J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by SwingBeep

voodoo1976 wrote:Do we need to get them waxed again before first use?

No, you can just ski them as they are. All but the cheapest ski bases are made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) which is very slippery. The additives that the manufactures add to the base material and the structure ground into the base usually make them glide OK, if the snow is very cold waxing can improve their performance as a normal structure will likely be a bit too course for really cold snow.

If you aren't happy with the way they glide you could try applying one of the new spray-on coatings such as Look No Wax Juice or Giga Glide Instant Glide.

If you only ski for 10-15 days a year I would take them to a shop as and when necessary as the cost of the equipment required to sharpen the edges and wax the bases would likely amount to more than you paid for the skis. Brucie said that a basic service in Soldeu costs 24 Euros https://www.j2ski.com/ski-chat-forum/posts/list/0/18606/ski-service-wax-soldeu-andorra.page

It's hardly surprising that the MIPS helmets came out on top, the test used was devised by MIPS!

The impact tests required by EN 1077:2007 involve dropping the helmet on to a flat steel anvil.



In the MIPS developed test the helmet is dropped on to a sloping anvil which is thought to more realistically simulate what is likely to happen in an accident.



BTW all the helmets tested in that test are primarily intended for biking, I don't think the test parameters for an oblique ski helmet test have been defined yet.

The construction and operation of ski lifts in the EU is regulated, they are classified as public transport https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/mechanical-engineering/cableways_en In order to build a ski lift the lift companies have to first obtain authorisation from the local ministry of transport and before it can be put into operation they also have to obtain an operating licence. Normally you can't ride down on a chairlift with skis as they aren't designed to be operated in that manner, but pedestrians are sometimes allowed ride up and down on them.

I regularly ride down on one of the local chairlifts with skis that was specially designed for that purpose. It has loading and unloading areas on both the upside and the downside and the chairs are fitted with ski racks for carrying skis on the downward journey. At lunch time and at the end of the day when downloading mainly takes place the lift company stations extra personnel on the downside to help with loading and unloading. It's one of only a handful of chairlifts in the region where I live that is designed to operate in this manner.

At Cortina D'Ampezzo some of the chairlifts are reserved solely for skiers and some of them may also be used by pedestrians the lift company's website gives details https://www.impianticortina.it/en/facilities-ski-area-tofana-cortina/ As the others have said the lift operator was just doing his job, if he had let you ride down on the lift with skis he might have been subject to disciplinary action.

When you bought your ski pass you also accepted the lift company's terms and conditions:

9. Owners and operators of lift system facilities are not responsible or liable neither for damages arising from improper use of their facilities nor for the consequences of card holders' incorrect and illicit behaviour performed during their attendance at the lift system facility, the ski slopes and its surrounding areas. Strict compliance is required with the Facility User Guidelines as on display at the point of departure of all facilities.

19. Skiers ski exclusively at their own risk. Slope routes are to be chosen and speed must be adapted to the skiers' personal skills and abilities. Skiers have also to take into proper account terrain conditions, visibility, snow and meteorological conditions, indications provided on sign-posts as well as operation time of lift system and skiing facilities. Skiers are, moreover, bound to observe all provincial and regional regulations in force as well as the rules of the code of conduct provided for by Law no. 363/2003 (and subsequent amendments) and those displayed in the ski pass sales offices, at the lift system facilities or available at the web site www.dolomitisuperski.com. In instances where accidents occur first aid assistance and transport may imply a cost charge.

21. The classification of the slopes, as shown on the skiing maps, is to be taken as mere indication.

25. By purchasing and/or using the Ski pass or the Points Value Card, the document holder expressly acknowledges the content and entirely accepts the present general sales conditions, available at the points of sale and on the web site www.dolomitisuperski.com.
https://www.dolomitisuperski.com/en/Service/Sales-conditions

There is a shaft that leads to the grey cover.



If you can open the cover you should see a screw head.

Not absolutely certain, but I think the release screw is located under the grey plastic cover right at the back of the binding. After you have adjusted them to the correct length make sure you set the forward pressure correctly otherwise, they won't work properly.

Switzerland and the UK signed an agreement on Monday guaranteeing that flights between the two countries can continue uninterrupted even if the UK opts to leave the European Union without a withdrawal agreement. https://www.thelocal.ch/20181217/switzerland-and-britain-reach-post-brexit-aviation-deal

Here you go Admin! We call it the "Pendulum Trick"



1. Find the steepest part of the slope.
2. Place a ski pole on the snow with the grip pointing down the fall line and mark the position of the basket and end of the grip.
3. Raise the pole by the grip, with the basket remaining in the snow until it is at 90° to the snow.
4. Hold the second ski pole between 2 fingers against the end of the grip on the first pole like a pendulum.
5. Lower the grip ends together until the tip of the 2nd pole touches the snow.
6. The slope angle results from the 3° rule:

30°, when the tip lands exactly on the mark
33°, if the tip is a handle length (= 10 cm) lower down
36°, when the tip is 2 handle lengths lower down
39°, if the tip is 3 handle lengths lower down

If the steepest part of the slope is selected and accurately measured, the slope angle can be determined to within ± 2°.
If you are using telescopic poles make sure they are the same length!

Alternatively, you could just use a clinometer.

There is some further information in the SLF leaflet: Caution Avalanches!
https://www.slf.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/SLF/Lawinen/Lawinenkunde_und_Praevention/KAT/20180914_Lawinenfolder_e_achtung_lawinen.pdf

£550 for Scottish/Icelandic all areas season pass!!! They have got to be kidding, I only pay the equivalent of 100 quid more for a regional season pass that gives me access to 22 ski resorts plus 5 days skiing at Zermatt/Cervinia.

Have Cairngorm got their train set working again yet?