Too Much Grooming

Why do some ski resorts groom the entire run, that is, from one side to the other? If a 4 metre strip of ungroomed area was retained on either side (or both sides) of a run, then groups of skiers who liked to ski ungroomed and groomed terrain could ski together. Bazza.

That's a fair point, Bazza, and one I haven't seen raised on J2 before.

I guess it is fair to say that 90%+ of Euro skiers are predominantly piste skiers. They are beginners/intermediate/ early advanced, and so the needs are served by groomed pistes. I think it is reasonable to consider that most European resorts attach importance to maximising piste areas, but where possible leave side areas as off piste. My local Austrian resort does maintain a side off piste on the main runs.

This season I will return to Colorado, an oasis of deep snow. However it works differently in different resorts. Keystone and Beaver Creek do leave a stretch at one side as an off piste ~ and this is great. You can start on the piste, and then dip off into the deep.

In Vail, where I will be based, there are areas of tree runs within the piste area. again you can dip in, and try. Alternatively, you can go over to the back bowls.

In Canada, Whistler and Blackcomb, I was introduced by some Canadians to "noodlin" ~ skiing in the trees, all deep snow. "Don't stop behind the trees, that's where the bears sleep...."

Back to Europeland, in many large resorts there is heaps of off piste between runs, Lech, Ski Welt, St Anton, Hinterglemm, Kitz, Alpbach. (Sorry to be so Austrian, I have had many moments in France, but they seem distant)

However, it remains a fair point from Bazza.

Great comment, Bazza. It would also give pistes skiers the chance to try an unpisted run without going off piste properly.

"...Don't stop behind the trees, that's where the bears sleep...."

Here is a pic from a few years back, springtime in the Roockies!!



I have never personally awoken a bear, however I've nearly hit deer, moose, squirrels, partridge and one time thought I was going to harass a bunny that turned out to be a Lynx.

CanadianSkier,

That's a great photo. Whilst skiing during the preparations for the World Cup at Lake Louise, a Lynx crossed right in front of me, which had me looking for entries with (l) as well as (dnf) in the results table :)