Latest posts for the topic "Is there any shame in....."

Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:03:38 GMT

Having a day off??

I'm bloody knackered after the last two days skiing. My calves feel like they will never work again. I could hardly walk this morning. I managed about an hour today and came back to the hotel, got changed and now spending the pm in the bar.
Do you think this is the thing to do or should I ski through the pain barrier??

We only have 6 days and I feel I am wasting one :-(

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:09:54 GMT

No, it's a holiday. Do what you want to do - and enjoy yourself. If that means a relaxing day, then so be it! Over the years, I've taken the odd afternoon off, particularly on a two-week trip.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:17:40 GMT

Agreed. If you don't feel like skiing, then don't!

You are more likely to lose your technique and injure yourself when you are tired and your muscles ache. It's your body telling you that it needs the rest.

Me, personally, have never had that problem. I'm reasonably fit and have very strong legs which enables me to ski 7 hours a day, for the whole week.

For your next ski trip, you'll know to put the hours in getting your strength and fitness up.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:00:58 GMT

Well it has it's compensations. Stella Artois.
To be fair it's not just the skiing it's the skiing with the family. Walking from hotel to lifts in ski boots and carrying skis is bad enough up hill without having to carry the kids skis as well.
Then I have dump the lot and go back and do it all again for the mrs.

Sometimes you feel knackered before hitting the first lift.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:14:13 GMT

How are you finding your new skis? The Blackeyes if I remember :)

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:32:04 GMT

Far Queue wrote:How are you finding your new skis? The Blackeyes if I remember :)

They are great, I'm loving them.
They are a touch longer than I have skied before but they don't feel it.
They turn great, very forgiving. I've caught an edge many times and managed to stay upright so I'm happy about that.
I've not been off piste with them, so I can't comment on that. But there is knee deep powder to be found, I just wish I was at a level where I dare try them out.

Sadly they are already scratched up and I've been soooo tempted to punch the twats that find it soooo acceptable to ski all over my tails in lift queues.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:39:53 GMT

Snapzzz wrote: Walking from hotel to lifts in ski boots and carrying skis is bad enough up hill without having to carry the kids skis as well.
Then I have dump the lot and go back and do it all again for the mrs.

Five year olds and up are quite capable of carrying their own skis. If they complain, offer to carry theirs if they will carry yours.

Good idea on the short day though. It's not fun when you can't ski your best, and you are much more likely to hurt yourself when you are tired.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:43:39 GMT

Enjoy your holiday but ...... what a wasted day :twisted:

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:54:34 GMT

No shame, no waste. Your holiday is what you want it to be. However...

My calves feel like they will never work again. I could hardly walk this morning.

I read this and think, new skis, new bindings, new RAMP ANGLE )

Do you feel you are skiing on tiptoe?

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:58:13 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:

Sadly they are already scratched up and I've been soooo tempted to punch the twats that find it soooo acceptable to ski all over my tails in lift queues.

Hippos have no problem keeping people off the tails of their skis!!!

Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:31:38 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:Having a day off??

I'm bloody knackered after the last two days skiing. My calves feel like they will never work again. I could hardly walk this morning. I managed about an hour today and came back to the hotel, got changed and now spending the pm in the bar.
Do you think this is the thing to do or should I ski through the pain barrier??

We only have 6 days and I feel I am wasting one :-(

No! What do you think this is? A Holiday?

Seriously the only thing I'd say about not going out is check the weather forecast, you don't want to miss a nice sunny day only to then have a storm hit the next day.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:50:40 GMT

bandit wrote:No shame, no waste. Your holiday is what you want it to be. However...

My calves feel like they will never work again. I could hardly walk this morning.

I read this and think, new skis, new bindings, new RAMP ANGLE )

Do you feel you are skiing on tiptoe?

No, bandit....they feel fine. Im guessing that i am just totally unfit. In fact i know i am.
The most exercise i have had in recent months is walking back and forth to the wine rack.

Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:55:50 GMT

andyhull wrote:

Snapzzz wrote:Having a day off??

I'm bloody knackered after the last two days skiing. My calves feel like they will never work again. I could hardly walk this morning. I managed about an hour today and came back to the hotel, got changed and now spending the pm in the bar.
Do you think this is the thing to do or should I ski through the pain barrier??

We only have 6 days and I feel I am wasting one :-(

No! What do you think this is? A Holiday?

Seriously the only thing I'd say about not going out is check the weather forecast, you don't want to miss a nice sunny day only to then have a storm hit the next day.

Weather looks good for tomorrow. Snow returns from thurs.

Im going to get the first lift up to Pic Blanc in the morn and see how the Sarenne looks. I've heard its not really a black apart from the first bit.
I've never done a black before..... eek

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:07:21 GMT

Heres a pic from this morning.
I know it will offend many seeing as i have my new helmet on......AND sunglasses with it! OMG i must look a totally nerd to some.....especially Tony. :-)

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:54:05 GMT

Snapzzzzy is not nerd .... you look cool :wink:

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:51:36 GMT

Enjoy the Sarenne - remember it flattens out into a path after the first quarter or so - very important to keep a bit of pace, otherwise you'll grind to a halt (like all the snowboarders do!)

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:29:19 GMT

Great run, it turns into a path after about 12km. There are two or three bits that are black, especially if it's not been pisted for a day or two.
After that it's just a glorious cruise.
Fantastic little restaurant towards the end of the path bit, stop for a hot chocolate, you'll have earned it.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:00:48 GMT

Hi Snapzzz,
I can just imagine how annoying that is, having to take a rest in the middle of an expensive ski holiday!

My legs ached once, walking back up the stairs in the chalet, because I hadn't worked hard enough at my ski exercises before I went. And I was really cross with myself for being so lazy and stupid :evil:

Luckily for me it was only a 3 day ski holiday anyway, so I managed the last day okay and then I told myself that I'd never be so unprepared again. But here I am, 4 days from a 7 day ski holiday, and yet again I know I am not fit enough. I am thinking about putting myself in a lower class, so that my legs can cope. I find it less hard on my legs if I ski slower on the easier slopes. Steeper slopes, moguls, and powder, or ice, I find harder on my legs.

So maybe you need to stick to the easier slopes for a couple of days until your legs have adjusted to the extra work load?

And, have you tried a massage? I never have, but I know other people who find it helps a lot with aching muscles.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery and I hope you have a great time :D

Ally

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:45:29 GMT

Unless its alcohol inflicted from the night before then yes you should be ashamed.

:lol:

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:55:50 GMT

Nice nutty!

What is your pole doing on the pic?

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:47:34 GMT

Iceman wrote:Nice nutty!

What is your pole doing on the pic?

Holding the camera

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:16:59 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:Heres a pic from this morning.
I know it will offend many seeing as i have my new helmet on......AND sunglasses with it! OMG i must look a totally nerd to some.....especially Tony. :-)

Looking good big fella.
Snow looks fantastic as well.
But a day off? Come on, sort yourself out ;-)

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:51:43 GMT

Yeah I have to agree.... It is a holiday BUT you can rest all you want on an evening.... Just go steady. But don't carry on if you think you might injure yourself....

Great pics... Looks fantastic. I want to go sooooo bad but can't. So enjoy....

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:35 GMT

Eat less and exercise more = not waisting your money going on a ski holiday to sit in a bar for the day. :oops:

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:09:55 GMT

Skiing when you need a day off is a sure fire way of injuring yourself and putting an early end to your season. Most of the incidents or near misses I've had have been due to fatigue.

I like the massage idea, but have never tried it.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:24:19 GMT

steverandomno wrote:Skiing when you need a day off is a sure fire way of injuring yourself and putting an early end to your season. Most of the incidents or near misses I've had have been due to fatigue.

I like the massage idea, but have never tried it.

Then for me the way round that one would be ski all days but ski less during the day .... 8)

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:26:40 GMT

steverandomno wrote:Skiing when you need a day off is a sure fire way of injuring yourself and putting an early end to your season. Most of the incidents or near misses I've had have been due to fatigue.

I like the massage idea, but have never tried it.

I too like the massage thing but again have never tried it , knowing my luck I would get the Sumo wrestler .... :lol:

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:33:07 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:

Then for me the way round that one would be ski all days but ski less during the day .... 8)

I find that I don't enjoy more than 4 days in a row and need a break. I have tried the half day, but it never ends up being just half a day... :D

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:44:20 GMT

Returning to work is when you recover. Best recovering in someone elses time I feel. Just leave the slopes early one day and retire to a bar for a Vine Chaud or three )

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:15:27 GMT

I am not fit by any means but I ski through the pain barrier and take those extra breaks for a coffee if you need it, but miss a day Naaaahhhhhh :lol:

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:01:41 GMT

Snapzzzz,

You have learned a very valuable lesson on this trip.

Prepare before ski trip with;
physical conditioning
good skis
great jacket
great boots !

I often see skiers spend a great deal on money to ski in heli -powder but by Tuesday they are so sore that they have too stay in bed ( even after a two hour spa).

It is too dangerous to ski with "weak" legs, so at least 1 month before ski trip get body ready !

Next time,,,,,

Pavel

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:04:58 GMT

Pain barrier? You're doing something wrong then.

Seems we are split on this issue of a day off. Personally I go on a ski holiday to ski. You can have big lunches, too much drink and an early night anywhere anytime so why waste what I call VST with other unimportant activities? I'll be up the first lift on day 1 and have it off for 6 days solid, and you literally have to force me off the mountain on the last day.

However I'm sure we all like to do things differently, buying just don't get going on a ski holiday and then not skiing?????

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:28:39 GMT

Update!

Well I got up and was first in the queue for the DMC, got myself up to pic blanc.
Following all advice that the sarene is at best only a stiff red I gave it a go.
Remember I have never done a black before.
Bad move.
At the top there is a narrow section that is only about 3 feet wide. When I saw that, bumpy and steep drops off to the side I was in trouble.
No going back....no going forward.
I gave it a go and fell about 100 feet to the mogul field below. I'm sure I have it on gopro too.
Skis came off, lost poles. But managed to slide safely to a stop.
Some kind fella picked up my kit and chased me down.

I was ok, thought I'd broke my finger but it seems ok.

Skis back on I tackled the moguls down to the glacier chair and took it back to the pic blanc and rode the cable car down, slightly shaken.

More shame. The only one in the cable car coming down. Having to push my way out against the crowd going up.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:46:27 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:Update!

Well I got up and was first in the queue for the DMC, got myself up to pic blanc.
Following all advice that the sarene is at best only a stiff red I gave it a go.
Remember I have never done a black before.
Bad move.
At the top there is a narrow section that is only about 3 feet wide. When I saw that, bumpy and steep drops off to the side I was in trouble.
No going back....no going forward.
I gave it a go and fell about 100 feet to the mogul field below. I'm sure I have it on gopro too.
Skis came off, lost poles. But managed to slide safely to a stop.
Some kind fella picked up my kit and chased me down.

I was ok, thought I'd broke my finger but it seems ok.

Skis back on I tackled the moguls down to the glacier chair and took it back to the pic blanc and rode the cable car down, slightly shaken.

More shame. The only one in the cable car coming down. Having to push my way out against the crowd going up.

No shame in that we all have the odd tumble, but remember don't bite off more than you can chew
as it can dent your confidense .... bon ski

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:01:36 GMT

Hi Snapzzz

Love your day to day diary of shame, I do think a bit of Gym is in order before your next trip, Or maybe your body is telling you it's time to start taking a cruise ) ) )

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:05:38 GMT

tonypants wrote:Hi Snapzzz

Love your day to day diary of shame, I do think a bit of Gym is in order before your next trip, Or maybe your body is telling you it's time to start taking a cruise ) ) )

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:39:01 GMT

tonypants wrote:Hi Snapzzz

Love your day to day diary of shame, I do think a bit of Gym is in order before your next trip, Or maybe your body is telling you it's time to start taking a cruise ) ) )

I'm not ready for cruises or ballroom dancing just yet.
My shame will continue as ive just ordered a shandy....who knows what will happen now!

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:14:48 GMT

Hi Snapzzz,
I'm sorry to say it, but I've been enjoying your diary of shame as well :oops:

I expect most people do the same things as you - like get sore legs because they haven't done enough exercise, and get slaughtered on a run that's too difficult for their skill level, but most people don't admit to it. I find your honesty most refreshing. Thank you :D

Best of luck tomorrow, and I will look forward to your update!

Ally

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:50:30 GMT

I am so looking forward to the next episode of Honest Snapzzz Diary of Shame.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:59:58 GMT

AllyG wrote:Hi Snapzzz,
I'm sorry to say it, but I've been enjoying your diary of shame as well :oops:

I expect most people do the same things as you - like get sore legs because they haven't done enough exercise, and get slaughtered on a run that's too difficult for their skill level, but most people don't admit to it. I find your honesty most refreshing. Thank you :D

Best of luck tomorrow, and I will look forward to your update!

Ally

I agree Ally, i suspect most people have moments of shame too....but don't admit to it. I just don't care. xx

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:35:21 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:

AllyG wrote:Hi Snapzzz,
I'm sorry to say it, but I've been enjoying your diary of shame as well :oops:

I expect most people do the same things as you - like get sore legs because they haven't done enough exercise, and get slaughtered on a run that's too difficult for their skill level, but most people don't admit to it. I find your honesty most refreshing. Thank you :D

Best of luck tomorrow, and I will look forward to your update!

Ally

I agree Ally, i suspect most people have moments of shame too....but don't admit to it. I just don't care. xx

Sham never ..... I never use words I can't spell :lol:

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:54:52 GMT

Sorry guys....no shame to report today.

Was up at dawn and hit the first lift into a total white out, i hate that. No trees to run to. The cloud was so thick you could not see the next marker pole.....slightly frightening and nausea inducing.
Anyway its cleared up now and its beautiful. Just enjoying a stella in the sun.
Decided to off ski's for the PM after clocking up some k's this morn. May slip them back on later for the night skiing.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:32:11 GMT

I think it's a good idea to take half or full day off if you're feeling the strain - no sense injuring yourself if you're not 100% one day.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:52:52 GMT

Snapzzz, this is quality reading mate.

Get yourself back up to Pic Blanc at the end of the week and do the Sarenne. Trust me that first little bit is alright, a bit narrow maybe, and you can skirt the mogul field, and after that its easy going cruising. Youll be so pleased you did it.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:10:09 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:Update!

Well I got up and was first in the queue for the DMC, got myself up to pic blanc.
Following all advice that the sarene is at best only a stiff red I gave it a go.
Remember I have never done a black before.
Bad move.
At the top there is a narrow section that is only about 3 feet wide. When I saw that, bumpy and steep drops off to the side I was in trouble.
No going back....no going forward.
I gave it a go and fell about 100 feet to the mogul field below. I'm sure I have it on gopro too.
Skis came off, lost poles. But managed to slide safely to a stop.
Some kind fella picked up my kit and chased me down.

I was ok, thought I'd broke my finger but it seems ok.

Skis back on I tackled the moguls down to the glacier chair and took it back to the pic blanc and rode the cable car down, slightly shaken.

More shame. The only one in the cable car coming down. Having to push my way out against the crowd going up.

You'd completed the tricky bit, that entry can be a bit nasty. The first two sections are certainly black if they were mogulled but once you're past those the rest is much easier.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:33:52 GMT

Tony_H wrote:Snapzzz, this is quality reading mate.

Get yourself back up to Pic Blanc at the end of the week and do the Sarenne. Trust me that first little bit is alright, a bit narrow maybe, and you can skirt the mogul field, and after that its easy going cruising. Youll be so pleased you did it.

+1 to what he said.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:06:55 GMT

Tony_H wrote:Snapzzz, this is quality reading mate.

Get yourself back up to Pic Blanc at the end of the week and do the Sarenne. Trust me that first little bit is alright, a bit narrow maybe, and you can skirt the mogul field, and after that its easy going cruising. Youll be so pleased you did it.

I am tempted.
When you drop down off the Pic Blanc you come to a fork. Left goes along a narrow ledge and right takes you down the glacier. I went left and then as the path narrows i promptly dropped ass first to the moguls below.

if you look at this pic the top red arrow shows where i fell, the second red arrow shows the mogul field i managed to get through ( :-) )
The blue arrow shows the alternative direction.
This pic does not show how steep that first bit is!

Both options do take you to the same point where the converge just above the Marmottes 3 lift, which is where i called time and got the glacier chair back up to Pic Blanc .
Is that really the worst part?

My fear was that i might be faced with another bit like that. That ledge was sooooo narrow, just wide enough for your skis.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:12:34 GMT

Fell at the Ted arrow, thought you were going to say that you rolled to the next arrow!

How did you take that pic? From where I mean..

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:16:11 GMT

Iceman wrote:Fell at the Ted arrow, thought you were going to say that you rolled to the next arrow!

How did you take that pic? From where I mean..

I took it with my iPhone from the glacier chair going back up. The pic really doesn't do it justice. That first red arrow is about 100 foot easily. and to look at it i think...blimey that looks nothing.

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:25:25 GMT

When you come out of the cable car go down the first small steep bit and go right along the narrow stretch and then sharp left down all the way. Its really not to bad at all, my profile picture is taken halfway down the Sarenne. Its steep in places but not really a blkack slope at all.
Go for it man, just dont drop into the moguls as I agree with you its steep and not easy

Re:Is there any shame in.....

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 13:18:05 GMT

Seriously Snapzz, its not a difficult run once youre past the initial narrow bit. I missed that out by skiing offpiste in powder down to the right here, and totally knackered myself out!!! But it was fun.

Get up there and nail it.

Interesting different perspective on the entry into La Sarenne: