Back to touring this weekend and some characteristic wally antics…
First stop the popular Mont Rogneux, across the valley from Verbier above Bruson. An 1800m climb from the Cabane Brunet access parking above Lourtier with the Cabane at 2100m a perfect mid tour coffee spot
Alas one of the brakes wouldn’t lock on the Crest 8 and no zip ties, ski strap or screwdriver in the pack
After a few metres of irritating touring with brake down remembered the duct tape on my pole and was able to tape them up (breaking the plastic in the process )
Anyway, enjoyed the tour up listening to the last couple Ski podcasts, and the cracking Alpine views to Mont Velan and the Chamonix massif
Managed to average out around 500m/h despite some sketchy kick turns on the scalped, steep last face
So fitness not looking too bad
Hmmm it seems my good wife has adjusted the bindings on my precious touring skis for her « big foot » brother so the ATK’s are looking rather roomy for the descent…
Best take it a bit carefully on the spicier than requested chalk in one of the North side couloirs
With that out the way traversed into some nice untracked old pow for a few turns back down in the vague direction of the hut
One of my dozy mates led half the group to the wrong peak
Pretty bumpy ride down until we got round to the South facing transforming slopes. I managed to ski into a hole and double eject down the hill! Said mate collects my ski only then to launch it down at me. Of course it goes flying past Fortunately dug itself in a few metres below to much relief
A bit of Spring skiing (let’s just ignore that it’s mid Feb!)
Thanks for sharing a truly honest trip report. Duct tape saves the day again.
PS are there any touring bindings you haven’t broken yet?
No comment…
I love all the ATK bindings I’ve used but apparently there is an issue with the brakes on the (old?) Crest models bending stopping them from locking. Apparently they may have changed the design - @Soyderjon will probably know. Changed them on the missus Crest 10’s last week telling her to be more careful handling them and ironically same problem on these Crest 8’s… Shop fixed this one in 5 mins for 25chf so can’t complain.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Not strictly ski touring and not a wally but I love this about Switzerland. Little, old lady smashing out a ferocious pace on Nordic skis on a Sunday afternoon. Bravo
anyone tried the Scott Proguide 96 at all? 1.4kg lighter than my R.98s but the R98s have been pretty decent all round inc hooning around on piste, not sure if such a light ski wouldn't be as good on hardpack?
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Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
BobinCH wrote:
DB wrote:
@BobinCH,
Thanks for sharing a truly honest trip report. Duct tape saves the day again.
PS are there any touring bindings you haven’t broken yet?
No comment…
I love all the ATK bindings I’ve used but apparently there is an issue with the brakes on the (old?) Crest models bending stopping them from locking. Apparently they may have changed the design - @Soyderjon will probably know. Changed them on the missus Crest 10’s last week telling her to be more careful handling them and ironically same problem on these Crest 8’s… Shop fixed this one in 5 mins for 25chf so can’t complain.
To be honest I think I've broken every touring binding I've used (Fritschi freerides exploded, dynafit heel pins broke).
Not broke my new ATK's yet though - main reason is because I ain't done no touring this season yet.
After all it is free
After all it is free
for a moment i thought Wallies = people in Wales....and that these mountains are in Wales...and i thought ", i shouldnt go away from Wales"
PS
Sorry i dont want to offend someone (i love Wales.... spend there two of the best years of my life)
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turms2 wrote:
Sorry i dont want to offend someone (i love Wales.... spend there two of the best years of my life)
you must enjoy rain then
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
swskier wrote:
turms2 wrote:
Sorry i dont want to offend someone (i love Wales.... spend there two of the best years of my life)
you must enjoy rain then
yeap...after snow the rain....i hate the sun + summer (except when we have 100 cm fresh snow)
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
kitenski wrote:
anyone tried the Scott Proguide 96 at all? 1.4kg lighter than my R.98s but the R98s have been pretty decent all round inc hooning around on piste, not sure if such a light ski wouldn't be as good on hardpack?
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.
What do wallies use for hydration? Collapsable bottles, bladder or???
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
@kitenski,
Quote:
What do wallies use for hydration? Collapsable bottles, bladder or??
Lexan bottles probably best...
Alu Sigg bottles used to be the rage, but hut staff not too keen if they're putting hot water in them as they have a small spout and are hot to hold if uninsulated.
Bladders are great for drinking whilst skinning, but do have a tendency to freeze up if you're not careful... Use an insulated tube, and remember to blow the water back when you've supped so the mouthpiece doesn't freeze.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
kitenski wrote:
What do wallies use for hydration? Collapsable bottles, bladder or???
Collapsible bottle FTW - I use a platypus that I've had for a good few years and still going strong. I had an old alu Sigg bottle before that but the platypus packs better. I used bladders years ago but (1) they ALWAYS froze and (2) the seal between bag and tube ALWAYS failed. Fine on the bike in temperate conditions, poo-poo for winter.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
kitenski wrote:
What do wallies use for hydration? Collapsable bottles, bladder or???
Good question and not yet got this right. I have Scott alpride pack which does not support a bladder and hose, and I can’t see how it can be adapted as to not potentially obstruct the airbag mechanism. I had opted fo a soft 500ml Hydrapack soft flask which I attached to the shoulder strap using a small carabiner but it would annoyingly swing around.
Current solution is to carry the soft flask in jacket pocket or in pack. It’s a hassle when in pack as I have to take off leg strap etc just to get a drink.
I now plan to try a dynafit insulated water bottle holder which attaches to the front of shoulder strap and takes a normal sports bottle. This looks like a neat solution and seems popular with tourers. Does anyone have experience with this?
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Ozboy wrote:
I now plan to try a dynafit insulated water bottle holder which attaches to the front of shoulder strap and takes a normal sports bottle. This looks like a neat solution and seems popular with tourers. Does anyone have experience with this?
I have one on my light dynafit touring pack. Love the pack but not the bottle as it sits in your eyeline and is heavy enough to notice. Took mine off and stick water in bag. Unless you’re racing and trying to shave off a few seconds, or your bag is full it‘s not worth the “discomfort” IMO.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Sharkymark wrote:
kitenski wrote:
What do wallies use for hydration? Collapsable bottles, bladder or???
Collapsible bottle FTW - I use a platypus that I've had for a good few years and still going strong. I had an old alu Sigg bottle before that but the platypus packs better. I used bladders years ago but (1) they ALWAYS froze and (2) the seal between bag and tube ALWAYS failed. Fine on the bike in temperate conditions, poo-poo for winter.
This is my experience too. Generally stuff the drinking tube down my sweaty back when it freezes to get the water flowing again.
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?
I use a bladder as my primary water source (using blow back technique), and a back up bottle for when I get a temporary freeze. I’ve never had a bladder fail, but I use camelbacks which are pretty sturdy, and the later versions have an internal baffle which prevents the bag collapsing
I much prefer regular and often for hydration, rather than all at once. That said, we all have different requirements, and for example I’ve been out touring and probably got through 2ltrs during the day, whereas my guide apparently survived on 2 mouthfuls of water.
I’m definitely more like your guide! Very rarely go through more than a litre of water in a day of touring. Having said that, most of mine is done at low altitude but high latitude. I drink more when high up.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Have a scott airbag too (which isn't set up for a hydration pack) so bought one of these.
It has velcro straps and a loop at the top (which I attach to the backback with a small carabiner). Only used it a couple of times but don't remember it getting in the way or causing any problems. It needs to be low enough not to obscure vision but high enough not to get in the way of your arm movements. For longer tours I need to carry a larger bottle in the backpack to refill it, so the overall weight is higher though.
Looks like you could also secure it to the hip belt though - would be out of the way there. Scott used to do a bottle holder that clipped into a plastic fitting on the hip belt of the first airbags they did. I never managed to get hold of one…
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Suspect a belt mounted bottle would get in the way. At the front it could dig into the top of the thigh/belly. At the side it could get in the way of the arm swing.
After all it is free
After all it is free
yea the reason for the question is I'm moving to a Scott electric airbag so wondering about carrying stuff!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
kitenski wrote:
yea the reason for the question is I'm moving to a Scott electric airbag so wondering about carrying stuff!
The electric Scott bag I have doesn't have a loop or velcro attachment to attach a water bladder to so it falls to the bottom of the bag.
Haven't used my Scott bag on a long tour yet with a bladder, but have a long ski touring weekend planned soon.
You might want to consider
a) just buying the electric system and using another backpack (I think you can transfer the airbag system).
@DB, thx, my bladder is pretty rigid, it seems to stay upright on various long day out walks I've done without connecting to a loop or velcro,
If it stays upright, then I'm assuming I can just pass the hose through the zip (Assuming it's a 2 way zip??), which would only be an issue in a blizzard/rain
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
DB wrote:
kitenski wrote:
yea the reason for the question is I'm moving to a Scott electric airbag so wondering about carrying stuff!
The electric Scott bag I have doesn't have a loop or velcro attachment to attach a water bladder to so it falls to the bottom of the bag.
Haven't used my Scott bag on a long tour yet with a bladder, but have a long ski touring weekend planned soon.
You might want to consider
a) just buying the electric system and using another backpack (I think you can transfer the airbag system).
Another water bladder issue with the Scott is the opening of the main bag compartment which is behind the airbag and as such the hose needs to go over the top of the airbag opening to reach the shoulder strap. How are you routing the hose with the Giraffe?
I am also a little-but-often hydrator which stems from cycling.
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.
@Ozboy, hmm cheers! Is it possible to route a tube through the route the unused side of the pull handle uses? I understand the trigger handle can be moved from the left to the right hand side so potential to route the hose that way?? Not got the bag yet so can't check!
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
Ozboy wrote:
Another water bladder issue with the Scott is the opening of the main bag compartment which is behind the airbag and as such the hose needs to go over the top of the airbag opening to reach the shoulder strap. How are you routing the hose with the Giraffe?
I am also a little-but-often hydrator which stems from cycling.
Yes a valid point. Not used it with a bladder yet, but yes the tube could cause problems although I'd run the tube out to the side (rather than directly over the top of the airbag zip) and would expect the force of the airbag would rip the tube out of the way.
There's no fixed hole for the hydration tube. The backpack pockets do have two zips so you can feed the tube out between them, but the zips can be moved by the tube and can cause the pocket to open. A small caribiner/device could be used to keep the zips together though (although they may still move).
I often ski-tour for over 6 hours at a time, sometimes at higher altitudes (Swiss & Italian 4000ers) - my max was around 18 hours. A small water bottle just won't cut it.
Putting some salt in the water means I retain the water rather than having to pee every 20 mins.
Last edited by 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 on Fri 3-03-23 12:10; edited 3 times in total
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
kitenski wrote:
@Ozboy, hmm cheers! Is it possible to route a tube through the route the unused side of the pull handle uses? I understand the trigger handle can be moved from the left to the right hand side so potential to route the hose that way?? Not got the bag yet so can't check!
I don't think its possible, but I cant remember exactly why as it was a while ago when I tried it. I will look again when I am back in France next week. In any case it's an excellent bag and don't let that put you off as I am sure there is a viable workaround. I just keep a soft Hydrapak filled to 300ml in my jacket pocket on a downhill day.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Just looked at it. You could use a small caribiner to keep the zips together and in place by hooking it into the ice axe velcro holder. It would come out of the rucksack and to the side at approx. the same level as the underside of the airbag zip, so shouldn't be a problem.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
I now use these, really easy and no bladder faff* and bizarrely doesn't seem to freeze up in my cycling bottle.
I carry another bottle in my pack, and yes when it starts to get warmer and if it's going to be a big day, then I might revert back to the bladder.
And this morning in action, probably best day of the season?
Went up to the ridge (Italian Frontier) left of the picture above the forest and skied a line down where in the picture it's in the shade (15+ cold powder), long approach though.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Thanks @Weatercam - I will try it. Its coming up for me at £41 from Amazon but found one at facewest £15. I'll pair it up with a camelback insulated bottle.
That route looks amazing and well worth the trek.
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?
Just had 3 nights up at Lämmerenhütte, fabulous base to tour from. The hut is at 2501m the options are Wildstrubel (vast) Steghorn, Daubenhorn, Schwarzhorn, Rote Totz gives access to a long ski to Kandersteg.
Snow was remarkably good, the small dusting we had last Sunday evening helped immeasurably.
Well worth a visit, main access up the cable car at Leukerbad then 90mins skin to the hut.
Thanks @Weatercam - I will try it. Its coming up for me at £41 from Amazon but found one at facewest £15. I'll pair it up with a camelback insulated bottle.
I've just got one too - was the only real thing that bothered me with the Osprey avi bag last week was not being able to take sips of water when touring up with my pack still on.
What a great day out!! How many vertical meters did you ski up and down?
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@Ozboy, was only around 700m but was a long approach, though we did break a few rules to shorten that, which begs the question how much would you pay for a day like that?
And I had suggested maybe going on a bit further, but we decided to transition, and we went from this, note helmet on pole....
to this
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Yes, a momentary lack of concentration, some strong rays of sunshine and the snow round my pole melted, toppling the helmet down the slope around 200m of vert, all the way down to the torrent at the bottom!
Several rounds of expletives later I set off after it, hoping that one of the many rocks on the way had arrested its fall......
No, finally spotted it bobbing in a rock pool in the torrent, extended my pole to max length and fished it out!
The goggle lens was toast, but helmet and frame just very soggy!
Luckily we were now skinning back up to where we dropped in so the liner had time to dry on the ascent!
Lesson learnt
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
)
Fortunately dug itself in a few metres below to much relief
, i shouldnt go away from Wales" 
