Ski season 2015/16

arleitiss

sorry to drop into middle of thread but don't want to make whole new thread just because of two questions.

1) Is it possible to snowboard in Summer? (Anywhere in the world, I am free to travel, open to suggestions)

2) I am considering getting my own gear (I just came back from Les Arcs and somebody took my snowboard twice by accident so I had to get different one and every time bindings/board were different mix so I was spending half a day adjusting to different setup + those boots they give are pretty worn and I am really hygienic)

I am not sure how to classify my skill level, I can do red slopes, I can control my speed, I can do basic jumps (with no tricks), I enjoy riding alone most of the time, I enjoy just cruising around pistes doing wide turns and especially I enjoy circling around obstacles (like snow machines, poles etc...) I just enjoy making random turns in general + I am trying to learn carving.

I am not crazy about flying down at full speed making back flips.

I need board size to be 160+ and to be wide.


Is there any decent online shop/place that sells boards and has good detailed description for each?

Jasnah

You can do summer snowboarding on the European glaciers in places like Tignes. Otherwise, you can do a season in the souther hemisphere as their winter is our summer – New Zealand, Australia and South America are the principal choices.

cormee

arleitiss wrote: »

sorry to drop into middle of thread but don't want to make whole new thread just because of two questions.

1) Is it possible to snowboard in Summer? (Anywhere in the world, I am free to travel, open to suggestions)

2) I am considering getting my own gear (I just came back from Les Arcs and somebody took my snowboard twice by accident so I had to get different one and every time bindings/board were different mix so I was spending half a day adjusting to different setup + those boots they give are pretty worn and I am really hygienic)

I am not sure how to classify my skill level, I can do red slopes, I can control my speed, I can do basic jumps (with no tricks), I enjoy riding alone most of the time, I enjoy just cruising around pistes doing wide turns and especially I enjoy circling around obstacles (like snow machines, poles etc...) I just enjoy making random turns in general + I am trying to learn carving.

I am not crazy about flying down at full speed making back flips.

I need board size to be 160+ and to be wide.


Is there any decent online shop/place that sells boards and has good detailed description for each?

I'd definitely recommend getting your own gear, you'll notice the difference in quality straight away, and you can fine-tune it to suit your own requirements. I got Flow bindings, and I love them, you can step in and out in seconds, no sitting on your ass in the snow strapping in. My setup is an Arbor Element board, Flow NX2-SE bindings and Burton Moto boots, the board and the bindings are only a year old, and I love them, can't fault either. The boots are cheap & cheerful, entry-level, so they're next on my list of things to replace.

If you're getting your own gear you'll also need a snowboard bag, consider one that holds your boots, with wheels. Mine is a Dakine, it's fine but it has no wheels which can be very tiring. Also, get one that is longer than your board, for the extra storage. Aer Lingus have a 23kg allowance for snowboards, if you get a bag that's big enough you'll be able to fit everything (including your clothes, toiletries etc.)you need, for the week, into your board bag and your carry-on luggage. That means you'll onyl be paying €10 extra e/w to get your gear on the pane, compared to the standard luggage charges.

If you're buying your own gear go to the independent review sites for impartial reviews, don't rely on the manufacturers', or shops' opinions, for obvious reasons.

"I need board size to be 160+ and to be wide. "
I'm 6'3"/15 stone, my feet are size 11.5, my board is only 159 and is regular width, there is overhang but I don't think I've ever come a cropper because of it. So if you see a board you like, that is narrow, you can consider boots with a smaller footprint (most brands have at least one type of boot that have smaller footprints) to compensate for the narrowness. Don't focus on recommended board widths/board heights religiously.

stevire

Just back from Mayrhofen, must have been one of the best weeks of the season for snow, amazing conditions. Base is still thin in areas but given how the season started it was miles better than I expected.

Diemos

arleitiss wrote: »

1) Is it possible to snowboard in Summer? (Anywhere in the world, I am free to travel, open to suggestions)

2) I am considering getting my own gear (I just came back from Les Arcs and somebody took my snowboard twice by accident so I had to get different one and every time bindings/board were different mix so I was spending half a day adjusting to different setup + those boots they give are pretty worn and I am really hygienic)

I need board size to be 160+ and to be wide.

Is there any decent online shop/place that sells boards and has good detailed description for each?

New Zealand seems to be the summer destination of choice.

I'm assuming you've done your home work and are a size 11+ to want a mid wide board. Bluetomato.com and absolutesnow.co.uk are good websites for gear, evo.com in the states is great but with the weakness in the euro and shipping cost it may make the site unfeasible. Don't skimp on boots. You may not have to get a full set up, I know a number of people who own just boots. As for the wrong board being taken form the rack, I've seen that many times, I've seen one woman who had taken 2 different skis (one blue, one orange), neither of which were hers. Most of the time it's stupidity not theft. Get small cable lock that you can carry easily, if someone really want to steal your gear they'll be able to but it's a deterrent and it stops the stupid walk offs. These are great, these are awful.

arleitiss wrote: »

I am not sure how to classify my skill level, I can do red slopes, I can control my speed, I can do basic jumps (with no tricks), I enjoy riding alone most of the time, I enjoy just cruising around pistes doing wide turns and especially I enjoy circling around obstacles (like snow machines, poles etc...) I just enjoy making random turns in general + I am trying to learn carving.

I am not crazy about flying down at full speed making back flips.

Try not to ride alone, never do it off piste. If you are riding alone make sure someone knows where you are riding and when you expect to be back.
It sounds like you would benefit from a more advanced group class. I sounds like you have ability but you are doing newb things (taking up the whole run (if that's what you mean by wide turns), and riding around equipment(snow canons)) are no no's. An advanced group would give you some pointers on mountain etiquette and tighten up holes in your game.

Hope that helps.

d2ww

stevire wrote: »

Just back from Mayrhofen, must have been one of the best weeks of the season for snow, amazing conditions. Base is still thin in areas but given how the season started it was miles better than I expected.

Was in the Skiwelt/Kitzbuhel area the same week, and have to say the lack of altitude compared to Mayrhofen, made conditions pure slush on the lower half of the mountains in the afternoons. Between that, and the underlying icy conditions it made for a testing enough week.

lbj666

arleitiss wrote: »

sorry to drop into middle of thread but don't want to make whole new thread just because of two questions.

1) Is it possible to snowboard in Summer? (Anywhere in the world, I am free to travel, open to suggestions)

2) I am considering getting my own gear (I just came back from Les Arcs and somebody took my snowboard twice by accident so I had to get different one and every time bindings/board were different mix so I was spending half a day adjusting to different setup + those boots they give are pretty worn and I am really hygienic)

I am not sure how to classify my skill level, I can do red slopes, I can control my speed, I can do basic jumps (with no tricks), I enjoy riding alone most of the time, I enjoy just cruising around pistes doing wide turns and especially I enjoy circling around obstacles (like snow machines, poles etc...) I just enjoy making random turns in general + I am trying to learn carving.

I am not crazy about flying down at full speed making back flips.

I need board size to be 160+ and to be wide.


Is there any decent online shop/place that sells boards and has good detailed description for each?

With the wide board thing, it probably not that big a deal for a big lad but you could get away with a normal board with the right boots.

So burton boast that the outer footprint of their boots is a size smaller than everyone else.

So if you 11.5 normal shoes, boards boots usual mean a size or half size smaller so 10.5 or 11. With burtons you d have the outer size of a 9.5 or 10 in other brands which is enough for a reg. Width board.

So my advise is get the boots right and go to shop to make sure they fit properly doesn't have to be burtons, so that usually means snow and rock but they will be limited in stock to try now. So might have to leave the boots til say december when they have their new stock in.

Once you have the boots sorted you can see what width board you can get away with.

arleitiss

Diemos wrote: »

New Zealand seems to be the summer destination of choice.

I'm assuming you've done your home work and are a size 11+ to want a mid wide board. Bluetomato.com and absolutesnow.co.uk are good websites for gear, evo.com in the states is great but with the weakness in the euro and shipping cost it may make the site unfeasible. Don't skimp on boots. You may not have to get a full set up, I know a number of people who own just boots. As for the wrong board being taken form the rack, I've seen that many times, I've seen one woman who had taken 2 different skis (one blue, one orange), neither of which were hers. Most of the time it's stupidity not theft. Get small cable lock that you can carry easily, if someone really want to steal your gear they'll be able to but it's a deterrent and it stops the stupid walk offs. These are great, these are awful.



Try not to ride alone, never do it off piste. If you are riding alone make sure someone knows where you are riding and when you expect to be back.
It sounds like you would benefit from a more advanced group class. I sounds like you have ability but you are doing newb things (taking up the whole run (if that's what you mean by wide turns), and riding around equipment(snow canons)) are no no's. An advanced group would give you some pointers on mountain etiquette and tighten up holes in your game.

Hope that helps.

The reason people take my snowboard usually is because rentals give out pretty much same color/pattern/binding set boards and people don't bother checking barcodes on them assuming it's theirs.

arleitiss

Diemos wrote: »

New Zealand seems to be the summer destination of choice.

I'm assuming you've done your home work and are a size 11+ to want a mid wide board. Bluetomato.com and absolutesnow.co.uk are good websites for gear, evo.com in the states is great but with the weakness in the euro and shipping cost it may make the site unfeasible. Don't skimp on boots. You may not have to get a full set up, I know a number of people who own just boots. As for the wrong board being taken form the rack, I've seen that many times, I've seen one woman who had taken 2 different skis (one blue, one orange), neither of which were hers. Most of the time it's stupidity not theft. Get small cable lock that you can carry easily, if someone really want to steal your gear they'll be able to but it's a deterrent and it stops the stupid walk offs. These are great, these are awful.



Try not to ride alone, never do it off piste. If you are riding alone make sure someone knows where you are riding and when you expect to be back.
It sounds like you would benefit from a more advanced group class. I sounds like you have ability but you are doing newb things (taking up the whole run (if that's what you mean by wide turns), and riding around equipment(snow canons)) are no no's. An advanced group would give you some pointers on mountain etiquette and tighten up holes in your game.

Hope that helps.

I am not qualified to go off piste even with a group yet

DoraDelite

Just back from Tignes, conditions were some of the best I've ever been in. Skied powder pretty much all week

T-b0n3

DoraDelite wrote: »

Just back from Tignes, conditions were some of the best I've ever been in. Skied powder pretty much all week

Great to hear. I'm heading off on Saturday to Tignes. Staying in Val Claret. Any tips or places to go would be appreciated. I've never been to Tignes before.

Thanks

Diemos

@T-b0n3: It's a great resort.
Are you driving or bus-ing it?
Renting gear or have your own gear?
ski/ride .... blue/red runs / park / off piste / lessons etc.
Want to know where to eat / drink / party.

DoraDelite

T-b0n3 wrote: »

Great to hear. I'm heading off on Saturday to Tignes. Staying in Val Claret. Any tips or places to go would be appreciated. I've never been to Tignes before.

Thanks

It was my first time in Tignes also, stayed in Val Claret. found it a bit pricey compared to where I normally go and not all that lively. went down to Le Lacs for a couple of evenings, had a good night in a little bar called the Jam Bar and another place called TCs. Up in Val Claret, Couloir had a decent happy hour but was quiet enough. I didn't do any real late ones so don't know what places were open for afters!

Lift queues in the morning were a bit mad and some mornings only the Tichot lift was open due to Avi bombing until about 10:30am (the lift thing will depend on conditions). Take no prisoners in the lift queue!!

kal7

Just back from Flaine, great week.

Very quiet apres, but only get to ski 6 days a year, so don't mind that so much.

Lovely atmosphere in resort.

Snow was great but wind closed links and lift a few days.

Black runs mainly closed.

Love the sound of avalanche clearance in mornings.

T-b0n3

Diemos wrote: »

@T-b0n3: It's a great resort.
Are you driving or bus-ing it?
Renting gear or have your own gear?
ski/ride .... blue/red runs / park / off piste / lessons etc.
Want to know where to eat / drink / party.

Busing it.
I have my own boots but will be renting skis.
Ski reds/blacks/a bit off piste. Wont be doing lessons.
Yes any tips or where to eat?

DoraDelite wrote: »

It was my first time in Tignes also, stayed in Val Claret. found it a bit pricey compared to where I normally go and not all that lively. went down to Le Lacs for a couple of evenings, had a good night in a little bar called the Jam Bar and another place called TCs. Up in Val Claret, Couloir had a decent happy hour but was quiet enough. I didn't do any real late ones so don't know what places were open for afters!

Lift queues in the morning were a bit mad and some mornings only the Tichot lift was open due to Avi bombing until about 10:30am (the lift thing will depend on conditions). Take no prisoners in the lift queue!!

Glad you had a good time, thanks for the tips. We'll make sure to be out early in the morning to avoid the queues

Diemos

T-b0n3 wrote: »

Busing it.
I have my own boots but will be renting skis.
Ski reds/blacks/a bit off piste. Wont be doing lessons.
Yes any tips or where to eat?

Try to pre book your skis online, even this late you can save serious dough.
There are a few nice red and blacks on the very right hand side of the map, up the Tichot chair, there are a large number of off piste options in that area too. (needless to say take care off piste)
Things get congested in the centre of the piste map, when you run to either edge of the map it gets very quiet.

We ate in a lot, but we did try Brasserie du Petit Savoyard, was terrible.
Le Kiosk, right beside Tichot and Fresse / Bollin lifts was lovely.
SOS Pizza (I think it was called) is hidden under an arch way here did pretty good pizza.
And We drank in La Krepouz (just beside SOS pizza and Brasserie du Petit Savoyard) did nice nacho's (I was drunk though)
And we ate and drank here a lot too. New Paatille Cafe, I think it was our favourite hang out by the end of the week.

masseyno9

Haven't been out this year as much as last. Had 4 days on the skis so far and Friday was my first on my board this year. Spent the day recovering from a hangover and riding the chutes at Kicking horse. Get off a lift, ride along a ridge and drop when it looks good, repeat. Great day! Needless to say, the hangover didn't last long! Should check my base soon...there were a few unmistakable noises as I came down the chutes. CPR Ridge, Redemption ridge and Feuz bowl on this image are the main spots we hit. Didn't fancy the hike to T1 or T2, but did see some guys on skis absolutely sending it off some big cliff drops, which was cool. http://www.snow-forecast.com/system/images/6591/large/Kicking-Horse.jpg?1295562215

Weather has been unseasonably warm in the City this year, and even the mountains haven't been getting a lot of snow, but sstill hoping to get out a few more times before the end of the season. Lake Louise have a big park built and Sunshine Village have a sweet rail park built for some competition coming up soon, so might go check them out.

Diemos

Can anyone tell me what the weight limit is for a snowboard bag with Ryanair?
it says they can't legally carry over 32kg but I'd be amazed if that's the limit, I just can't find it.

Thanks.

DoraDelite

Diemos wrote: »

Can anyone tell me what the weight limit is for a snowboard bag with Ryanair?
it says they can't legally carry over 32kg but I'd be amazed if that's the limit, I just can't find it.

Thanks.

20KG and strict about it :mad:

Fattes

One of those days today and still snowing

a148pro

Wow! Deep!

Light? And what have you got underfoot? Was in Madesimo last weekend, was very deep too but could not get a decent rental shop

Had those soul 7s last time I got Powder and they were fantastic. Tempted to buy them after last weeks experience.

Fattes

a148pro wrote: »

Wow! Deep!

Light? And what have you got underfoot? Was in Madesimo last weekend, was very deep too but could not get a decent rental shop

Had those soul 7s last time I got Powder and they were fantastic. Tempted to buy them after last weeks experience.

New Soul 7'S for next season so you will get some cheap at the start of next year, although the will be in demand.

I'm Sponsored, Currently on Salomon Rocker 2, 122 under foot. Changing at the end of the season on to Stockli Stormrider Pro 115. A lot of new tech that is allowing companies too, make smaller skis that still float and provide the same stability without the size.

Yeah still snowing here so tomorrow will be even deeper! Most of those photos are taking at quite low level today to allow for better viz.

a148pro

Fattes wrote: »

New Soul 7'S for next season so you will get some cheap at the start of next year, although the will be in demand.

I'm Sponsored, Currently on Salomon Rocker 2, 122 under foot. Changing at the end of the season on to Stockli Stormrider Pro 115. A lot of new tech that is allowing companies too, make smaller skis that still float and provide the same stability without the size.

Yeah still snowing here so tomorrow will be even deeper! Most of those photos are taking at quite low level today to allow for better viz.

As in I'll be able to pick up the older model for less or the newer model will be on offer for cheaper after it launches?

What is the new technology that makes them smaller? Are we approaching one ski quivver?

You still in Engelberg? Looks to have had a ridiculously good season

Fattes

a148pro wrote: »

As in I'll be able to pick up the older model for less or the newer model will be on offer for cheaper after it launches?

What is the new technology that makes them smaller? Are we approaching one ski quivver?

You still in Engelberg? Looks to have had a ridiculously good season

Yeah you will pick up last years cheaper, in September big graphic redesign on the new one.some small torsional changes in the core.

One ski quiver nah it will always be two skis at least its good engenering and designs they ate using new materials and shapes to improve them

Fattes

Yeah still here hard to understand why I wont leave when I have morning like this with great friends

Fattes

Some of me today

Fattes

We were meant to shoot some tech video yesterday but well

Just incase it does not load for anyone else here is the link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StoMxJWENQQ

AlternateID

This is Sascha Hamm from the UK in yesterday's FWT at Fieberbrunn. Very lucky chap. Injured but could of been so much worse.

edson

Hey,

I'm heading to Kaprun this weekend, anyone else out there or heading there?

edson.

hawkwind23

Fattes wrote: »

Some of me today

Nice to see you posting again , even if it is those "look at the view from my office today shots"

Seifer

Back from an off-piste week in Les Arcs with the UCPA and had a great time. It dumped snow the Friday night of the weekend I arrived which set up a week of great conditions.
Skied the powder next to the slopes on Sunday in poor visibility but as the week went on the clouds dispersed and it was just blue skies. The instructor managed to find us at least a couple of powder turns every day; even on the Friday.
Les Arcs UCPA centre is fairly modern with ski in / out location. There is plenty to do on piste as well with a wide variety of runs. Definitely recommend.

a148pro

Sorry can't talk, have to go skiing again

AlternateID

a148pro wrote: »

Sorry can't talk, have to go skiing again

Muhaha me too. Boards are waxed and bags almost packed. Two weeks in the snow awaits me.

Diemos

My boards are tuned and waxed but just to be put away.
Gutted but I managed to get 2 great weeks in this year.

a148pro

Diemos wrote: »

My boards are tuned and waxed but just to be put away.
Gutted but I managed to get 2 great weeks in this year.

Feeling similarly happy with myself as I finish for the season. Got three short breaks in, including 70 cm plus powder fest and introducing three year old to slopes this week (he ****ing loved it, totally his daddy's son). Very happy now. Probably will only get one and a half trips next year with new sprogs incoming but it's all good.

cormee

You all seemed to do very well for yourselves. I only got one trip away this year, and the second trip is officially off, as of today.

*sigh*

Still, only 304 days, 12 hours and 40 minutes to my next trip.

Think I'll go lay out my board and all my gear in the spare room. Maybe back-to-front this time.

a148pro

cormee wrote: »

Still, only 304 days, 12 hours and 40 minutes to my next trip.

Cormee I can guarantee you you are the only downloader of that app who has it set for 300 days plus away, fair play!

I had 9 and a half days on the slopes and two and a half of them involved me snow ploughing with a three year old between my legs so you're doing well enough with your week in 3vs, don't worry. All in all a good season after a very slow start I think.

a148pro

Actually how do you know when you're going next year already?

stecleary

a148pro wrote: »

Actually how do you know when you're going next year already?

because he's already booked it???

cormee

stecleary wrote: »

because he's already booked it???

No, not yet. It's just an approximate time/date, based on this year's holiday. It gives me something to live for. :rolleyes:

Might try for a weekend in October though, Hintertux or the likes.

Timmaay

cormee wrote: »

No, not yet. It's just an approximate time/date, based on this year's holiday. It gives me something to live for. :rolleyes:

Might try for a weekend in October though, Hintertux or the likes.

Any 2nd trip hopes gone here also, but likewise defo wouldn't say no to a last minute trip in October etc, likes if Tignes/VT with a glacier, usually 70e return flights, hire a car, and everything else cheap as it's outa season.

Need a summer holiday to look forward to now, after being in Chamonix I actually wouldn't say no to a week hiking and Mtbing back around there (not chamonix town again tho), but make it up mount blanc etc! Anyone done anything similar?

a148pro

Timmaay wrote: »

Any 2nd trip hopes gone here also, but likewise defo wouldn't say no to a last minute trip in October etc, likes if Tignes/VT with a glacier, usually 70e return flights, hire a car, and everything else cheap as it's outa season.

Need a summer holiday to look forward to now, after being in Chamonix I actually wouldn't say no to a week hiking and Mtbing back around there (not chamonix town again tho), but make it up mount blanc etc! Anyone done anything similar?

No but a good few of the ski resorts remodel themselves as mountain bike destinations in summer, adapt the lifts to take bikes. Say it could be great. Chamonix very much a year round destination because of the climbing.

Mont blanc not as easy as it looks. Technically easy but you need to be Lucky with weather and conditions.

lbj666

a148pro wrote: »

No but a good few of the ski resorts remodel themselves as mountain bike destinations in summer, adapt the lifts to take bikes. Say it could be great. Chamonix very much a year round destination because of the climbing.

Mont blanc not as easy as it looks. Technically easy but you need to be Lucky with weather and conditions.

Generally morzine Les gets is known for the best bike park in France. Although depend what yer looking for, if it's touring around and soaking in scenery instead of bombing down trails other places may prove better.

AlternateID

I'm in Mayrhofen on my second trip of the year. Just started our second week here. Pension is now empty. Mate and I are the last two guests here for the season. Snowed a few days ago allowing for a tour off piste. Nearly killed me with exhaustion.

What to do when I get home. hmmmmm

Kaisr Sose

Anybody in St Anton at the moment? Here solo till Thursday and would be nice to ski a few runs with somebody :-)

cormee

Just booked Chamonix for next Thursday-Tuesday. Never been this late in the season before, so I hope it's OK!

prunudo

cormee wrote: »

Just booked Chamonix for next Thursday-Tuesday. Never been this late in the season before, so I hope it's OK!

You Bleep Bleep Bleep bleep :pac:
I need to get my act together, 1 week a year isn't enough

cormee

jvan wrote: »

You Bleep Bleep Bleep bleep :pac:
I need to get my act together, 1 week a year isn't enough

Hah, I've gone from, no holiday planned until next year, to holiday booked in the space of 24 hours. So am feeling a little pleased with myself at the moment 26cm of snow forecast for Friday night too!

Time to dig out the board, it had been packed away for the year.

Fattes

Agh finally some quiet time and a chance to free the heel and get some Tele turns in

Dero

cormee wrote: »

Just booked Chamonix for next Thursday-Tuesday. Never been this late in the season before, so I hope it's OK!

Haha, good man. Is Stephen going as well? I know the thoughts of no second trip was killing him...