J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by pavelski

Bandit,

I looked again and did not see the attendant.

Do you mean skiers must handle J Poma alone?

In my part of the world, it is the law that all lifts MUST have an attendant. Ski resorts can be shut down for infractions.

Several years ago a young girl (10 years old) was strangled to death when her long long scarf wrapped around a ski lift chair bar. On exist she went left, chair went right and snap!

Amazing to have one person do 3-4 duties.

Bandit has mentioned two unique ski lifts in my presentation on techniques to practice without a ski instructor.

This has made me realize how varied the ski lifts are all over the ski world and how "challenging" some of these lifts are. How unprepared some skiers are.

No special course on how to use the va et viens lift in France. Truly unique and potentially dangerous if a skier does not know how to use it.

The above lift has two major challenges. Clearly it is NOT for beginners and some intermediate skiers. No courses on this unit.

First you have choice of horizontal tow bar or Poma type plastic discs. Clearly the bar has advantages since you can let go of bar faster in case of bail out. But if you are a women,,,,you need strong arms .

The Poma option seems better initially, but if you fall, or someone pushes you to side, you may be dragged for some time. No stop ,,,,kill switch here.

More importantly than choosing method of holding lift is choice of lift partners.
Few skiers realize the importance of a selection of fellow skier on this lift.
In a second or two you must decide if you will go up with 4 other person. Make a mistake and you might be dragged for some time ,,at worst have some injuries.

Sorry, Bandit. No standard instructions on this one. Rules change every time group changes.

My only advice is "less is better" on this lift. Two is great. Three is a pass. More is a challenge and a clear risk !

If you have no idea what I am talking about see You Tube or speak to someone who has survival the va et viens like Bandit!

Truly a unique lift.

I am sure others will provide some examples of strange and unique ski lifts.


Mine was in a semi-developed country with a one person lift that had no safety bar, no attendant at base and a plywood "seat". Oh,,,I forgot not ski bar rest.

Yes they did provide you with a rope to tie yourself to vertical pipe.

Few skiers on it!

Never again.

On a second look at picture, I noticed no attendant, thus a self controlling lever must be used on this Poma.

That means ,,the skier initiates the clamping sequence.

The skier initiates "take off" !

Seems better but it means more stress for skier since now you must position yourself well,,then pull lever system. If you lean too much to left or right, problems will happen.

I now understand Bandit's comment about few skiers using these types of Pomas.
You have to know how to inflict your own launch sequence.

Just follow my steps and enjoy flight.

Ranchero,

The Fischer ski company has a summer camp every year in Chile and I go with a group of young ski racers as "support staff" .

Be careful in spending lots of money going there since many times valley is "fogged in" due to the warm warm Pacific currents and warm air coming up valley.

I once was there for two weeks and we got 3 days of clear sun shine.

Check past weather forecasts. Roads are,,,,,,well dangerous.

Isolated from all so bring all you need.


My choice would be New Zealand in summer.

Swingbeep,
Thank you for that great picture since it will help me explain how to "take off" on this launcher.

First,,,,, view the picture again and you will note all the J Pomas that are in static position in a holding row. They are off the steel cable.

They are all waiting for the skiers/flight projectiles.

The attendant has a lever which activates a clamp mechanism at the top of the top J pole . You will see him/her activate this with a handle just above his waist.

Here is the step by step procedure for the launch.

1. You step up to line ( or where attendant tells to you go )

2. You will be given the J Poma. Insert the lower J section near crotch area
- do not try to force it between legs
- do not try to squeeze it between legs
- do not sit ON it
Just stand,,,, with pole in upright position. skis apart and plastic piece between legs. ( yes I know it feels unique )

**************Here is the key item
3. Watch that control lever attendant is hold. When attendant pulls it. It is like pulling a parachute release chord. Instantly the J Pole clamp well set on steel cable and you will be off in 1-2 seconds ( notice the 1-2 seconds).

This 1-2 second phase is critical since every unit around the world varies based on wear, adjustment, speed of cable turn, air density, wind velocity, torture level desired by attendant, etc,,,,

You must gauge this period by having watched other skiers take off.

4. At end of this pre-take off period, I do a small hop ( taking my weight off skis) and my hop is also forward so I am in effect helping J pole project me forwards. Rather than fight or resist pull,,,,,go with the flow. Help the J pole by being off snow, thus less resistance to pull. If you are afraid to do a full air hop, then just put pressure on tip area of skis thus taking weigh off ski tails.

Now if you were really observant ( most skiers are not since they are frozen in fear from the screams, shouts and noise ) you would have noticed that there is a landing zone just 1 meter above the attendant where most skiers who survival the launch land. Usually there is a small depression there.
The better skiers,,,wait till the very last milli-second, when the spring is at its maximum compression and they literally take off with a great glee and land much farther than the others and have a longer flight trajectory.
The "show offs" might do a ski spread while in flight.

In some ski resorts where the attendants are more "entertaining" there might be a take off ramp built up. This is for the British ski tourists who have never taken such a J Poma and the locals who have a bet who will witness the best fall.

IF you notice such a take off ramp,,,,just use your skis to tap down the snow ramp. It will tell the attendant that you might look like a British ski tourist,,but in fact you are an old pro at the J Pomas and you know what to do. While doing this ,,look at him/her in the eye ( in silence ).

Enjoy the flight.

Bandit,

Seriously the Poma lift is a low costing, fast and effective system.

Just that many beginner skiers are "shocked" at the launch phase.

Also in avalanche zones these lifts are best since it takes less time to rebuild.

Yes great to keep "others" away since they like the luxury of the heated, soft easy chairlifts or now the music surround sound modern lifts for 60 .

I am trying to cover all types "lifts"

PS ,,wait till I get to the pack Lamas ( in South America ). Very special. Just watch out for their spit!

I have had many ski trips and guided many groups .

Such events do happen and I have noticed a tendency.

Skiers who have a comprehensive plan, that is house car, travel seem to get paid fast and with more support than those one shot deals.
One trip,,,,, one insurance plan. Poor choice since often person at table ( in airport) has no idea of coverage, limits etc,,,,

Also take pictures of all items before trip.

Have a witness support your claim.

Have all communications in writing.

Sent copies to head person ( yes the Director)

In final straw,,send copies to travel writers of you area.

The public image is important to many companies.

Hope you get all items.

Ian,
Do not know you.

Have never seen you ski, but

it is clear you are a happy man.

Rare is the family that loves skiing beyond a week holiday trip.

Look at that picture you have posted. You can not pay a girl to lean into her dad that way. Clearly you are a loving family.

I am sure you ski like you smile,,,happy, free and soaring.

Just my opinion. Some may differ.