 Poster: A snowHead
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Well it was at Aldershot dry slope today, and where else would you expect it to be?
Had 2 funfilled hours there today and joined in a group lesson to re-find the ski legs in readiness for 3 weeks time. At £12 for the 2 hour session including ski hire, you can't go wrong! Not only that but they also had some Salomon Streetracers which are superb, and improved the look of my skiing to such an extent that one lady said "Oooh, you looked just like Neil (instructor) coming down then".
Enjoyed it so much, I'm going back on Saturday and signing up for their race club, which sounds very relaxed and enjoyable. It might not be snow, but with the way things are looking in France at the moment, it might well be the only thing to get a slide on 
Anyone else do anything that was fun/enjoyable today?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Mark, I think you're just practising because you're determined to beat Masque in the Fleche D'Or again this season.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Mark, in the absence of dry ski slopes we will have to make do with the snow covered pistes of Montgenevre today! We bought some blades yesterday and are going up to try them out. I hope it will be fun and enjoyable.
There is plenty of snow here so no need to panic just yet.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Well, I'm off to Castleford Xcape in a couple of hours, or "Pas De La Cas" as they say at the pit-head. I had a quick read of that "all mountain skiier" book and there's a couple of hints I'd like to try out. Not as much fun as the real thing but you take what you can. 
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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yeah right, last year he managed to beat a one-legged snowboarder.
Last edited by Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do. on Thu 9-12-04 16:18; edited 1 time in total
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Another lame excuse. Flight booked for the re-match Masque, looking forward to some competition, so do try and avoid any more mishaps.
Nice one chris, good luck on the blades - Anne's a convert now.
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Update:
A heavy frost settled overnight and at 7.45 this morning, the conditions were perfect. If you closed your eyes as one of the race club skiers carved by, you could be forgiven for believing that you were actually out on the snow as the skis swished by with no sound of sliding bases.
The morning began with some warming up runs on the main slope. The air was still, the view from the top was almost alpine, with the tops of the trees in sight, the lower limbs obscurred by fog. The temperature was hovering just above freezing and a good mornings skiing beckoned.
There were 8 of us in all, me being the newcomer and probably most apprehensive. Four of the racers were instructors and fairly soon there was no shortage of advice and encouragement. We started on the shortest, but steepest run with the aim of puting in as many turns as we felt comfortable with, to get a flowing edge to edge movement, flexing the ankles and allowing the skis to find their natural turn radius. "Keep your skis further apart" and "keep your weight more centred over your skis" was soon to be heard interupting the peaceful morning air.
In truth, it seemed to going quite well, and maybe I was over-confident. Our instructor left the group to set up the slalom gates, inviting us all over once they were in place. So dutifully, we all obliged.
Fourth down, and for a full half of the course it was all hanging together, just. But a combination of a lack of control and loss of concentration combined to allow the uphill ski to go one side of the gate and the downhill, the other. Exit stage left and crash onto right knee. Sitting here typing it has almost frozen and any movement ellicits a yelp (what a wimp). I tried another run, following an instructor at a sedate pace, but missed a gate and then forgot how to ski totally.
Perhaps it was as well that the session was at and end, and the cheerful chatter from the waiting kids for their Saturday lessons was a reminder that skiing is fun and infectious. Maybe recognising a sudden loss of confidence (I kid you not), one of the older chaps, John, asked me to pop back up and bring down some of the gear that required stowing. A good idea as it transpired, that last no pressure run was a better way to leave things as the children all rushed out enthusiastically waiting to get on the still frost covered slopes.
Will I return? You bet! Well at least as long as no more damage than a bruised knee and wounded pride has been done. Thanks to all the guys at Aldershot for their patience and assistance. There was some great style and technique going on there - something to be aimed for indeed. And how nice to get some excellent coaching that was easy to relate to with no trace of a foreign accent  My only contribution? "Is there no rum to go with the hot chocolate?"
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Glad you enjoyed your morinings skiing - I hope the knee's not too bad !
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Mark Hunter, glad you enjoyed yourself. falling on a dry slope is not one of my favourite pass times, I came a cropper at Beckton (in London don't know if its still there) and grazed the side of my face I was in pain for weeks it took ages to heal. I haven't been on a dry slope since.
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You've just inspired me to head back to the Midlothian ski centre! Nice write-up...
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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The Knee:
The swelling and increased pain decided me on a visit to A & E late on Saturday afternoon. That and a trip in 2 weeks! Triaged in 10 mins and seen by a doctor 40 mins later. After some prodding, pushing, manipulation and more than one sharp intake of breath from me, he ushered me off to x-ray dept.
10 minutes after that, the radiologist came back saying "I've sent for a trolley to wheel you back to A & E - you've a hairline fracture of the kneecap"! I think I just laughed to accompanying looks of sympathy from my fellow patients in whom I'd just confided that I was due on the slopes in 2 weeks.
Back in A & E, the doctor looked on at my entrance on a trolley with some surprise, asking what the need for the transport arrangement was. After all, I had managed to walk, or rather hobble, into his ward. I explained the radiologist's diagnosis.
The x-ray arraived via the intranet and a consultant conferred with the doctor. The announcement "No, Mr Hunter, no break" Now I wasn't sure whether to laugh, or cry. It would seem that when we grow, our patella starts off as 2 plates that fuse together. Sometimes that fusion leaves a mark that can be mistaken for a fracture. Relief, then!
Some pain killers, anti-inflammatories, a support bangage and physio info later, I asked the doc about knee braces in order to allow the skiing to go ahead. He fixed me with what almost amounted to a withering look and declared that whilst some people do heal quicker than others, and the swelling would probably have gone, skiing would quite likely bring it back.
So b*ll*cks, the idea of sitting in a bar whilst all around are whooping it up doesn't appeal. Maybe a knee brace will help - anyone recommend a make/brand. And anyone know of any high dosage pain killers? Legal, or otherwise? Not prepared to allow a little thing like this stop some sliding, even if it is going to have to be a gentle affair.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Mark, sorry to hear about your problem. Lin suggests wearing LG Support knee defenders available online. Don't use pain killers as it will make things worse. I think you will be ok in 2 weeks but be sensible and avoid bumps and enjoy relaxed skiing. The run down to Chantemerle is not open yet and sorry I can't remember the Piste name either!
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Mark Hunter, I used to get an inflamed knee, that occasionally caused acute pain, if I'd been cycling more than say 50 miles a day. Ibuprofen was good for me, because it's an anti-inflammatory as well as a painkiller. I think you need double dose for the anti-inflammatory effect. Please beware though, I'm not a doctor! (Incidentally, I found I was getting knee pain because my toe-clips need to be more outward pointing for my geometry: since I modified them, I've had no problems.
Most importantly, I hope that your knee clears up really quickly, and that you're able to get maximum enjoyment on the slopes!
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You know it makes sense.
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Sorry Mark, LP Support.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Really sorry to hear about that Mark. Is there anyone out there who knows some knee brace/contraption that'll get Mark back on the slopes for his week? I'd be happy to trade 51 weeks of recovery for one good week on the white stuff...
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Poster: A snowHead
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No experience with braces but I've heard DonJoy are good. Unless doctor told me my ligament was blown, I would go. Ski slow, carve the low angle cordoroy. Ski gently any run that you know you can ski without falling if you're being careful. And be careful!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Sorry to hear about your knee Mark, hope it recovers enough for you trip over New Year.
Just put me off having a practice on the dry slope this week as it had been in the back of my mind that one caught edge could ruin our week in Tignes.......
Still looks as if you should be OK just take it easy.
Adrian
PS If it doesn't snow soon it wont make any difference
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Mark Hunter, I wouldn't go for a brace in your situation. Just a good support and Ibuprofen if the swelling/pain returns.
Braces are generally for more debilitating problems. Good ones are also expensive and you wouldn't want to get used o skiing with one if it's not a necessity.
I use a Donjoy brace when skiing, but that's because I have a damaged ACL.
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philbski1, thanks, sounds like good advice - are you waiting for an op?.
The good news is that I've already got about 50% painfree mobility back. So I'll wait for my next visit to the hospital for a follow-up before deciding whether anything more drastic is called for. Have to say I feel a lot more relaxed now than 2 days ago!
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Follow-up trip to hospital today and knee is "flapping about a bit". Seems that there is some ligament strain and it should take about 6 weeks or so to heal assuming no damage done in the meantime. Doc suggested a brace, as did the backman that I visited yesterday - a keen skier and expert on this type of injury. Apparently there is a type of brace that hinges at the side?
Might see how it goes with the support bandage first. Fingers crossed!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Best of luck with it Mark!
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Mark Hunter, In my experience, braces help restrict the movement of the knee in a crash. If you have a strain then a support may be best. Best support Ive had was from a "sticky" bandage. Remember to shave the leg 1st. i only made the mistake once. If it is supported and a sligjht sprain then the knee will tell you its own limits. Take it easy and avoid falls at all costs.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Mark Hunter, I am a GP with a special interest in orthopaedics. Ignore any advice apart from that from a senior specialist directly involved in your care. By senior, I mean registrar or above, preferably consultant. Knee injuries are extremely complex, especially the soft tissue injuries, and you need specific advice to your particular injury, from someone who has examined you properly, and knows your history. Very few people truly understand the biomechanics of the knee, yet many people claim to be "experts". An expert will be someone who deals only in knees, and usually treat a lot of professional sports players. Also what works for one person, will not necessarily work for another, and can make things worse. Finally, if your consultant tells you not to ski, then don't. You could easily make a simple injury far more complex. It's worth missing one skiing holiday to not have a knackered knee for the rest of your life.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Kramer, thanks - can't fault that. And that does provide me with a dilema. Two independent sources both suggest considering the same treatment and both suggest that the timescale for healing to be about 6 weeks. Both appear to be suggesting that the same ligaments have been "strained" and both reckon that whilst skiing will put a strain on the knee, barring a hard fall or bad twist, it shouldn't harm the recovery process.
I was thinking of just taking it slow and easy and reducing my din. I do appreciate your point about seeking specialist advice, and missing the holiday. But being the half-brained ejit that I am, I'm going to at least have a bit of a slide, and hope to be back here in a little over a week, with nothing more to report on than the quality of the snow! If not, then your advice will stand as testament to others should they find themselves in a similar position.
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Mark Hunter, fair play to you. Hope that you have a good one. Hope that no more knee injury advice will be needed.
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You know it makes sense.
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Mark Hunter, a bit of a slide? Last time I saw you, you were skiing down a road with essential chalet supplies (beer) in your backpack.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Three weeks from Dec 8th: young Mark Hunter should be out there skiing by now.
Happy New Year, Mark, and I hope the knee holds out.
As Kramer mentions, knees are tricky.
This gives me an opportunity return to one of my regular themes: Exercise and Conditioning.
The thinking goes:
1. "most individuals are poorly conditioned prior to their skiing activity, and pay the price of sore muscles, reduced time on the slopes and injury" (netfit).
2. "A pre-holiday course at a dry slope or one of the indoor snow slopes is great preparation for getting the most out of your holiday." (snowlife, ifyouski).
Comment.
1. Exercise on the whole is a good thing (chclibrary, army-training) . BUT: "Infrequent exercise can do more harm than good" (survivaliq), and there is no universal exercise plan for everyone: the regime should be geared to each individual (New Scientist, exrx.net). I know of no evidence that pre-ski conditioning reduces injury in recreational skiers.
2. If skiing can injure, then a session on a dry slope is completely illogical is an injury prevention gambit. Plastic dry slopes are actually more difficult to ski on, and the consequences of a fall often more serious than on snow(cep-law). Artifical snow slopes are hard and icey, and as I (and Mark) can tell you from experience, a fall can cause spectacular bruises. I would be interested in knowing the proportion of skiers injured on a dry slope prior to their holiday versus the proportion injured on the actual holiday. My hypothesis is that more get injured on the artificial slopes, and so as an injury prevention device these slopes do more harm than good.
Happy New Year!
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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In a moment of madness (and as a bit of a tease) I did manage a post on the SCGB forum where every letter was a link!
I'm better now I'm taking the tablets.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I'm currently taking a lot of interest in threads about knee-injuries. Notwithstanding Kramer's obvious expertise, I am encouraged by the fact I only missed one day of skiing in Kitzbuhel and got going again thanks to a Pro-Sport device with metal strips in it "designed to do the work of the medial" apparently. It got me down the Streif anyway!
Will someone please tell me I'll be OK by the time I get to Mottaret 6 weeks tomorrow? I'll believe them.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Chris Bish, you didn't ski with trouble and Streif then
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Chris Bish, remind me what happened to your knee.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Jonpim, I set off after lunch with misted-up goggles and skied into a pile of soft stuff while attempting to turn rght. As a result I twisted badly as I fell. There was a cracking noise and I experienced some pain before the ski binding released. I grovelled about in the snow for a bit and found eventually I could stand up. I managed to ski home but was too stiff to ski next day. With the aid of a neoprene thing I was able to ski the last two days, but one week on I still have a swollen knee and can't take any twisting. Walking is mostly Ok. Knee still swollen and feels tender to the touch. Hot bath provides some relief. Any informed comment gratefully received.
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Chris Bish, Informed comment: go and see your friendly local knee expert. On Tuesday. Do not delay. If still swollen after 7 days this is not a minor problem.
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Chris Bish, I second Jonpim's opinion.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Thanks Kramer, I was hoping you would.
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| David@traxvax wrote: |
| Mark Hunter, a bit of a slide? Last time I saw you, you were skiing down a road with essential chalet supplies (beer) in your backpack. |
Errr, yes....aherm....guilty as charged!
In fact, as the knee seemed to be holding up quite well (one of those hoop things, anti-inflams and generous helpings of beer, vin chaud and chocolate chaud avec rum), I threw caution to the wind and entered Friday's fleche! Crashed out halfway down due to excess speed, slight lack of control and not enough concentration. At least the skis stood up to being thrown in disgust to the side of the course! Going to have to have another go at the end of the season!
To consol me, and for my birthday, wife bought me some new salopettes to replace the post race carved up pair that looked as though Jack the Ripper had taken a fancy to them. At least they'll do for the dry slope at Aldershot when I get the courage back up to have another crack at it!
As for the knee - not worse for the experience of some hard and fast skiing. In fact, if anything it seems to have improved somewhat!?!
Anyway, just hope Mayor Arpin doesn't issue me a ticket for skiing on his roads in La Ros, contravening the "interdit" signs that I happened to miss....
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FAQ
