J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by ise

Hoop wrote:Because the wording of the policies that she deals with (over 150 different policies) state that it's the responsibility of the person, not a more experienced skier who happens to be skiing with them.

Yes, I rather presumed the subtext there was the misapprehension you were better informed than me.

Hoop wrote:If an instructor told a beginner to ski down a black run and they did so and injured themselves or someone else, then the instructor would be liable.

You probably need to think that through, you can't actually have it both ways, either it's your first guess that it's the responsibility of the person or it's your second guess that it's the instructor. If you want to go with the second guess then you might also guess the instructor is liable as there is established a duty of care, you might then make some guesses about other situations where a duty of care would be presumed.

Hoop wrote:
ise

Who are you insured with for that. The missus is in insurance and is a little confused by your post.

why is she confused?

Trencher wrote:It's interesting how many types of snow can be on the road. It varies so much with the temperature and humidity. Some snow is like driving on ice and other snow is quite grippy. I find the best test is when I've slowed down for some reason, I'll spin the wheels a little as I accelerate to get a feel for it. When the going is really bad and slow, the vehicle stability system can cause problems with sudden loss of power to the wheels, especially when in four wheel drive. Then it gets turned off.

Trencher

that's the trouble with some traction control sometimes, on 2WD it often works by braking the wheels to stop them spinning which doesn't pan out with snow sometimes. with 4WD I rely on momentum to carry me forward until traction is regained, that seems to work better.

hymac580 wrote:Is this thread not getting a bit daft :!: Can we get some perspective.

Before you know it we'll be accusing Hoop of attempted manslaughter/gbh/assault with an offensive skier.

Give the guy a break.

If his mates are inconsiderate/stupid enough to not have lessons ( even experienced skiers have lessons) then that's their problem.

Yes, potentially they could hurt someone else, but to be honest they're far more likely to have a darned good time, and maybe crash into each other :!:

Graham

But that's exactly how the law does actually work both that an individual can be held liable and that someone who's supervising other people with or without relevant qualifications can be held liable. There's a particular danger that an experienced skier with inexperienced skiers can be judged to have some liability. It's a danger I'm aware of and I'm actually insured for it.

Hoop wrote:Thanks for the link. Good advice there.

On the point of chains...what are the roads around Chamonix likely to be like end of January? I'd expect the roads around a town to be salted, or whetever, but having never been to the alps, I'm not 100% sure. Am I likely to need chains in that area?

It's a major route into Chamonix so it's cleared. The side roads aren't treated, salt into the water course would kill the local flora and fauna so it's used sparingly. If you're planning to drive around you'll need chains really as a precaution.

Ian Wickham wrote:I don't think my knee's are up to moguls anymore, but you can have my 25p to put ise in a skin suit. 8)

it could happen, there was some talk of doing the PdG 2010

getjim wrote:Yep. Opens 20th December. Most of the text is pasted from the Grindelwald website so I think a bit of literary license has been used in the descriptors.

Looking at the Zip Rider site it looks like the seats and their harness system are patented but they do look like a working at height type seat.
There's a self braking system fitted as well. :shock: so it's a totally hands free sytem, just open the gate and off you go.

brilliant, bring back photo's :D

I found this rather good link :

http://www.rospa.com/drivertraining/winter/index.htm

Some good advice there I think. In addition to the stuff they suggest I also have :

old shell jacket and trousers for putting chains on or anything that get me out of the car.

a couple of pairs of gloves.

a soft brush, it's the quickest way to get snow of the car.

Driving around today is really hard, the roads into our village are not treated and the one I was using this morning isn't cleared either. To echo what they say at ROSPA, getting into the right gear is crucial, once you're on an awkward slope changing gear is pretty hard as you can momentarily lose traction especially trying to change down. I find the rev' limiter in second is high enough I can drive in second on most any slope.

Another tip is not to panic too much if you do skid a bit, it's going to happen and you want to avoid stepping of the gas when it does, if anything a bit more gas and keeping power to wheels can rescue you. Within reason of course, don't accelerate off a cliff. Also, slowing down going up a hill is a bad idea, slow enough and you'll go backwards, a lot of the time momentum is your friend :D

No country on mainland Europe requires you to have chains or winter tyres but individual routes can be closed to people without them, that's the same in all countries (including the UK). Winter tires are fantastic and worth having but you always need chains, winter tyres won't get you quite everywhere. You can gamble on not having them but you may find you miss your flight home :)

Fitting chains isn't so awkward, if you've got your own then a bit of practise helps. You absolutely have to be able to fit chains where you find yourself, once the going gets difficult you may not be able to turn around and it is an offence to drive with chains on tarmac. Similarly, if you come to leave your accommodation at the top of the mountain then that's where you are and that's where you have to fit the chains.

Also, within reason, have some concern for the car behind, if they're fully equipped and not having problems it's polite to let them past, in fact it's a requirement in some places.

Or do what I'm about to do fetching Mrs Ise from the station and take a Subaru Imprezza with winter tyres on it :D