Messages posted by : powderhound
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What you were attempting, if I understand you correctly and have the terminology right (I might have both wrong!), is what's usually called a "short swing"? Swing turns used to be what beginners moved on to after the plough and/or stem turn and pretty much rely on your skis being quite flat to the snow and skidding at the end of each turn (and, yes, with legs glued together it used to be a proud moment when it was mastered!).
But it's not carving - and is probably close to impossible on a modern, shaped ski. IMO you should leave the moguls for a year or two (whole books have been written on mogul skiing), rent some modern skis and take a few private lessons so an instructor can show you how to get the best of them. Then spend some time on the Blues to work on your carves - you'll love it and once you get it right you'll be amazed how much speed can be carried (and controlled) even on quite shallow gradients. Powderhound |
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Hi James, where and when are you planning to go?
Check recent posts here for some fairly frank reports; but your summary is just about right (below 2,000m is difficult, under 1,500m is pants) for the moment. That said, the GFS models are getting fairly consistent for a big drop in temperatures right across the Alps around next weekend, and there's even some snow appearing in the 7-day forecasts for Andorra. It's too far out to be confident but there is much colder weather forecast down the East Coast of the States and Canada over the next few days - which may or may not be of any relevance whatsoever. :lol: Powderhound |
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Hi Strella,
"Snowpack" is usually used to refer to general conditions - for example "the snowpack today is unstable". I think the word you are seeking maybe "slab" - A Wind Slab is a term given to the accumulation of snow on the down-wind side of a slope that is typically formed by swirling winds and is laid down in wildly differing layers. These can be very large and are almost always unstable and dangerous. A Slab Avalanche describes an avalanche where the entire area, that is sliding, moves almost at the same instant. A slab avalanche is generally quite deep and can be "full depth" in that all the snow, right down to the grass / rocks will slide. You might also be looking for Cornice - a bank of snow along the top of a ridge, on the down-wind side; deposited as wind blows over the ridge. Again, these can be unstable and often over-hang the slope below - so can be dangerous to approach either from above or below. Does that help? 8) |
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If you're reasonable skiers then Argentiere is a good bet with skiing above 3,000 metres... but with the Freezing Level forecast to go over 3,500 at the weekend you may be short of freshies. Should be plenty enough to have some fun though. Les Contamines, although lower, tends to keep what snow there is - but check with the locals when you get there. Tignes and Val Thorens are about 3 hours drive if things are really desperate - as is Cervinia (all with skiing above 3,000 metres). Powderhound |
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Hi Michelle,
If you or your husband are prepared to hire a car I think it will extend your options a lot - and you could take a look at La Clusaz for starters. It's an easy half-hour drive from Annecy, which has a medieval "old town" beside a beautiful lake and is quite possibly one of the prettiest places in Europe. There's a good range of modern shops as well as great eateries, etc. La Clusaz itself is a good family resort and a proper town but probably not big enough on its own to keep a non-skier busy for a week. In fact, you could even stay in a hotel in Annecy and have your family drive out to a different ski resort each day (there are dozens within an hours drive). Our local La Clusaz expert (who seems to be spending too much time out skiing, and not enough time on the Internet lately (;^) ) can maybe tell you more about the non-skiing options. Powderhound |
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Pretty unusual... I saw a couple of Italian guys on them at La Rosiere a couple of seasons back. Black suits, wraparound shades and getting their carves so rad that they looked like their shoulders were grazing the snow - an enduring image of the ultimate cool! 8)
There's a small "community" of skwal (sp?) riders in the Aravis too - French area where you often see guys riding monos and swallow-tail snowboards too... I'd love to have a go - I'm guessing but it looks like you need some momentum to keep your balance, a bit like riding a bike??? Anyone here ridden one? Powderhound |
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The Etale Massif is one of the quieter parts of the area, so you'll have direct access to some un-crowded pistes. The two runs from the top of the Etale cable car (one Red, one Black) are both great fun - particularly the upper sections in fresh snow. On quieter days here the only other person you'll see will be the guy (or girl) operating the lift. For early skiers, the Blues in this area are nice for building confidence - wide and smooth. If you've not found it, here's the Piste Map for La Clusaz You can ski out to the rest of the domain from here, or can take the bus if you prefer. Powderhound |
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Actually there are several (not including myself, sadly) - if it wasn't dark I'd say they were out skiing... so they'll either be in a pub or cooking for their (lucky) guests then... But, unless temperatures zoom up again, early Feb should be wicked. The higher pistes (on La Balme, etc.) are already well covered and the lower runs are on grass so remain skiable with quite thin snow cover... But I wouldn't worry, it would take some pretty extraordinary weather for the skiing not be excellent in early February. If you're lucky with the fresh, it could be epic - some of my most memorable days skiing in the last few years have been at La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand (next valley - accessible by ski-bus). Powderhound |
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