J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dave Mac

Being a user of speed tracks, (but at the 100+ kph, not the 200+kph level!), I have occasional online chats with a number of British speed skiers.
Jan was quick to win the Worlds, last year, emulating Marc Poncin.
A couple of seasons back, I took a fall at 102kph directly at the bottom of Niederau speed track, (used most years by the Hahnemkamm trainers) That day, all the racers were falling, since the piste machines had left a bumpy outrun.

I got away with it, but my Austrian friends suggested that at the very least, I should be wearing a back protector. Noted.

The latest generation of speed skiers, like those before, are set on setting new records. The air bag protection must be a good progression.

A previous British speed ski champion, who was a near neighbour from me, had witnessed the death of a women speed skier.

Hmmm,Ischgl WAS going to be on my March Tyrol tour.....

It's all good in Kirchberg, Westendorf, Kitzbuhel, St Johann ~ skied them all last week.

Heavy snow making in Kitz. I plan to be watching the Downhill practise on Tuesday ~ and to get there, plan to ski over from Kirchberg.

Much of this is a mess.

Swingbeep accurately describes the situation in France.

Ranchero also offers some enlightenment, in how the situation developed, and, to be really fair, it is costly in time and money to gain one of the range of qualifications. One of my Niederau instructor friends, (yes, one of the two that took over my Niederau day run record :cry: ), has this summer completed the Mountain Gude qualification.

But the work he does with clients is a world away from skiing round resorts with a group of people, on well pisted runs, all within capability. Last season, in Wengen, I experienced my first European hosting session. It was little more than a series of social runs.

I can see no reason for trying to legislate for this. If this were to be, then surely I would be in trouble every season, where I am often at the head of a group of skiers. (Or at the back, where good mountaineers ought to be!) A good hosting situation covers the front, middle and back of the hosted group.

One thing is for sure. A group being hosted by good standard season skiers is much safer than some unorganised groups of folk on the mountain.

Ski hosting is predominantly a social event, and, from my only European experience, is wholly enjoyable.

Wengen, when booked with Crystal. They are emphatic there are not offering lessons. All good skiers and boarders, and adopt good safety protocol, ~ a leader, one at the back, and one or two in the middle to help out, if required.

Good price, Daisy. Couple of things~
~ Check that the vehicle is not more than 9 seats. The Euro licence regs changed a couple of years back.
~ Check that "winterisation" is included. ie winter tyres.
~ Check the cost of a co-driver. This is paid locally, is not cheap, but is quite often capped.
~ consider separate excess insurance. I get an annual excess insurance for £39, cheaper than what the hire company will offer for one week.

9 seater minibus. Auto-Europe.

But if you can get a Renault Traffic, go for that, you slide the skis under the seats from the back door.