Messages posted by : Terry Ralphs
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Leysin http://www.leysin.ch/E/indexh.html had been open for the last 2 weekends
16th, 17th, and 18th November we had exceptional powder as good as any I have seen in January. http://www.alpin-ism.com/FullNews.cfm?newsID=42 and http://mountain-guide.co.uk/conditions.htm Lets hope that the snow stays and gives a good abse for Christmas skiing. |
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There was over a meter of snow that fell last weekend in Leysin.
I was out ski touring above Leysin today on fantastic powder, what a great start to the ski season. Photos are here: http://www.mountain-guide.co.uk/conditions.htm The Leysin lift system is to be opened for the weekend of 17 and 18th November. I am looking forward to more fresh tracks. See you there hopefully |
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A transceiver, shovel and probe are essential off piste equipment and I still take them if I go on the piste just in case I am tempted off the groomed runs. It has been known for open pistes to get avalanched so I feel it is best to be in the habit of always wearing a transceiver and carrying a shovel and probe.
I always ski with a ski buddy off piste to as if you have no one to dig you out then the transceiver is useless. Ski slopes spaced or one at a time to minimise the risk of both of you being avalanched. Prevention is better than cure and a good understanding of snow structure is very important if skiing off piste. If you are unfortunate enough to get avalanche a speedy rescue is paramount (due to suffocation) which means that you need to be well practised in the use of transceivers. Self rescue is usually the only viable option due to time constraints. If you are looking for a course in off piste skiing, ski touring and/or avalanche awareness have a look at www.alpin-ism.com who are based in Leysin Switzerland. There is also a Mammut transceiver practice centre in Leysin Switzerland which is free to use and is an excellent facility to help give you confidence in searching for single, multiple and deep burials. Know the off piste environment and ski safely and confidently. Here's hoping for a great powder winter 2008. Good skiing Terry |
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Try skiing with some carving skis.
These skis are really easy to hold the edge, ie. not skidding. You must turn with the natural arc of the ski which is usually about 12m radius on carving skis. The turns are fast as you are riding on the edges so practice on a low gradient (i.e. a wide green run). Watch out for beginners as you tend to use the whole width of the piste. Another tip is to weight the uphill edge of the uphill ski and always stay centered on the skis with your calfs pushing on the front of your boots. |
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