J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by iLoveSkiing

mikey111k wrote:thanks for all the input. My next question now is since you think wrist guards would be helpful would it be worth getting the level gloves with the biomex integrated guards? I looked at the f.........................

Mikey111k, Like all systems I'd stick with separates because you then only need to change one part rather than the whole system if a part is damaged.

Last time I went skiing gripping a pair of skis by their edges each time I got off a gondola or had a short walk eventually resulted in the edges cutting through the outer shell of my left ski glove.

Depending on how old you are Austria may not be the best place for a first ski holiday. The great ski resorts generally charge more because they are have huge and varied ski areas.

If you are young and learn fast or have inate natural talent then you'll learn fast and make use of the extensive terrain offered by the mega resorts. However many people are neither so paying more for a mega resort is a bit of a waste as much of the ski area will not be used. Remember in you go up to the mountain top via chair lift or gondola to admire the spectacular views you'll have to ski down on what are usually at least blue runs. Some beginners after a week are not capable of handling blue runs.

Group ski school lessons are great fun and great for meeting new people and potential friends however progress is limited by the slowest learner in the group. Individual lessons or between two are much better for rapid development and the less glamourous resorts offer individual tuition much more cheaply than the prestige resorts.

Cheaper places like Andorra/Pyreness and Bulgaria are more than enough for most beginners.

You can't go wrong with Austria however Austria is not the only suitable place for beginners.

Usual stuff like if someone has a wipe out and loses poles and skis I pick up what I can and return it to the owner and see if they are unhurt.

Trencher, Using so-called 'rock ski/board' is like wearing old sneakers/trainers for washing the car, use them if you have them otherwise use hire skis.

General gym work like calve raises, leg extensions for quads and hamstring curls.

Flexibility in the legs, calves, achilles tendon is also equally important.

Hello Chris, Adding to want Max said.

For socks thin ski socks are definately my preference for a number or reasons

A) They allow the ski boots to fit more tightly which is want you want.

B) Make sure you buy the quick drying ones so you can wash and reuse them during a weeks skiing. 3 to 4 pairs in rotation is enough if you wash your socks after each day's skiing and hang them out to dry on radiator or chair. Don't waste your money and buy 6/7 pairs like I did for my first skiing trip. Besides you'll want to carry less rather than more to meet airline luggage allowances etc.



For the jacket I look for

a) Anything with a waterproof rating of at least 3000 ISOTEX to be on the safe side. Goretex is fine but is probably overkill for casual 1/2 week a year skiing. Besides GoreTex isn't as breathable as the less waterproof materials.

b) Urban style - Many of the jackets sold now have mostly solid colours and urban styling so they look great off piste and as casual winter jackets or for walking the dog. Re-use value.

c) 4 or more pockets so that I can take onto the mountain bits and bobs like goggles( when not in use), choccy bars,wallet, camera, phone, etc.
Safety Note : Hard objects like cameras and phones when stored in pockets can cause serious injuries should you fall onto them during a wipeout. Carry them at your own risk.


d) Zip off hood is preferable. Skiing when it's actually snowing is a great experience, the hood will stop snow going down your neck and provide a warm layer on colder days.

e) Light weight insulation or a shell (no insulation) jacket. Wear a mid layer fleece for warmth on days that need it.



salopettes

a) Mine are by Dare2Be, iostex 3000, have light weight insulation and cost under £35. Kept me warm even on a chair lift at below -10C in the middle of a hail/snow storm.


Googles

A) No need to buy the flash and expensive oakley stuff unless you want to.

B) Dual lenses and air vents for anti-fogging qualities.

C) I think the amber/yellow lenses are the most versatile as they are suitable for a greater range of different light conditions.


Sunglasses for days when it's too warm and sunny for goggles. Even goggles with venting features can steam up on hot sunny days. For safety reasons go for the plastic frames with smash resistent lenses. As a not very good skiier I have face planted(face down crash) at least once, and plastic frames are somewhat bendy. Bloc sports sunglasses sell through millets and are reasonably priced compared to oakley, Adidas, etc.

Gloves
A) My preference is for gloves with a removable inner insulation liner which I can store away in a jacket or salopette pocket until needed.



BASELAYER - I think this is important even for a first time skiier. The baselayer is the close fitting layer worn next to the skin under the optional warm fleece mid-layer and the waterproof outer-layer ski jacket.

The purpose of the baselayer is to wick away sweat and moisture to the outer layers. Avoid cotton baselayers because cotton soaks up sweat. Sitting on a chair lift with a chilling cold sweat soaked cotton t-shirt is not fun at all. Helly Hansen make LIFA baselayers for under 20 squid and they work brilliantly. The LIFA material is extremely quick drying and I make do with just two tops so long as I wash them after each day's skiing.

I've read in other forums that you should definately NOT use your own skis on dry slopes because the friction will basically disintergrate the ski bases regardless of what wax you use. The dry ski slope in Southampton hires skis for less than £2 an hour.

Trencher wrote:

Does anyone ever complain to the resort ?, as in "I'm not comming back untill you do something about the lift queue". Instead of just accepting it as a fact of life, start rating resorts on how the lift lines/queues are set up and managed.

This would certainly be a factor in my choice of destination.

Trencher

Trencher, it sounds like things might be different over the pond. In Europe I think people accept it as part of the skiing environment. I'm sure some people do complain but many of us in England only get to ski one week a year so the lack of queuing protocol is one negative I can overlook because I'm so keen to have the opportunity to ski.

I do actually agree with you and Pavelski about what should be done but the reality seems to work in the end.