J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dave Mac

Best moments ~ two of them.

~ coming down side by side with admin, on a dump of fresh snow, giggling like 16 year olds. Sharing a run makes it a moment of the season.

~ the next day, seeing Caron's face just as she told us about her run down Tenladen, followed by a congratulatory hug. It's always special when a breakthrough is made.

Magical moments ~ two of them

~ New year in Niederau, with our village friends, when for 360 degrees of the mountain horizon turned into a glorious blaze of fireworks.

~ When my OH skiied down her first run, 4 weeks after the plaster cast being removed.


Most emotional

When my ski buddy Mel turned up in Niederau, three days after a biopsy, but with a week to spare before the results. He is such a positive person.

Lasting memories
Meeting a dozen or so J2skiers, and having the opportunity to ski and share evenings together. Regretting just missing a couple, but also for one or two that could not make it because of illness.

Be aware there are, I think, two standards. Mmmm Class A & B. Will no doubt get corrected.

I have a Class B. Lidls, £12. Never been used. Lives in my ski bag in Niederau. Prefer my woolly hat. Daft, I know, but that's age.

Wife and No 2 son, both wear £80 helmets. Both have been subjected to concussion after accidents.

Theres enough material here for a Phd in pschycology of ski helmets.

Very sad. Young and with family.

Adding to Ise's comment, in many resorts, at the base areas, you should look for an "avalanch Warning", "Lavinagefahr" board. This goes up to level 5. Two weeks ago it was at level 4 in the Wildschoenau, both in Niederau, and in Auffach.

This was sufficient for me to warn fellow skiers, who were not aware, and also to take a different route to the far side of the mountain. Oddly, in Niederau, the second biggest avalanche risk is above a crossover path. The first biggest is in view, but away from the ski area.

I don't have a clue where the risks are in Auffach.

I have been on ski patrol when an avalanche was triggered above the crossover path, and I am 100% sure that there would have been no survivors had they been inn the direct line.

One issue that I will be taking up with the tourist board and lift company this year is that while the warning lights were clear, the explanations were all in German. That is not good enough, because both levels 4 and 5 are risky, but they represent different conditions, and I think this should be explained.

Pablo Escobar wrote:Personally I would run on the side of caution and stick to the groomers, wouldn't want to be skiing crud having my knee twisted and torque-d all over the place.

I have multiple long term knee probs, that I tell my doctor I will "manage". Having skiied "groomers" in Niederau for 4 weeks this winter, I controlled the knee issue. In the next week, being determined to ski the "Stueck", unpisted, directly down under the Gondola, I was in knee-strife after a dozen turns. The remainder of the run was about survival. The rest of my season was significantly affected.

But I did then get a lot of painting done. :lol:

ltd wrote:Dave, you are a veritable mine of truly useful information!
I've been off work for 2 weeks now, and just could not get a late flight to N at sensible prices! However, looking forward to meeting up with you again next season.
Blodyn and I are flying into Munich on both occasions next season, staying at the Staffler. (Blod's arranged it all).
Take care, warmest regards to S, and have a good 2009. L.

Nice to hear from you L! You have changed your ID, guess that was a computer thing. The chances are that you will be a retiree before we meet up again, since we do not normally go at New Year or February. You need to change job! Go full time in Niederau! Buy Michael Unger's apartment! Charge Blodyn big rent!

When you say "Blod's arranged it all", does that translate into - "Blod's in Konrad's class again?" :shock:

Oh, and I was taking some photos, - "A run down Tenladen", following the route that Caron-a took, ie from the top of the Kropfraderjoch, and then from the bottom of the Mittermoos. As I arrived from the crossover path to the bottom of the black, (High Tenladen), who should come into sight, but your mentor, Christini, going like a train, straight down. Have promised her copies!

Best wishes. Try and keep B. calm!

It takes me an hour to download that on dial-up, but in this case, was entirely worthwhile. Wheee, what a result! Kim is so brave. I much prefer to be within 3 or 4 feet of the ground.

Now, here is the curious bit ~ I was skiing down the Merky and saw it! I was sure at the time it was a bail out, but it came Ok. It just didn't connect at the time, - I hadn't met Keith and Kim then. I do remember the thought ~ "another nutcase!"

I was going up on the Gondola a little earlier with Jurgen, and he was trying for the umpteenth time to persuade me to have a paraglide. On most occasions, the conversation revolves around the price he would charge for a Niederau regular. On this occasion I suggested that he would have to meet two conditions:-
~ his wife would be the pilot
~ I would be in the rear :shock: :twisted:

Hats off to Mrs Ell, good videoing Ell.

And that is still the best wedding photo, (outside of my sons, and my own, hastily), ever.

Caron,

That is just as good as it gets. I'm so pleased for you! You will enjoy Tignes an extra 10% now. We have followed your journey of pain, despair, hard work and success with some pride.

I will propose a toast, (with toffee vodka!):-
~ Good skiing, good health, good heart, good friendship.

I still owe you a series of pics on "A run down Tenladen" I took a second set of pics two weeks ago, and just as soon as I can get the right button thingys working.....

Are you still to wear the brace/supports?