Worst - White out in Val D'Isere, really grim, snowing, foggy and very cold. We took an early lunch at the Sports Bar and invented Extreme Lunching. We left at 7.15pm when someone pointed out that pre-dinner canapés were about to be served back at the chalet!
Skiing in the rain in Morzine was also very grim.
Best - powder days in St Anton, skiing over in Rendl on a run that scored a giggle factor of 16.
And Alpe D'Huez in 2010 waste deep powder everywhere.
The best and worst
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Started by NellyPS in Ski Chatter 24-Nov-2011 - 19 Replies
Andyhull
reply to 'The best and worst' posted Nov-2011
Edited 1 time. Last update at 24-Nov-2011
Dave Mac
reply to 'The best and worst' posted Nov-2011
This is not an easy issue for me, I have been skiing for 44 years, and have had extraordinary good fortune, and met some brilliant people.
It is true that, like many others, I have experienced waist deep snow, and the tears of joy that go with the first discovery of deep bottomless snow.
I have also experienced some leaner snow years. In 1971, the snow cover had receded almost back to the trees, about a mile from the village. Even in those days, I was on the lift at a quarter to eight, and skied what I could, ended up hopping from snow patch to snow patch, four or five turns, then....you get the picture, Lake District style. When I reached the end of the snow, I put the skis on my shoulder, and jogged the mile down to the village. I kept going all day, and it cost me a good few beers at night, because, I discovered later, the liftmen were desperate to close up, and there was only me on the mountain.
My best and worst days involve people, not snow.Theses are the kind of best moments in my skiing memory:
Skiing with blind people and disabled skiers, for most of the past 10 years. Also, with their carers, some of the most wonderfully generous of folk. Having an opportunity to talk with them. So many people seem to worry about when it will snow, but skiing with these lovely people certainly gives me a sense of perspective.
Meeting very briefly, with a one legged skier, whose crutches were being fitted with ski ends. When I looked into his eyes, all I could see was ambition and hope. A very humbling meet-up, but one where I have since regretted not taking some kind of contact reference. Again, perspective.
Helping a 10 year old laddie progress his skiing, at the most amazing rate. He was autistic, but his learning rate was outstanding. Pure joy.
Just dozens of other people-related moments, some including the friendliest of J2skiers.
One truly bad time~ the death of a mate, killed skiing into the gorge above Niederau, with his wife and unborn daughter in the village. Ellis Brigham was solid in his assistance, and I still arrange for the grave to be maintained in Niederau churchyard.
I also like it when a painting works well, you lot don't get to see the really bad stuff!!!!
It is true that, like many others, I have experienced waist deep snow, and the tears of joy that go with the first discovery of deep bottomless snow.
I have also experienced some leaner snow years. In 1971, the snow cover had receded almost back to the trees, about a mile from the village. Even in those days, I was on the lift at a quarter to eight, and skied what I could, ended up hopping from snow patch to snow patch, four or five turns, then....you get the picture, Lake District style. When I reached the end of the snow, I put the skis on my shoulder, and jogged the mile down to the village. I kept going all day, and it cost me a good few beers at night, because, I discovered later, the liftmen were desperate to close up, and there was only me on the mountain.
My best and worst days involve people, not snow.Theses are the kind of best moments in my skiing memory:
Skiing with blind people and disabled skiers, for most of the past 10 years. Also, with their carers, some of the most wonderfully generous of folk. Having an opportunity to talk with them. So many people seem to worry about when it will snow, but skiing with these lovely people certainly gives me a sense of perspective.
Meeting very briefly, with a one legged skier, whose crutches were being fitted with ski ends. When I looked into his eyes, all I could see was ambition and hope. A very humbling meet-up, but one where I have since regretted not taking some kind of contact reference. Again, perspective.
Helping a 10 year old laddie progress his skiing, at the most amazing rate. He was autistic, but his learning rate was outstanding. Pure joy.
Just dozens of other people-related moments, some including the friendliest of J2skiers.
One truly bad time~ the death of a mate, killed skiing into the gorge above Niederau, with his wife and unborn daughter in the village. Ellis Brigham was solid in his assistance, and I still arrange for the grave to be maintained in Niederau churchyard.
I also like it when a painting works well, you lot don't get to see the really bad stuff!!!!
NellyPS
reply to 'The best and worst' posted Nov-2011
You always manage to put things into perspective DM, we have all had some amazing experiences, but I think looking outside the box and doing what you've done and do makes us grateful that we are priveleged enough to be able to ski every year, no matter how much snow there is.
Randyrat
reply to 'The best and worst' posted Nov-2011
A good metre or two snow base, a nice two foot dump the evening before arrival, bluebird skies and no wind from dawn till dusk every day, then a foot of snow every night for the whole week....awesome!
Just a dream unfortunately, but will be putting it in my wish list for 3V, Jan 21-28 whilst doing the snow dance on Sunday. Fingers crossed!
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :D :D :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Just a dream unfortunately, but will be putting it in my wish list for 3V, Jan 21-28 whilst doing the snow dance on Sunday. Fingers crossed!
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :D :D :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Topic last updated on 25-November-2011 at 11:16