J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by bandit

Admin wrote:

bandit - nothing wrong with hiring avvy gear; though I think I'd take my own batteries if I did.

A quality Transceiver now costs less than a decent ski jacket. I can see the value in hiring specialist kit like an ABS backpack, or an ice axe (for example) because there are some issues with transportation on commercial airlines in Europe.
I prefer to own my kit, I know how it feels, my harness fits me, it all fits in my pack and everything is familiar.

On my very first off piste day, an ESF French mountain guide issued transceivers to our group, I have no idea if he put in new batteries , and IIRC there was no function check. I would definitely take new batteries. I also use Ortovox kit, IMV functional and sturdy gear.
I know a little more these days, only a little though )

BTW the guide later said that we were the worst group he'd ever taken off piste :mrgreen:

Tony_H wrote:Are their ski resorts that dont open their slopes over Xmas then?

I guess their may be, though I've not experienced it. I did ski for a week in an Italian resort that closed the ski lifts at lunchtime. What a PITA that was...halfway up a drag lift (click) and off goes the power :roll:

Solution, learn to ski through the woods, or go hungry!

Meercat wrote:I don't change my batteries - as I hire mine in the resort and ask them to ensure that the batteries are fresh. (I give it back at the end of each day).

How do you know that this has been done to your request? Do you see the hire shop put in a fresh set of batteries?

The only way to ensure that your batteries are fresh is to put in your own from a new pack, yet you don't do this?

Given that you say you like to wear your transceiver at lunch if others' in the establishment are wearing theirs, how do you know that the batteries in your rented transceiver will not go flat as as result of this?

Going back to your post on page 1 you are suggesting to folks that they:

Meercat wrote:
Get all the equipment you can sensibly afford and carry.

A transceiver is an absolute minimum.

Yet, you don't own one. I'm intrigued as to why?

Tony_H wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:Apologies, I was planning from Geneva. I must read more carefully in future.

No No No, you are fine. I CAN fly into Geneva, and I was hoping for suggestions based on Geneva, Munich, Zurich, Milan and Turin. I have not booked any flights just yet. Bandit stands corrected.

I quote your post on Page 2 of this thread, though I am assuming that "accommocation" means a place to stay.

Tony_H wrote:
I was looking at Geneva and resorts around there, but have ended up with flights to Munich, car hire, and some very cheap accommocation in Mayrhofen. Nothing booked yet, as I am still exploring other possibilities, but at least I now have something possible to fall back on.

I just wish that you would pull your finger out and get on with it :P

Lynne_D Hi and welcome :D It's scary when you damage a knee, and there can be a feeling of uncertainty when you try and use it again.

Have a look at these to add on to what you are already doing.

http://www.solutions4feet.com/cp7.php

I'm not at all certain that it's possible to strengthen ligaments, only the muscles. You might want to add in wall squats using a FitBall for the quad muscles.
:D

Meercat wrote:This question of 'to wear or not to wear' your transceiver during lunch is an interessting one - and one that I have asked myself, and here is what I've decided.

1. If everybody else in the restaurant is not wearing one - then I take mine off and put it with the hats and gloves etc.

2. If other people are wearing theirs, I keep mine on as it's hassle to take it off and put it on.

One is in danger of being 'type cast'..... There are some people who will observe you and think 'There goes a newbie for the first time - probably with a guide - and they think they're something special'.

But at the end of the day, does it matter - so long as you have the thing in the right place when it really is needed?

You may have a point there, though I also take off my helmet and body armour whilst I'm eating lunch in a restaurant. I'm less interested in what others are doing, and not interested in emulating sheepclub behaviour.

A friend had his transceiver stolen from a restaurant, it was hanging on the back of his chair whilst he ate lunch. I keep mine close to me as a rule.

How often do you change your batteries in your beep?

Ian Wickham wrote:Le Grand bornand

The OP will be flying into Munich, bit of a trek to Le Grand Bornand really.

ise wrote:

dulcamara wrote:has anyone come across any good deals on transceivers? or any going second hand, preferably double antenna ones??

Telemark Pyrennes have some good deals and sell packs with beep, probe and shovel which work out well.

Facewest also offer sets as a package.

http://www.facewest.co.uk/Safety-Packages.html