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J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dave Mac

Messages posted by : Dave Mac

Skiing Powder
Started by User in Ski Technique, 29 Replies
WE call this "Breakable crust", Pav. It can be dangerous, especially if you break through the crust at speed, and then the crust thickens!

Unbreakable crust, with an overlay of powder, is a dream.

Unbreakable crust with 2"~3" vertical frost icicles is ego skiing at it's best!
It is the same in Niederau, you get to ski after 3.00pm. By the time you get checked in, eat, change, sort out your ski gear, and buy your pass, it may be after 2.30 anyway. In that case, don't buy on the bus.
Oh no, please not the fall over!
Started by User in Ski Technique, 28 Replies
When I go with a group,we all put weight on, the skiing is slower, and not as prolonged, and the bar seems to beckon earlier.

When I go solo, I lose weight, much more skiing, and for longer. At night I walk further in the village and visit friends. I drink at my pace!
need a bit of advice please
Started by User in Scotland, 5 Replies
The bad news is that the Grampian weather does not look good. Wednesday to Friday:
"Wintry showers then another area of rain sweeping across the Country during Wednesday, with hill snow. Colder and showers again by Thursday, the showers dying out overnight then rain Friday."
Saturday to Monday:
Largely unsettled weather is expected to persist across many regions until at least the middle of January, conditions changeable and often quite windy with showers or longer spells of rain. Some heavy rain likely at times to the northwest where occasional gales are also possible. Some hill snow is likely at times over Scotland whilst showers over other northern areas may turn wintry at times. Southern parts of the UK are likely to become a little more settled than of late next week with some longer dry interludes on the cards but then also an increased risk of overnight and morning fog patches. Despite daytime temperatures often being near or above average, there will still be a risk of overnight frost during more settled interludes.

In these conditions, Cairngorm is likely to be horrible.

But don't let me put you off! Thats where I started, with borrowed skis, no money, no lessons! The very opposite of what we say to new skiers!
wheres best to buy my lift pass?
Started by User in Ski Chatter, 20 Replies
You can check the cost of the pass in your T/O brochure ~ I have rarely known this be any different to the on coach prices.
Also, check the cost of your pass on the website of the lift company of the resort. Do the calculation before you get on the coach.
If it not significantly different, the benefit of having the lift pass delivered to your hotel, and not having to queue may hold sway.
Is 65 too old to try skiing?
Started by User in Beginning Skiing, 91 Replies
Calorie count is weight dependent. For an 80 kgm person:

Jogging, ie 10 min/mile = 840 cal/hour.

Competitive running 6 min miles, (my 15 mile pace) = cal/hour

Skiing, general* = 588 cal/hour

Energy expenditure when skiing is related to many factors, the main one being ability. Beginners use huge amounts of energy, whereas experienced skiers have learned how to "cruise", relaxing muscles during the turn. The per hour measure is only for comparison, few skiers ski continuously for an hour.

So I would complete the 3km Niederau run in 3 min, but then take 5 min in the queue, and 12 min gondola time. Probly only expending 250 cal/hour actual skiing, hence only expending about 50 cal/hour.

Hence my arguement that experienced skiers do not need to worry overmuch about fitness, but mobility and strength are very important.
What skiing on ICE teaches you!!!
Started by User in Ski Technique, 26 Replies
Ian Wickham wrote:I think you have to be sensible with injuries and I think sometimes by all means make them comfortable but do not move them too much

Exactly,Ian. If there is nothing to be gained by moving the limb, then better to do nothing more than protect the person, and keep them comfortable.
What skiing on ICE teaches you!!!
Started by User in Ski Technique, 26 Replies
Iceman wrote:I would like to think that if I fell over and broke my leg and some kind person did something to help the pain, and then at a later date I was told, "sorry, you will have a permanent limp because of the way the skier on the slope treated you....." I would not go and hunt them down and sue them!

People are there to help, not make your life worse!


When I worked for the ski school I set dozens of broken legs ~ and we only had the use of aluminium wire cage splints. Basically, pull, twist, set, splint.

It was helpful that nearly everyone wore striped ski pants, ~ it helped to decide which way to twist... :twisted: