enjoying the blizzards. But I am riding my dad's boots and some old Head skiis of his I found at the back of the cave. And they are rotten, but I'm doing backwards snow plough whilst the little ones bend ze knees.
Old skis are awesome. I hate them and I ride over the brown patches with glee.
I really want to dig out my Nidecker board and enjoy le surf. But it's a kids week.
So, yes. Morzine link to LesG is now closed for the season, but the LesG runs are open. We are in Avoriaz and at 2000m the snow is fresh and really really good.
13C in MZN village though. People are in shorts. We are back here in July. I might put my summer shorts on now. Opera has a legendary bikini night at the season end, entry at 22:00 for seasonnairess and free shots for bikini wearers of either gender.
You were probably shouting "Harry!" - a name I only respond to on here! Damn, would have been nice to say hi.
I've fallen into and out of Opera bikini night, when I was seasoning here. Too old, now. Would not be allowed in, and rightly so.
I've fallen into and out of Opera bikini night, when I was seasoning here. Too old, now. Would not be allowed in, and rightly so.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Tuesday 2nd April 18:47
Really great snow over 1800m in Les Arcs/ Vallandry today some cracking off piste action and ideal conditions with the sun out. A little slushy under 1800 in parts but really can’t complain given time of year. I decided to join the advanced snowboarder group (club med have diff group levels with instructors) for the first runs on Monday after a 2 yr hiatus …Christ was that a mistake straight into steep off piste territory and forest runs through tightly packed trees! Was bringing up the rear and by lunch legs were toast so wisely decided to drop down a level since then and it’s been better , smaller group and lower pace but also getting some good tips from the instructor. Must say Club Med is really well set up for families defo worth a look if you have younger kids .
Edited by RSbandit on Tuesday 2nd April 19:36
BalhamBadger said:
Yet more snow falling in Les Arcs this morning ??
Yup….forecast is for heavier snow all morning. Should be great for the rest of the week
One of the benefits of being here a month is we can choose to head to Bourg for a fancy lunch & a bit of a wander about, instead of struggling to see anything on the mountain. We are getting older, were never great skiers (didn’t start until we were in our 40s!), and instead will remind ourselves it is a holiday, not a trial!
Helps that we were dining at friends last night until late, rounding off with some good banter and good Génépi
I know my limits
Harry Flashman said:
You were probably shouting "Harry!" - a name I only respond to on here! Damn, would have been nice to say hi.
I've fallen into and out of Opera bikini night, when I was seasoning here. Too old, now. Would not be allowed in, and rightly so.
Which year did you season? I've fallen into and out of Opera bikini night, when I was seasoning here. Too old, now. Would not be allowed in, and rightly so.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Tuesday 2nd April 18:47
I saw you again today in Changabang.
Your kids look like real sweethearts/totally spoilt, and the blizzard was making everything happier!
There is now 3inches of powder *on the piste* at 2000m+ in the PDS, and we're off home tomorrow. Mostly because the bathroom guys have ripped out our boiler and bathroom, and some supervision is now necessary for the rebuild.
Seemed like a good idea at the time.
I went to Morzine in Jan but ended up in bed all week with a chest infection, only did day one and have missed my boarding this year.
Been watching the webcams all week and am toying with booking a flight to Geneva tomorrow for 4 nights in Val D'Isere. Its doable but a grand for 3 days is not the cheapest trip ever.
Currently the best I can find is
Fly from Bristol - Geneva
hire a car as transfers dont work for two of us.
Air Bnb
With 4 day lift pass on top its expensive but possible.
Been watching the webcams all week and am toying with booking a flight to Geneva tomorrow for 4 nights in Val D'Isere. Its doable but a grand for 3 days is not the cheapest trip ever.
Currently the best I can find is
Fly from Bristol - Geneva
hire a car as transfers dont work for two of us.
Air Bnb
With 4 day lift pass on top its expensive but possible.
Edited by interstellar on Wednesday 3rd April 17:20
The_Doc said:
Harry Flashman said:
You were probably shouting "Harry!" - a name I only respond to on here! Damn, would have been nice to say hi.
I've fallen into and out of Opera bikini night, when I was seasoning here. Too old, now. Would not be allowed in, and rightly so.
Which year did you season? I've fallen into and out of Opera bikini night, when I was seasoning here. Too old, now. Would not be allowed in, and rightly so.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Tuesday 2nd April 18:47
I saw you again today in Changabang.
Your kids look like real sweethearts/totally spoilt, and the blizzard was making everything happier!
There is now 3inches of powder *on the piste* at 2000m+ in the PDS, and we're off home tomorrow. Mostly because the bathroom guys have ripped out our boiler and bathroom, and some supervision is now necessary for the rebuild.
Seemed like a good idea at the time.
On Changabang - definitely not me, as I haven't yet been there this year. I'm wearing either a grey camo shell, or an orange and black Planks hoodie, with tan combat style trousers. Either on a pair of olive green Lines, or Atomic S9 SL skis (as I was today, ill-advisedly). Also, I'm of Asian ethnicity, so very obvious in these parts! Skiing isn't a big part of Sri Lankan culture...
If seen with a child, it'll be our 5 year old. 3 year old isn't up on the mountain just yet.
Tonnes of snow this morning, but went home early as was soaking wet and cold. Wind at the top at the Swiis birder was insane - literally howling.
Sorry to miss you - hope the build goes well (been there!). Here for another 10 days - that said I may have to fly home for a few days as a work thing has come up. Lady F is not best pleased, right now.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Wednesday 3rd April 17:22
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