J2Ski logo J2Ski logo
Login Forum Search Recent Forums

J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dave Mac

Messages posted by : Dave Mac

Carving and Speed
Started by User in Ski Technique, 49 Replies
I have not seen any mention of ski stiffness anywhere in the discussion. If one skis a softer ski at a given speed, the resultant arc will be greater than with a stiff ski, and so the turn length reduced.

In the days before special powder skis, straight skis were the only option. In deep snow, particularly in a low alpine situation, (snow tends to be heavier than high or extreme cold areas), there is no opportunity to exercise rear edge control. Pure arc turns were the only option when using standard techniques.

Of course these would not work for really steep areas, unless the skis were ultra soft.

In relation to skill levels, I cannot quite see the logic that one form of ski technique carries a greater risk than another. I would argue that the risk is related to a) the ski environment and it's condition, b) your capability to handle these, and c) the risk evaluation between a and b.

That would apply equally to steep and deep, general piste skiing, avalament, boarding, carving, racing etc.

I can't recall having any piste fall in the past 15/18 ski weeks. But in my earlier days, I had several speed hits, two into trees, one OK, one not OK, and one hit into an Austrian racer who was supposed to be leading me, but he chickened out at the edge of a jump. I hit him mid-air, it wasn't a pretty result, but I was OK. :D
reports from Niederau
Started by User in Austria, 204 Replies
caron-a wrote:

very brave. will she get any more trips this season?


Thanks Caron. I go back to Niederau on on the 16th Jan for 16 days, so will be able to catch up with you and your OH, and mystery guest! My frau, two sons and D-I-L arrive on 24th.

Bought her a season pass last week, so might try and tempt her to join me on my March trip.
beer and food prices
Started by User in France, 57 Replies
Re mountain food cost:

A friend reported he paid 10Eu for soup and 5Eu for a bottle of water, in Val D'I last week.

I paid 4Eu for gulaschsuppe, and 2Eu for hot chocolate in Niederau
I have used skiset 4 times, always got a good deal, good equipment, and good service.

Hired skis and boots for friends last week for 61 euros pp.
I should have said, I don't usually paint from photos, (Hendrix and Dylan apart!), it is just an easy way to start.
Ian Wickham wrote:I have always quite fancied a bit of painting, I've brought brushes, pallet, easel had them now for two years and they are still in the packs, I think I needed some inspiration and maybe dave has given me that, move over Van gogh here comes Van Wickham. 8)


Set aside a couple of hours, get your favourite ski photo out, and do it.

Have a look at it, and figure out what's wrong, do it again.

Man, it's no different from learing to ski, without the falls!

Oh, after my most recent creation, you are not allowed to change to Van. You will always remain the Wicked Wickham :wink:
reports from Niederau
Started by User in Austria, 204 Replies
Replying to RoseR's question on the lessons thread ~ thank you Rose, my frau skied very cautiously at the top, ten weeks after the leg break, and four weeks after the plaster was removed. A very courageous lady.

She also skiied down the Marbachjoch once, but that was painful and a bit scary for her.

Yes an interesting week, from many aspects.

Our beginner friends both did well, one came down the mountain on the 5th day ~ that is good.

Our intermediate friends both enjoyed Niederau, surprisingly different after our visit with them to Zermatt, Saas Fee, and 3Vs!

It was pleasant to meet up with TonyH, we have a very pleasant steady run down, followed by a beer. A lovely guy, who loves his skiing.

A very good fast afternoon with Jan, along with gondola chat, where we set the J2Ski world to rights!

Met up with the lovely L.Davies and her her erm, effervescent friend Blodwyn. First J2skiers that I have kissed. Not to mention that I immedately remembered L. from a good few years ago ~ she taught my sons!

Shook hands with all of the lift men, and half of the instructors.

Stunning New Year fireworks from all the surrounding mountain tops.

Looking forwards to going back on the 16th Jan for 16 days.
reports from Niederau
Started by User in Austria, 204 Replies
RossF wrote:Neiderau--> is there much skiable off piste? The slopes look absolutely awesome. quote]

Ross, there are several off piste runs.

Directly under the gondela, from about half way down, to the bottom, there is the Stuck. It isn't that wide, enclosed by trees, quite steep. Because it is a bit rocky, and has small scrub, it needs to have a fait covering to be at it's best.

From the Gondela can be seen a top to bottom run, called the Gseng. It runs through fields and woods, very steep at the bottom.

From the bottom of the Lanekopfl, but above the Hochberg, and directly opposite the Anton Graf Hutt there is a run to Oberau. This is called the Katzenberg. Used to be a very pleasant run, but two years ago there was a landslide, and there has been some civil works carried out. I am not sure what effect this has. Intend to find out in a couple of weeks if the conditions are OK, and I can find a ski buddy willing to ski it with me. There is also a land access dispute between the land owner and the lift company, but that is unlikely to be a deterent.

There is some deep off to the left of the Mercenwiess.

From halfway down the Mercenwiess, (run 19), there is an off piste called the Sixwiess. It is steep, narrow, lots of boulders and trees to negotiate. Quite difficult to pick ot a clean route, but a friend of mine who has a very fast leg action does make a good job of the run.

There are one or two other shorter runs to have a go on at the top, just off piste play runs, not steep, good fun.

From the top of the new 4 man lift, I watched a guy set off through a gap in the trees, looking quite purposeful........might give that a go in mid January.

One of the issues is that the surface often presents as a breakable crust ~~ can be hard work, unpleasant even. So these runs do need to have a dump on them to be at their best.