J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by verbier_ski_bum

Of course it's helpful in case of head injuries - that's why French made it mandatory for children. I think they based it on figures and made it to reduce heathcare costs as healthcare is free in France. But if the force of fall was enough to break a person's neck it's not helpful that any injury to the head was avoided. That's why I don't like it when people see in helmets their lifesavers. They still need to watch out and ski in control.

I made it up on Friday without any issues, but I noticed at the station that every other train terminated at Martigny instead of continuing to Brig. But a friend took a train 30 min earlier and it was going to Brig as normally. The last train to Chable leaves Martigny at 9.20 so if you arrive later you'll need a cab, but if delay is cause by CFF/SBB they pay for it or organise a bus service.

When was the public transport disruption? There was some problem with the rail tracks around Saxon, but it didn't affect transport to Verbier since Saxon is past Martigny. In any case when there is a problem with trains CFF just bus the passangers across the problem stretch.We missed the train to Chable once because the train from Geneva was late and as it was the last train that day CFF paid for the taxi for everyone. I am going tomorrow straight from the office. Really looking forward. I enjoyed quiet slopes last weekend:)

Oh no, November is a poor indicator. Talked to locals who have been living in the mountains all their lives and they all say that as a general rule "early winter = bad winter". There might be exceptions but when it started dumping last October they didn't look very enthusiastic. Too early to last till April. And it didn't in many places.

Keeping fingers crossed. Plenty has fallen but i wouldn't mind at least couple more storms. Moguls are getting big (though they provide better workout like that and keep you warm in this weather;))

I don't get any aches from piste at all now even that my daily skis have 94mm waist and are fairly stiff, but first few proper off-piste runs make me feel my legs the next day, usually calves and lowe core muscles, and sometimes shoulders from aggressive pole planting and really leaning on poles. I think because the rotary movement is still relatively new for me. But as I found out this is all nothing compared to bootpacking in the snow uphill. But I don't get tired while skiing powder at all now because my skis ski themselves:)

I stayed near Brevent couple years ago and think there is the bus stop close to Brevent, on the same street as Hotel Alpina. you can also get a train to Les Houches. You should be able to find all or most information you need at resort's website www.chamonix.net including bus's timetables, routes and bus stop locations.

I agree that camber serves a purpose, that's why fully-rockered skis will only occupy a fairly tight niche. But more and more skis adopt some sort of rocker and there is a clear trend. Let's see if it ever appears in race skis...