J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by randyrat

Okay, so you're tootling downhill, linking nice little parallel turns, and all of a sudden the old favourite ICE rears its ugly head. I seem to be able to handle it fairly well, but is my technique corrct?
Sequence is this: Initiate turn on nice surface by even loading skis, a little edge to start the turn, weight central. Increase inner edge bite to make the turn. Half way round the turn there's the familiar sound of ice, and the edges start to slip. Bring knees more uphill, bend knees more than normal, increasing edge angle, consciously keep weight central, or slightly forward of centre, equal pressure on uphill edges of both skis. Increase edge bite if needed to stop or reduce side slip. Once turn complete, unload edges, equal weight on both skis, initiate next turn.
It seems to work okay for me, and apart from the awful noise I can keep a fairly steady rhythm.
The "Face" at Val D'Isere was the training ground for this technique...is it ever not icy?
Obviously all technique goes out of the window when caught on the hop...then it's just a case of brown trousers, swear, lock body and legs in terror, and wait for grip....but we've all been there...haven't we? :(

Bardonnecchia is pants

Any recommendations for good ski socks for the larger calf? My poor old bridgedale walking socks are getting a bit long in the tooth now, yet they are the only ones that "really fit" if you know what I mean.
I like a full length, medium thickness sock, and as stated plenty of room in the calf area.
Having bought numerous pairs of expensive "professional" socks in the past which have without exception turned out to be too tight, I was hoping someone out there has had similar trouble, and could help me out with a good recommendation!

Many thanks

All sorted now thanks Dan.....maybe for next year...

Aha.....so it all becomes clear....the locals and the local government are preventing healthy competition, thus creating artificially high prices. Genius. You couldn't get away with it in the UK. Money talks I guess, and this is definitely a BIG bucks industry....

I've heard about this being done, but I think things have tightened right up now.....unfortunately.....

Daylight robbery I think. Shame there's no entrepreneurial sorts out there with a minibus; you could easily do two trips a day back and forth to Chambery, fill up with 8 or so skiers, £50 return each...I reckon that's a nice little earner myself....£800 a day income less fuel and a bit of wear and tear........maybe this is one for the Dragons Den? Ho Ho...I think we'll just stick to the hire car......anyone want to go halfers on a minibus?

Okay chaps, help me out.....I've been looking at transfers for a group of four to Les Menuires. Cheapest I can find is over 500 euros return. I can't believe that this is the going rate. We usually rent a car from Chambery, and all in with snow chain hire, fuel and tolls it comes in at under £200. No comparison. We wouldn't mind a bit of premium on top for the convenience of a transfer, but come on! Its only a 180 km round trip..... does anyone know of any realistic companies that do transfers?