Hi all,
I've just got into skiing at the age of 62. I did it 40 years ago when in the forces, but that was cross country skiing. I've taken it up as my daughter has got into skiing, plus I loved it when I did it, way back. At the moment we only go to the Chillfactore in Manchester. I've done the 6 hour beginners course and the 6 hour improver course in the space of a week. I enjoyed it so much I bought a pair of boots (Dalbello Avanti 90's), as the rentals were crippling me and also a pair of skis (Rossignol Experience 80 HDs) both courtesy of a tax rebate. Not used either yet, as I only bought them a few days ago. I did loads of research about the type of skis that would suit an unfit, small in stature oldun like me. However, one thing I didn't realise when I bought them, is that you have to wax the skis on a regular basis. I knew you waxed Nordic skis, and the reasons why, but didn't realise you also needed to wax Alpine skis. I know, I know, I clearly didn't do enough research; but I only found this forum after I'd bought them.
My question is, is there anyone who lives near North Wales/Chester area who would be willing to spare a little time to show me how to wax and look after my skis.
Cheers
Awdbugga
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Mon 14-08-17 12:06; edited 2 times in total
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
@Awdbugga, Welcome to Snowheads. I don't know anyone near you... but have a look at Spderjon's site ...http://thepisteoffice.com/ ... lot's of info and courses there.
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?
Thanks for that. I have looked at his site, but see he's based near Nottingham; which is a bit of a haul. I'd travel to anywhere in the North Wales and Chester area. I know there are videos on youtube, but feel watching someone prepping a ski close up and being able to ask questions would be the best way to learn.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Thanks all, I'll give the shops a ring. I'll only need showing the once. I also need to ring the supplier of the skis first to see if the skis were shipped ready waxed. I'm assuming they were, but being a newbie I don't know how to tell.
On that note, I got a great deal on the skis. I shopped around all the Uk outlets. Prices varied from the most expensive at £379, to the cheapest being £259. I bought them from snowleader.co.uk for £219. They are based in France; but shipped free to the UK. Ordered on the Monday evening, arrived Friday morning. Most of their staff speak English. Great service and a big saving. Sweet.
After all it is free
After all it is free
@Awdbugga, sounds like you are loving skiing which is great. Can I just ask did you see a boot fitter to get your boots and ensure they really do fit?
In terms of the skis they will be waxed from the factory and will have an edge on them even if not as sharp as Jon might do! I believe sail and ski are probably one of the more respected shops in the area and think K might have used them before.
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.
Hi Pete. I bought my boots from Snow and Rock at the Chillfactore. I already had the make and model of boot in mind, based on price, flex, me being a beginner etc. I'd used the Chillfactor Head boots three times and found them to be so uncomfortable each time. I take size 8 shoes and had to get size ten boots in the Chillfactore to find boots that were even bearable to wear. Snow and Rock measured me up and I tried a pair of 8 1/2 boots. They were so comfortable straight out of the box. The only pressure point was just below my left heal bone. But they said they would sort that out when they heat moulded the boots for me. They didn't have time there and then as they were about to close for the evening. I'll get that done next time I'm there; which will be sometime next week.
I'll contact Sail and Ski in Chester and see if they are willing to show me how to wax and maintain the skis. My daughter bought her boots from them, and said they were helpful.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Awdbugga wrote:
Hi all,
I've just got into skiing at the age of 62. I did it 40 years ago when in the forces, but that was cross country skiing. I've taken it up as my daughter has got into skiing, plus I loved it when I did it, way back. At the moment we only go to the Chillfactore in Manchester. I've done the 6 hour beginners course and the 6 hour improver course in the space of a week. I enjoyed it so much I bought a pair of boots (Dalbello Avanti 90's), as the rentals were crippling me and also a pair of skis (Rossignol Experience 80 HDs) both courtesy of a tax rebate. Not used either yet, as I only bought them a few days ago. I did loads of research about the type of skis that would suit an unfit, small in stature oldun like me. However, one thing I didn't realise when I bought them, is that you have to wax the skis on a regular basis. I knew you waxed Nordic skis, and the reasons why, but didn't realise you also needed to wax Alpine skis. I know, I know, I clearly didn't do enough research; but I only found this forum after I'd bought them.
My question is, is there anyone who lives near North Wales/Chester area who would be willing to spare a little time to show me how to wax and look after my skis.
Cheers
Awdbugga
Hi welcome to SH. I live near Ellesmere Port and do my own servicing. Happy to show what I know if you're close enough. PM me if interested.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Awdbugga Taking things to their logical conclusion, at some stage you'll want to escape the fridge and get out on to a real mountain. In which case the 'Make Yourself A snowHead Bash' (MYAsHBash4) could be ideal for you. Unfortunately it's not yet confirmed for this season.
Failing that, this might be of interest.
Sunday, 15th Oct 2017 : 2pm-6pm (TBC), OktoberTest North Ski Test at Manchester's Chill FactorE
(Link is to last year's, for info) .
Also not yet confirmed, but I think it's likely to happen. Hopefully Admin will be along shortly to advise.
Finally, welcome to Snowheads, we're a friendly lot, not withstanding the odd troll, and they're easily avoided.
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.
Thanks for the heads up. If it were up to me I'd be off skiing abroad this winter, but my wife is not in the best of health and doesn't ski; so she would be bored sick sitting in cafe's all day (albeit in beautiful surroundings), whilst my daughter and I had a blast. I loved skiing in Norway when in the forces. Sleeping in snow holes for two nights way above the tree line and then going out and skiing at midnight when there was a full moon. It was like daylight. Experience of a lifetime (and all at the tax payers expense )
I doubt I'd get a pass to attend a Snowhead bash. The other problem is I'm self employed, so getting time off is not always easy.
I'm still a beginner and would probably feel way out of my depth and comfort zone at Oktoberfest surrounded by "real" snowheads, talking about cambers, rockers, sidecuts and edge angles. Sounds like it could be a lot of fun though. But then thinking about it, it may be a way for me to learn a lot of the more techy stuff. Hmmm. Food for thought. I'll watch out for more info closer to the time. I may have improved enough by then so as not to be totally embarrassed.
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
I used Youtube to teach myself how to tune skis. Don't forget that it's not just waxing, you'll need to sharpen edges too.
Agree with Neddy that MYASH Bash could be a great way to get to the mountains with some friendly people. I've been on the last two (although I didn't have the lessons) and it's a really good way to develop your skiing with a mix of beginners and more experienced skiers. It's turned my dad (TurdyMcFlude) from someone that wasn't that interested to someone that had 3 trips involving skiing last season
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Awdbugga wrote:
Thanks for the heads up. If it were up to me I'd be off skiing abroad this winter, but my wife is not in the best of health and doesn't ski; so she would be bored sick sitting in cafe's all day (albeit in beautiful surroundings), whilst my daughter and I had a blast. I loved skiing in Norway when in the forces. Sleeping in snow holes for two nights way above the tree line and then going out and skiing at midnight when there was a full moon. It was like daylight. Experience of a lifetime (and all at the tax payers expense )
I doubt I'd get a pass to attend a Snowhead bash. The other problem is I'm self employed, so getting time off is not always easy.
I'm still a beginner and would probably feel way out of my depth and comfort zone at Oktoberfest surrounded by "real" snowheads, talking about cambers, rockers, sidecuts and edge angles. Sounds like it could be a lot of fun though. But then thinking about it, it may be a way for me to learn a lot of the more techy stuff. Hmmm. Food for thought. I'll watch out for more info closer to the time. I may have improved enough by then so as not to be totally embarrassed.
My mum is a non-skiing snowhead who went on a bash with no intention of skiing and still really enjoyed it. The advantage of the MYASH trip is that it's not all hardcore types so actually there are usually people around the hotel to talk to at most times of the day.
Don't worry too much about ability either, there are all sorts that turn up to Oktoberfest and even if you don't try out lots of the skis it can be a nice social event
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Sounds good. I'll have to work on her. Oktoberfest (if it comes off) also sounds like fun. I'll keep my eyes peeled for the info when it's posted. Thanks again.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
@Awdbugga, you should go to the Oktobertest, its not just about ski testing, its also a good meet up for everyone.
I'll be going myself.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
I reckon I will go RichardB. Obviously I don't need new boots or skis, as mine are brand spanking new (yet to be worn); but I guess it would be interesting to try different makes and types; and as you say meet everyone. Do they close the Chillfactore to the public on that day? Also I have an annual membership to the Chillfactore, so is there a discount? (not that it matters if there isn't).
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?
@Awdbugga, we've got a lot in common, I've skied in Norway, slept in snow holes and have a none skiing wife. We generally go to Livigno at Christmas, a habit we got into when I was self employed. It's more of a holiday with skiing than a skiing holiday. OH goes to Turkey with her coven.
I'm still a beginner and would probably feel way out of my depth and comfort zone at Oktoberfest surrounded by "real" snowheads, talking about cambers, rockers, sidecuts and edge angles. Sounds like it could be a lot of fun though. But then thinking about it, it may be a way for me to learn a lot of the more techy stuff. Hmmm. Food for thought. I'll watch out for more info closer to the time. I may have improved enough by then so as not to be totally embarrassed.
To be honest with you, in my experience, Snowheads who actually give much of a about rocker/camber/sidecut/edge angles don't make up the majority by any means.
Every time I mention the ski test, I hear the same thing. Either "I'm not good enough at skiing to tell the difference between skis" or "I just use whatever I'm given, I'm not good enough to mind" etc etc.
But in reality, if you don't try lots of things side by side, you'll never know the difference between skis. Ski tests are really the only way to get a good opportunity to actually compare skis on like-for-like pistes in life-for-like conditions.
Then every time after a ski test, you have all the same people who previously said they couldn't tell the difference, saying how much they liked A, B and C but didn't get on with D, E or F. Then you can compare the properties of the skis you liked and skis you didn't and get some idea what kind of ski you'd go for.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
I will be attending the test day, but mainly to meet other people and have some fun. As I mentioned earlier, my skis and boots are brand new ( not worn yet); so I will not be looking to replace them. But I take your point about trying different skis to understand the difference in cuts etc. All useful info for the future.
Don't worry too much about about the finer points of waxing. Any old iron will do to apply a thin layer of wax and any old stiff bristle brush will do to brush the base. See http://youtube.com/v/zRdbv36pNlg I have done my own for years.
Leave your edges alone for the moment.
Get a pro to check your edges if you find you can not get your skis to bite into hard ice. Get a pro to sharpen the edges if required.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Cheers. Thanks for that. I'm amazed how much of the wax he scrapes off. Surprised there's any left on there. Is it possible to scrape ALL the wax off? Totally different to waxing Nordic skis; where you leave the wax on.
After all it is free
After all it is free
@Awdbugga, I think with a hot scrape you're trying to get all the wax out of the pores (along with the dirt). Once you've done that then you leave a coat on (at least overnight) before scraping and brushing. This allows it to set into the pores but you do effectively take off virtually all the wax.
Disclaimer: I'm only self-taught using Youtube so may not have the full science correct, someone like Spyderjon would have a much better idea seeing as it's his trade.
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.
Hi all, further up this thread someone suggested I attend Oktober Test. I intend to. But can anyone tell me what is included in the £35. Do you still have to pay for Chillfactore passes.
cheers
Awdbugga
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
@Awdbugga, the £35 included the slope pass; from what I remember, people who already had a pass paid a fair bit less. Maybe see you there. I went last year and it was an excellent day - well recommended
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
about rocker/camber/sidecut/edge angles don't make up the majority by any means.
