J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by verbier_ski_bum

SwingBeep wrote:VBS, the sun is much too low in the sky at this time of year to melt the snow, the damage was mainly caused by the Föhn. It blew for the second longest period since records began. It causes massive damage to the snowpack http://pistehors.com/foehn-call-24662200.htm

At the moment there is a high pressure 'block' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Block_(meteorology) it won't snow until it disappears. Fortunately it's cold enough to make artificial snow.

Yes, I know. Coincidentally it blows pretty much from the same side as the sun shines. We are resigned to a likelihood of no new snow this year. I have visitors again this year otherwise I wouldn't bother wasting time off on ski holiday until it starts snowing properly. Skiing on packed icy slopes with holiday crowds is an accident waiting to happen.

Alessi wrote:

Ranchero_1979 wrote:

Alessi wrote:Finally bought my fist pair of skis - I've been waiting years to do that! Now to find boots!

What did you go for?

Fischer Cruzar Fire Allround Carving ski with Rs9 bindings. I got them online for 180 Euros, new. These seem to fit my skill level which is now beginner - intermediate and are apparently relatively forgiving and easy to turn with. I'm going into a sports shop in Munich next week to buy boots as I won't dare by those online.

Don't buy boots online, but even in the shop when they measure your feet and bring you some boots to try in that size, ask to try those boots in a size smaller too. Shops tend to put beginners/intermediates in boots that are too big for them, to avoid looking for new boots soon see if you can size down. Most of the time you can and sometimes even by more than one size.

I just got new boots. Dalbello Rampages. They still need a few tweaks but overall I quite like them.

Pistes are in a very good condition and Savoleyers side facing away from Verbier holds snow really well despite lower altitude. Plus snow cannons ran on most nights at least until very recently. Other side is destroyed by sun; foehn also didn't help. Verbier was very busy today. Fingers crossed weather breaks before Christmas. At the moment it feels like these blue skies are staying with us for quite some time yet

Well, if resort have many slopes that face away from the wind they kept the snow better. Plus they would get loaded with the snow blown by wind. What faced the wind suffered to various extent. Front side of Mont Gele is blown until the grass - it was all covered on November 11, when resort first opened.

I finally opened this ski season and the only difference in conditions with the same time last year is that it's colder so snow can be made. Lot of snow that fell has already been destroyed by the foehn wind and off-piste looks worse than this time last year. Pistes are in very good shape - but only around the snow cannons, and they are quite icy, so sharpen your edges if you are heading up soon. I rarely do it post- or pre-season and was struggling a bit on Saturday, especially the first and last runs of the day, but had a blast yesterday after servicing my skis. Lower and south-facing slopes are green and brown and there are still quite a few mountain bikers. So while resorts were able to open earlier this year and there were a couple of early powder days in mid-November, it doesn't look like we are in for an epic early season as we hoped... But fingers crossed it will stay cold enough. Snow will eventually come...

Ranchero_1979 wrote:Replace the Mangums:-(; that would be the plan. Have to say they have been a close to perfect ski for me and Chamonix. Fun on-piste, good in shallow/medium powder, versatile enough to plough through the tracked out stuff. Really have been my go to ski almost regardless of conditions. If I'm not touring I'm on them, which seems to be a departure from the trend of using fat skis for everything. Few mm thinner next time as want to try and get a bit more dynamic.

Few clips from some lessons last year, piste, moguls and bit of tracked out (we put the tracks in). If you can only have one ski then they would be a nice option.

https://youtu.be/7-v2Yd8O0O0

https://youtu.be/Ef88X1vZXQ8

https://youtu.be/ofxX8zwdZuk

Nice! I skied mine more often last season, almost exclusively until February, but they still get fairly limited use and will likely last me many years.

Brucie wrote:This is a snow related forum. Goggles are definitely equipment, as are boots, skis, poles, jackets, salopettes, gloves, transponders, etc. Cameras and GoPro type devices are accessories(Fad and Fashion).

I think it says "equipment thread" so no reason why cameras couldn't be discussed. I seriously doubt it's a "fad", since people have liked to video their adventures and presumed achievements for quite some years, it hasn't gone away and very unlikely to do so in the future. Even Dave films his skiing, although stubbornly with a handheld cam, but this is his choice, some people like to keep their hands free. And it's definitely not a "fashion". They are even less of a fashion item than a ski jacket. Just because you personally don't like cameras doesn't make them a less legitimate topic :)