Messages posted by : Trencher
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Here's what I see as the fundemental issue here, personal risk management. I have no objection to anyone participating in any high risk sport, be it base jumping, skate boarding, mountaineering, or real mountain biking. I do not begrudge a penny of any search and rescue or medical expenses spent on the participants of those sports. UNLESS they could not be bothered with basic safety precautions. When an item of equipment considerably reduces the risk of a sport without reducing the skill and thrill factor, it should become a standard practice.
I don't think hemets are needed all the time and they should not be manditory. If an experienced skier decides that a situation does not warrent a helmet, then that is a calculated risk. If a casual skier decides helmets are too fluffy, then that is ignorance. (no offence meant) Trencher |
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As I've posted befor, I really think that as more skiers learn to carve (really carve) on shaped skis, there will be a rise in accidents in part related to the FIS concerns. As I understand it, much of the FIS concern was the straight line between gates technique which was causing racers to carry higher speeds across the course toward the side. This problem exist in free carving as well. When linking full carved turns, the transition may be directly across the hill. A small mistake can send the carver off the run at high speed. It is for this reason Alpine snowboarders nearly always pick wide runs for carving, so there is room for error. The other safety issue when free carving is the collision risk. I doubt if these issues are addressed when someone takes carving lessons on thier new skis. I have seen instructors and ski patrollers have accidents because they seem unaware of these new constraints. Carving is incredibly fun. It just requires some thought for safety. Trencher |
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In the US now, helmets are the norm for serious adult skiers and boarders. The exception seems to be the one week a year, or a few times a season types. Most children wear helmets. Only some of the teenagers are holding out. The price of cool (brain damage).
Suspected concussions here, are nearly always given a CT scan as it's cheaper than keeping people in for observation. The cost for that visit to the ER (casualty) could top $1500. Even if your insurance covers 90% of that, it still makes a helmet good economic sense. Helmets are warmer and easier to wear than hats. The modern helmets give no problem with hearing. It's a no brainer, if you'll excuse the pun. Trencher |
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Well. I have seen pictures of an articulated snowboard. Two sections hinged in the middle. one of those inventions that make you wonder if the inventer had any clue of how a snowboard really works.
My guess though, would be something to do with skiing for the disabled. Also I found this patent (you can tell we have no snow yet)... Dougle edge snow ski Document Type and Number: United States Patent 5083810 Link to this Page: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5083810.html Abstract: A snow ski is provided with a pair of relatively sharp turning edges extending along each of the lateral sides thereof for improved performance during turning maneuvers. The snow ski includes edge runners extending along the lateral sides thereof with each edge runner defining the pair of sharp turning edges spaced laterally and vertically with respect to each other, and extending longitudinally along the associated lateral side of the ski. During a turning maneuver, the skier may by appropriate tilting of the ski engage one or both edges at one lateral side of the ski with the snow surface to variably select the degree of turning control. :lol: Trencher |
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Alps with record HIGH temps and Rockies with nearly record LOW temperatures!
Started by User in Ski Chatter, 2 Replies |
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Last year the pacific north west didn't do so well. Many ski hills in Washington state were dry and warm into January. The US and Canada depend on the mysterious movements of the jet stream which oscillates over the continent. It moves around, but occasionally will sit in one position. If you are under the northerly flows you are cold and if you are not - you are warm. Our season in the upper midwest is three weeks behind schedule with near record high temps. Luckily the jet stream moves on next week and we drop into minus daytime temps. We don't need humidity for real snow, as the ski hills can make all the snow. The bennifit of that is, I don't have to shovel (ok, I do have a snow blower) my drive way. Trencher |
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Did you say mid range ?. Looks like a great all round jacket and should be at the price. Hoods are a bit of a pain if not detachable, especially as everyone should be wearing a helmet now for skiing. If I were in that price range, how about a Marmot vortec. Gortex and detachable hood.
I picked up some Marmot gortex Randonee shell pants from TJmax (US vers. TKmax) for $99 (55pounds) last week and they are sweet. Man, I'd love to be a personal ski shopper (when not on the slopes). Trencher |
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David@traxvax is right on. Using that info search the net as well.
If you're only going to have one set of gear, then shells are more versitile than insulated jackets and pants (trousers). The best outer wear won't work if you don't have good thermals and fleeces underneath. Trencher |
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