J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dave Mac

I don't see having rentals as an issue. I have six pairs of skis in Niederau, and still elect, on occasion, to go for a rental. It isn't a high cost life style choice, hence not something that would impact on Schumacher any more than the rest of us.

On the off piste issue, many of us have dipped off piste between runs. In particular, I have done this in Zermatt, Lech and so many places. I believe this is just a really unfortunate accident, the kind, that in slightly differing circumstances, could have occurred to any of us.

My mate was killed in Niederau, slipping backwards off an edge, and fracturing his skull. I look after his grave, and so am constantly reminded of mountain accidents.

Exactly, SB. If you have spent many years in the Alps, you learn to accept what nature offers. Weather predictions are a guide, not a bible. Our sport is blessed with technology that allows the effects of variable weather to have a minimal effect.

In 1971, there was no snow in most of Europe from Christmas until April. There were no snow machines. Now, there are few resorts that cannot support skiing, even in the worst of winters.

I find great difficulty in following the whinging/disappointment/regret that snow levels are not 1/2m deep in every resort in Europe. It is nature. We must all learn to ski with nature.

I refuse to consider the idea of "going high" as a panacea to all ski holiday planning. If subsequently, a bad weather Euro winter occurs, the high pistes are ultra packed.

I plan my skiing based around, like many others, villages where I have a strong affiliation. I also plan visits to other places, where I have an interest, skiing, local interest, painting possibilities.

I would also add that over the years, I have lost far more ski hours in high resorts due to adverse high mountain weather, than I have lost in low resorts.

I wonder if this might rate as a gentle Rant?

That was Didier Cuche

MogulMonkey wrote:did someone tie their shoelaces together! so far from todays stance although still an interesting clip

Just a different technique, MM....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVZzz_RMkao

andyhull wrote:Big deteriation in piste conditions in the last couple of days. They will be desperate foe snow by the beginning of next week. So glad we're here now and have ok conditions. Never known January snow like this.

Jan 2001, Jan 2007 both much much worse.
I don't think the snow is bad. (I guess I am thinking north facing areas, which is where I ski).
It will freshen up early next week.

Courage, mon amis!

I disagree with much stuff here. As long as you can ski down to the resort, it's all hunky dory. Good skiers should be able to ski in all conditions. Thanks to top class grooming, morning runs are brilliant, afternoon runs are rather more interesting.

At this time of year, north facing resorts get no sun, hence the ground temperatures remain low, and the snow is preserved.

In these places, the snow tends not to soften, but to become more hardpack. So take your skis in, and get the edges sharpened ~ ask for an 87 degree cut. Then ski smoooothly. (Not "agressively", as one guy suggested, a couple of years back)

What's not to like??????

Some good information in this:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/10556567/Skiing-off-piste-why-its-too-dangerous-this-season.html