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Non-Technique Hints and Tips

 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
So I'm thinking of little things I've learnt over the years from people that are now standard.

The example that made me think of making this thread is buying silica gel sachets to leave in your boots overnight.

Any other minor hints or tips that make a big difference and can become standard for future trips?
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Hmmm, had never thought of that, where does one buy silica gel?

My tip would be a bad day skiing is better than a good day at work. If you're ever feeling frustrated with how your skiing is going that day, just remember, you could be at work instead! Guaranteed to lift the mood!
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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?
Just ordered 10x25g sachets on ebay for under £4...
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Whagwan wrote:
The example that made me think of making this thread is buying silica gel sachets to leave in your boots overnight.


We use them. Just dont forget to take them out before you put the boots on in the big rush to get out the door each morning wondering why they dont feel quite so comfortable as they should or why there are all these little beads rolling around when you take them off.

Rather than buy them on ebay just buy lots of new ski wear each season as they tend to come with one sachet each. Works out a bit more expensive but more fun.
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Skiers.
Carry a dog biscuit in your pocket.
That way in the event of an avalanche the rescue dog will fond you first.

http://viz.co.uk/2015/12/18/top-tip-skiers/

There's also an interesting ski magazine that is promoted by Viz.
Must get a copy.
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 You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
Or bicarb of Soda wrapped in j-cloth with a few drops of tea tree oil , or so I'm told.
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Or just take the liners out overnight....
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
My tip is to have a couple of big plastic boxes with lids that live in the loft. When I come back from a trip, once the laundry is done, EVERYTHING ski-related needs to go into the boxes. That way it's easy to pack next time without forgetting anything, or having to search the house for something I've put in a stupid 'safe place'.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Put your liners inside trimmed thin supermarket bags (dying out of course) or thin bin liners before you put them in the shells, can help keep melt water out and makes the liners easier to remove for further drying. Don't do it myself, but Mrs SL insists.
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 Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Skis get carried on the shoulders, tips down, toe binding resting on shoulder and so that when the carrier carelessly swings around to yell at errant husband, wife, offspring or drunken buddies, they don’t smack me in the face.

Oh, and the carrier then looks a little more as though they know what they are doing...
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
What's wrong with boot dryers or a heated boot room? All the above sounds like very unnecessary faffing Puzzled
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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.
Cos boot dryers just make them smell and the boot rooms are full of humidity

Have used the following for 20+ years
Buy copy of Times or similar broadsheet at airport
On return for day 1 skiing, scrunch double pages up into balls and stuff in boots, 5 or so balls per boot
Boots on spread out newspaper
Next morning remove balls of newspaper, put in boot bag for later, and put on completely dry and on-smelling boots. Have lovely day of skiing
On return put the same newspaper balls (from which the dampness has by now evaporated) back into boots overnight and repeat.
Throw balls away after last use

I do the same for Mrs sev112 and littlemiss sev112’s boots as well, and they swear by this as well
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 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
@jonm, fear not we (or rather Mrs SL) deploy the hair dryer type boot heaters as well as the on snow boot heaters - so much for the hardy Highlander.
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 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Maireadoconnor wrote:
My tip is to have a couple of big plastic boxes with lids that live in the loft. When I come back from a trip, once the laundry is done, EVERYTHING ski-related needs to go into the boxes. That way it's easy to pack next time without forgetting anything, or having to search the house for something I've put in a stupid 'safe place'.


The missus has just bought a few of big strong Ikea bags for this very purpose... Our loft is like a bomb-site


Are boot dryers really less hassle than moving a sachet of gel from your snow boots to the ski boots when you take them off (and vice versa in the morning)?
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
@Whagwan,
Quote:

Are boot dryers really less hassle than moving a sachet of gel from your snow boots to the ski boots when you take them off (and vice versa in the morning)?

Lifting your boots off a dryer takes zero effort. Removing a gel sachet, or several uses a very small amount of effort. No difference really. The real difference IMO is that the boot dryers can remove far more moisture/water than a bag of silical gel can. Both systems work better in a dry environment.

How about a couple of socks/tights filled with cat litter? It would give far better volume of material than a small number of silicon gell bags.
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Maireadoconnor wrote:
My tip is to have a couple of big plastic boxes with lids that live in the loft. When I come back from a trip, once the laundry is done, EVERYTHING ski-related needs to go into the boxes. That way it's easy to pack next time without forgetting anything, or having to search the house for something I've put in a stupid 'safe place'.


yep, I do that...or more likely put it all straight back into the suitcase ready for the next trip until the end of the season
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
jonm wrote:
What's wrong with boot dryers or a heated boot room? All the above sounds like very unnecessary faffing Puzzled


+1. I have never taken a liner out in my life. Sometime i put them in the bathroom near the radiator and use boot heaters in the morning if i remember
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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?
foxtrotzulu wrote:
@Whagwan,
Quote:

Are boot dryers really less hassle than moving a sachet of gel from your snow boots to the ski boots when you take them off (and vice versa in the morning)?

Lifting your boots off a dryer takes zero effort. Removing a gel sachet, or several uses a very small amount of effort. No difference really. The real difference IMO is that the boot dryers can remove far more moisture/water than a bag of silical gel can. Both systems work better in a dry environment.

How about a couple of socks/tights filled with cat litter? It would give far better volume of material than a small number of silicon gell bags.


One step ahead, my silica gel sachets from ebay are 25g rather than the 2g ones that are generally included with gear...

I suppose I've always been on too much of a budget to have a locker with boot dryers!
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@Maireadoconnor, Similar but use the ski suitcase to put everything back in!
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Always carry cash
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I use Dryzones in my boots overnight if there are no heaters, and for long term storage. Never had a problem.

Top tip: cut your toenails.
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Love the dog biscuit one!

One I just learned on Monday night after trying to break up a fight - don't get a broken nose 2 weeks before the ski trip.
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
Forget the night life. Get smashed at apres ski and be in bed for 9pm. Have no problems being on the slopes by 10pm the next day! (god I feel old now)
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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.
Disaster wrote:
Forget the night life. Get smashed at apres ski and be in bed for 9pm. Have no problems being on the slopes by 10pm the next day! (god I feel old now)


10pm Laughing
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Ski the Net with snowHeads
Can see why you chose the name Disaster!!
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 snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Disaster wrote:
Forget the night life. Get smashed at apres ski and be in bed for 9pm. Have no problems being on the slopes by 10pm the next day! (god I feel old now)


That's pretty much how it works Laughing
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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.
Disaster wrote:
Forget the night life. Get smashed at apres ski and be in bed for 9pm. Have no problems being on the slopes by 10pm the next day! (god I feel old nohw)

Spoke to a couple of teenage irish lads today and that's what they have been doing
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 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
Boots on dryers toes up, it’s amazing how many default to toes down
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 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
holidayloverxx wrote:
Maireadoconnor wrote:
My tip is to have a couple of big plastic boxes with lids that live in the loft. When I come back from a trip, once the laundry is done, EVERYTHING ski-related needs to go into the boxes. That way it's easy to pack next time without forgetting anything, or having to search the house for something I've put in a stupid 'safe place'.


yep, I do that...or more likely put it all straight back into the suitcase ready for the next trip until the end of the season


Me too, either boxes or the suitcase after washing - the ski gear is about the only organised thing in our house!

Always carry chocolate or something on the slopes, as pole throwing, top of precipice tantrums will occur otherwise (we get hangry...)
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Whagwan wrote:
foxtrotzulu wrote:
@Whagwan,
Quote:

Are boot dryers really less hassle than moving a sachet of gel from your snow boots to the ski boots when you take them off (and vice versa in the morning)?

Lifting your boots off a dryer takes zero effort. Removing a gel sachet, or several uses a very small amount of effort. No difference really. The real difference IMO is that the boot dryers can remove far more moisture/water than a bag of silical gel can. Both systems work better in a dry environment.

How about a couple of socks/tights filled with cat litter? It would give far better volume of material than a small number of silicon gell bags.


One step ahead, my silica gel sachets from ebay are 25g rather than the 2g ones that are generally included with gear...

I suppose I've always been on too much of a budget to have a locker with boot dryers!


I did stumble across an article/post suggesting you need c.200g per boot. You’re still a bit short. Incidentally, did yo7 know that your 10 sachets of 25g silicate gel have a combined surface area of 200,000 square metres! Clever stuff.


Last edited by Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name: on Thu 15-02-18 21:03; edited 1 time in total
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
In terms of boot drying (with people here suggesting newspaper / silica gel / etc) I still think Boot Bananas are the best way:
https://www.snowandrock.com/p/boot-bananas-boot-bananas-F1964005.html?channable=e14331.MTM3NzM2XzE1MQ&colour=151&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_JTUBRD4ARIsAL7_VeU7_xMg-RH1TP1O4mF76dmN-6WsGbmu5Quw1ce7ePMs1BpJkLqJumcaAqvqEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
sev112 wrote:
Cos boot dryers just make them smell and the boot rooms are full of humidity

Have used the following for 20+ years
Buy copy of Times or similar broadsheet at airport
On return for day 1 skiing, scrunch double pages up into balls and stuff in boots, 5 or so balls per boot
Boots on spread out newspaper
Next morning remove balls of newspaper, put in boot bag for later, and put on completely dry and on-smelling boots. Have lovely day of skiing
On return put the same newspaper balls (from which the dampness has by now evaporated) back into boots overnight and repeat.
Throw balls away after last use

I do the same for Mrs sev112 and littlemiss sev112’s boots as well, and they swear by this as well


Great idea sev112 - you can get a complementary copy of the Times at Manchester (minus the glossy saturday mag), or the Sun, should you so wish Very Happy
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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?
foxtrotzulu wrote:


I did stumble across an article/post suggesting you need c.200g per boot. You’re still a bit short.



Silica gel can adsorb up to 40% of it's weight in water so I'd say 80ml of water per boot is a bit excessive. This isn't some new experimental idea, this is what works for me.

If other people think newspaper works (and it does) silica gel will adsorb a lot more moisture.
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You get a free bottle of drinking water with a Telegraph at most airports.

So you can always top your boots up a bit if they get too dry.
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Another Tip:

The best way to get your skis on is (if your right footed)
1) Stand with both feet on the "port" side of the skis.
2) Poles planted in the usual position astride the skis.
3) Take your left foot around the front of the right leg, kick any snow off the base of boot on front binding.
4) Click into the "port" side ski.
5) Just step into the bindings of the other ski after you've cleared any snow off your boot on the binding.

If your left footed ... that's hard luck.
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Clap! Clap!
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Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Well it took me about 5 ski trips before I realised that I didn't know how to buckle my boots up properly. So learn how to buckle your boots is probably my top tip.
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
@DrLawn, does it matter which 'footed' you are?

I agree with your technique, but I'd just describe it as...

1) Stand downhill of your skis
2) Take your downhill leg around the front of your uphill leg and clip into the downhill ski
3) Take your uphill leg around the back of your (now clipped in) downhill leg and clip into the uphill ski
Job done

It's definitely a good technique when stepping in on an incline but I don't think left/right specifics matter.

EDITED because I wrote it all the opposite way around to what it was meant to be.


Last edited by After all it is free Go on u know u want to! on Thu 15-02-18 21:37; edited 2 times in total
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Disaster wrote:
Forget the night life. Get smashed at apres ski and be in bed for 9pm. Have no problems being on the slopes by 10pm the next day! (god I feel old now)


That weird feeling of checking the time after 6 pints to discover it's only 7.45pm!
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@dp, are you sure? Putting the uphill ski on first sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.
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