J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by bandit

Simplyyourholidays wrote:Hi,
Verbier is always a great option. Plenty of easy slopes and loads to do off the slopes.
David

Just a shame that it's nowhere near Zurich eh -)

SwingBeep wrote:Wot no Dendix?

Do Swiss know what that is? I reckon it would work quite well, for skiers and walkers down a steep path :D

Rusty, I hope you get this sorted out easily. If you need further help, then the UK Consumer Direct Service should point you in the right direction, as you made your Contract in the UK and UK Law applies.

Also Swiss seem to be in breach of the advertising standards for the UK. Remember the ASA motto "legal, decent, honest, truthful"
Anyone can make a complaint to the ASA. I did so many years ago, and it was pursued by the ASA. The organisation who published the advert received a published reprimand.

Tell your Credit Card co that you have paid for a service and not received it, and then go into dispute, based on the contract you made when you booked the flight (as including ski carriage was part of the contract)

Let us know how you get on. Do not let them get away with it!

The concrete slab path down to the front door has been cleared of snow. No skiing onto the doorstep for me :roll:

Tony, Dids1 you can rent Shovels, Probes and Transceivers in most decent ski shops. If you are flying with the kit, a Transceiver should go in your hand baggage, probe and shovel in your hold baggage. Shovel is quite useful for protecting stuff in the case!
Got the chance to test this out locally last year when my OH left his Transceiver in the UK :mrgreen:
He rented a Barryvox Pulse and said it was very easy to use.
The kit is light, weight is not an issue. My shovel weighs 1.2lbs or so.

Rental is a good place to start, and it would be a great opportunity to go and spend an hour in one of the many dedicated training centres where you can set a simulated search and dig . There are quite a few around the Euopean Alps now, AllyG has mentioned the one in Tignes.

What I think I'm reading is that folks don't think they are serious enough to warrant carrying the kit. I'd say that because they are lacking in knowledge and experience in off piste terrain, they they will need the kit more than a local Mountain Guide does, since the Guide is able to assess the situation effectively.

Adam67 wrote:I presume it is a prerequisite then to have appropriate first aid and medical skills if you have all the avalanche kit? On the other side of the coin, if you have the kit does it make it easier to be found or should I say quicker to be found if 'taken'? or is it just designed to find people? Can anyone recommend the best value for money kit for recreational skiers? Thanks

Sport Conrad are offering safety packages this winter. Everyone knows a little first aid, enough to save a life. If you are wearing a Transceiver and your friends are also wearing them, then if you are buried, it's easier to find you. A Probe to pinpoint your position under the snow and a decent Shovel to dig you out quickly.
The 1st and golden rule is not to put yourself in the position where you might get buried (which is why education is very important)

steverandomno wrote:

Bandit, I'm curious. As somebody who is experienced in off-piste and mountaineering, do you have an opinion about these legal issues?

In no way am I experienced in off piste or mountaineering. I have barely scratched the surface. The more I learn, the more I realise there is to learn.
My personal opinion is that reckless behaviour off piste should be addressed pretty firmly. If this does not happen, it will eventually become impossible to buy affordable insurance.

Yes, it does make you think. What possess folks to head off piste when the Risk Level is High? When appeals have been made by avalanche professionals locally, for skiers to stay on low angle slopes, why would you? When you have no safety equipment, why would you?