I think I'll be giving Vallon a miss this year
YouTube clips can be very deceiving and confidence a double edged sword
I'll be following the sun (if it appears in Dec) around the Meribel
Valley to find the best conditions through the day and am only out for fun
I do appreciate the experience and words of wisdom offered. I think there's plenty of dark blues
in the 3Vs to keep me happy until I improve
Many thanks
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
http://youtube.com/v/zwMH5VBE1wg&sns=em
This is me in blue struggling to control my speed etc at Hemel after 10 months off
So a few (quite a few) lessons in order before I venture onto any dark reds
Especially with my equally game 11yr old in tow (in green & red in video)
Humility being the better part of valour on this occasion
Ciao
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?
franzClammer, I think junior will make it down Vallon in front of you
Seriously I think you might have made a good decision - get another year under your belt and some lessons (which is what I'm going to do this year) and maybe it will be in your sights next time.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
franzClammer, even after 10 months off you look in more control and flow better than your earlier Hemel vids, you have the confidence to improve rapidly if you wish, I think now is a good time to get a couple of lessons & develop some movement to your skiing - maybe do some with the IO guys at Hemel, I reckon your next holiday will benefit greatly by doing this, good luck & keep the vids coming, I/we might take the mickey at times- they are funny but they also show a record of you and your nippers development.
franzClammer, bit too much of the old shoulder rotation methinks
What's that mix of Get Back? That's one for the ipod
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
franzClammer, +1 for lessons with the InsideOut guys.
Sign junior up ASAP for some lessons before he gets into bad habits. He's only 11!! If he starts lessons now, then he'll be on the Freeride World Tour by 19 ... think of the prize money...think of with sponsorship money!!
And you won't regret it either coz believe me, it's tough to get out of bad habits.
I certainly wish I had lessons earlier.
After all it is free
After all it is free
red 27 wrote:
franzClammer, bit too much of the old shoulder rotation methinks
What's that mix of Get Back? That's one for the ipod
It's a " mash-up " of Beatles Vs LCD Soundstatem
I snatched it off YouTube
Shoulder rotation: Noted, cheers
Ciao
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.
franzClammer, ta - got a download of a similar TUTS version.
Re the skiing, as a drill at Hemel try holding your poles in the shape of a arrow pointing str8 down the slope and KEEP them facing str8 down the slope as you turn left & right to ski down.
This I believe is called 'separation' and is frightfully important.
You may fall over and/or wipe out other people but I doubt that's a worry in your case.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
red 27,
Quote:
This I believe is called 'separation' and is frightfully important.
I believe that is where one accidentally puts each ski on opposite sides of a tree and is so called becasuse you seperate your nuts and, depending on the variety, those of the tree. The manoeuvre you describe is I think called "Showing the beginner the fall line" and is more often done holding both poles together horizontally in front of you thus demonstrating the angle of the slope as well as which way is 'down'. Both are important to know for different reasons.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
franzClammer wrote:
I think I'll be giving Vallon a miss this year
YouTube clips can be very deceiving and confidence a double edged sword
I'll be following the sun (if it appears in Dec) around the Meribel
Valley to find the best conditions through the day and am only out for fun
I do appreciate the experience and words of wisdom offered. I think there's plenty of dark blues
in the 3Vs to keep me happy until I improve
Many thanks
Hi FranzClammer,
If you have second thoughts and need building up some confidence then you really should try these:
1:From Roc des 3 Marche (above Les Menuires), take the blue runs, Grand Lac then Pélozet and Biollay all the way down to St Martin de Belleville. Check it on a pistes map. They are looooooooong, wide and not too steep blues. Plenty of space and time to do your turns and other drills. Perfect to get back to your last season's level and mindset. You also get lots of sun on that side of the mountain and you get to see the lovely village of St Martin de Belleville.
2:From top of the Tania lift, take les Folyères blue piste down to la Tania. It's a real roller coaster. It will test your skills and it's fun. Most of my lower intermediate friends like the challenge there.
3:And I repeat what I mentioned before, the Creux in Courchevel is a real treat for any intermediate who'd like to try a red. I was quite worried at first because it's such a long red. But once I've started I enjoyed it so much I went straight back for a second run! And believe me, my self-confidence got a real boost after that!
Almost forgot. The on the piste La Loy restaurant on the Biollay run down to St M, is excellent for a sunny day lunch break on its terrace. Very good value food and friendly service. I have yet to find anything that good for the price.
I do hope you enjoy skiing those runs. For they have helped me to feel a lot more confident. I only started to ski 3 years ago (at 37) and was very easily intimidated for anything steepish at the beginning. Definitely was not as daring as you seem to be on your videos.
Anyway, good luck and more importantly enjoy your skiing.
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.
red 27 wrote:
franzClammer, bit too much of the old shoulder rotation methinks
franz, I concur with the what Red said. Turn with your legs, not your upper body. The upper body should be relaxed, as though just going along for the ride. Any efforts to make the skis turn happens below the waist. Once you get the feel of it, you'll have vastly better control of your skis and your turn shape.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Franz, every time you take a chair lift take a look around at the slopes, pay attention to all the skiers below and twist your ankles and skis. You'll see people better than you, worse than you and everything in-between. You can learn something from each of them. I take a lot of lessons, because I need them, but that is aways a great free lesson
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
red 27 wrote:
franzClammer, ta - got a download of a similar TUTS version.
Re the skiing, as a drill at Hemel try holding your poles in the shape of a arrow pointing str8 down the slope and KEEP them facing str8 down the slope as you turn left & right to ski down.
This I believe is called 'separation' and is frightfully important.
You may fall over and/or wipe out other people but I doubt that's a worry in your case.
Cheers for this advice, tried it hemel IO were fully booked on website. but the seperation thing felt good and I'll be working on that next week in the 3V's
Snowpie
Cheers for the extensive local knowlege. I will def be putting the runs you mentioned on the itinary (spelling) We arrive in Mottaret Sat morning
This time tomorrow will be lunching at La Loy restaurant
I better get another cold shower the anticipation of it!
If anyone can suggest another drill or 2 i would benefit from please share
Many thanks
Ciao
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Look at Warren Smiths videos on youtube. Some excellent drills covering a range of experience and ability. I would suggest loading them all on to something (phone/tablet) and viewing them a lot then trying out.
Very well explained.
Have a great trip. As others have said maybe rein it back a touch.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
franzClammer, there was a thread recently about certain benefits that could be gained in technique by seeing if you can actually ski slower and form good shapes with your body and skis. It might be worth trying.
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?
franzClammer, try this. Breath in as you're initiating your turn and breath out as you finish your turn - it will help you 'get up' for the turn and help your weighting on your outside ski as you're completing it.
Totally agree with Megamum about the benefits of skiing slower. Spend more time going across the slope - you can play with picking up the tail of your uphill ski to challenge your balance (leave the tip on the snow initally).
This drill incorporates both these ideas and will help you slow down and get ready for your turns:
- 1 - two skis on the snow traversing across the slope, mostly weighted on the downhill ski (on the ball of that foot - shin pressed to the front of your boot)
- 2 - breath in as you shift weight to the uphill ski ready to turn
- 3 - round the corner and breath out - weight should now be firmly on the downhill/outside ski (on the ball of that foot - shin pressed to the front of your boot)
- 4 - traverse across and pick up and thump down the new uphill ski a couple of times as you go across
Repeat as much as you like.
I also notice that your hands are quite close to each other in the centre of your body. Imagine your hands on the handlebars of a bike - stick them out into that position now and look how far apart they are (shoulder width, I hope) - now twist your wrists, thumbs to the top ... ta,da - pole position!
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
flowa, red 27, well I hope he was!
After all it is free
After all it is free
No doubt the great man will upload a selection of clips on his return.
I should imagine that underwriters everywhere are updating their actuarial tables and adjusting premiums accordingly for those skiing in the 3V next week
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.
red 27, Phew!! I'm glad I'm not the only one that watches those clips with a certain amount of trepidation lest we ever get on the same bit of snow together and I know not an ounce about skiing technique. Our new friend does seem embued with a 'devil may dare' attitude to skiing. I sense that he will never suffer from a lack of confidence (something that I might well envy), but I hope it doesn't break him or others before he cracks the technique stuff.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Megamum, While it's clear the Franz is a danger to himself and others, this is only because of his infectious and admirable enthusiasm and sense of adventure and as such he is to be applauded.
And avoided
It's a bit like driving, where the key skill to master is identifying the loons and giving them a wide berth (no offence Franz)
I cut my ski teeth in the wild west days of the '80s when the icy slopes were like a roller disco crossed with the dodgems, all fuelled by alcohol on the hour every hour so this is all quite nostalgic for me
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
red 27, I dearly hope Franz keeps us posted on his future trips, namely so i can make sure my daughters will not be sharing the pistes with him.
Enthusiasm is to be encouraged. Love that expression that was used earlier and will be stealing it. MBTB.
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.
Quote:
wild west days of the '80s when the icy slopes were like a roller disco crossed with the dodgems, all fuelled by alcohol on the hour every hour
Ahhhhhh my eyes came over all misty. I must be getting old
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
FK,
Not too shabby for two weeks I reckon. And yes its mostly like riding a bike. You'll be fine just dont get too heroic on the first morning.
Combe de Vallon is a fabulous run and I think you'd manage it OK but I'd leave it for late in the trip. As others have said the top vertical 100ft is fairly steep, feels a bit exposed and tends to get cut up with poorly shaped "bail out" moguls. After that it is lovely and generally has some of the best snow in the 3V.
I'd second other recommendations that Creux above Courchevel 1850, Jerusalem above St Martin (nice place for lunch) would be ideal reds to start with. Also a couple above 1650 I think
J
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Shouldn't FK be back now? I'm getting worried....
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Franz the best advice I can give you is listen to nobody other than a qualified coach that your having a lesson with, you'll think what your doing is correct from the advice given and the chances are you'll be creating even more problems.
And get your son in a race club if he loves skiing, he'll learn so much and have loads if opportunities in skiing as he gets older
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
dobby wrote:
Shouldn't FK be back now? I'm getting worried....
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Hi All
Back from 3 Valleys
Thanks for all your comments.
Was far too busy & knackered to post whilst away
I'm just waiting for a bit of footage of the carnage in my wake (just kiddin, Safety 1st these days) to upload & will post a link
As always I just got up to my previous level and alas t'was time to board the coach
visibility was variable and I have realised how much it inhibits my skiing when in white out conditions
Did have a couple of smashing days as you will see on the vid
Snow was heavenly (once it was on the floor)...4 inches of Powdery stuff ontop of the cordurouy every morning....a new very different experience to groomed pistes for me !
Am now looking for more jewellery n family silver to pawn to fund some lessons & a trip in Feb lol
Hope youre all having a festive evening
Ciao
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?
And get your son in a race club if he loves skiing, he'll learn so much and have loads if opportunities in skiing as he gets older
Thanks for the advice,
I didnt go near Combe Vallon this time. Was tempted at the end of the week but Visibility was orrible most days, and the top end of the valley is still terra incognito to me as yet. Spent the 1st two days babysitting novices until their lessons kicked in (never again) so was slow to get going.
Had a little go on a Red called Chamois below Saulire 1 and wished I hadn't...it was good fun and put me in my place.
I realised I really enjoy Blues and need a good few days to warm up to any steeps, n moguls are still a real challenge
Despite buying 3v pass on my last 3 trips I still haven't ventured out of Meribel Valley, this time quite a few lifts didn't run until 22nd Dec, although we did manage to get to the top of Saulire Express and Tougnette 2
So slowly pushing the boundaries but am looking forward to feeling comfortable on Reds and ticking off the pistes I am yet to enjoy.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
A definite improvement there Franz
And what fantastic snow - you're making me really jealous.
I'd suggest you concentrate on your upper body next. Keep those arms out in front of you and try to stop them waving around. Keep your torso tight and let your legs do the work.
After all it is free
After all it is free
Oh the crowds how did you cope with those jammed up pistes
Very nice progression through the week and once you stopped looking at your ski tips did you feel the instant improvement to your posture, positioning over the skis and control ? You're still steering predominantly with your shoulders but on occasion you let the skis do their job and you're making some nice turns with obvious weight differences in the skis. Did you see how relaxed that young lady in black was and the boarders? That's the 'secret' relax and enjoy the experienc.
Good camera work, your nipper? See how smooth it was, you have to be relaxed and soft in your joints to achieve that, something to add to your skiing . . . liked the soundtrack toward the end too . . .
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.
I don't know anything about this, but I'll say what immediately came to mind and see if anyone else concurs or otherwise (which will be interesting for me, as I think I see some of my faults in you to some extent). You seemed to do better when you stopped trying to make the skis turn and just went with the flow. It was almost as though you tried to initiate the turn from your shoulder/arms downwards with your skis turning last it's almost as though that needs reversing to a certain extent. I think it might help if you swung your arms around less than you do. You do seem to have slowed down and don't seem as out of control as you did which is good for everyone. It might pay to have some more lessons before trying to go too much steeper and I think you are confident enough to get a great deal out of them. I think you need to carry on having fun and squeeze everything you can out of an instructor!!
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
this time quite a few lifts didn't run until 22nd Dec, although we did manage to get to the top of Saulire Express and Tougnette 2
how did you cope with those jammed up pistes 