 Poster: A snowHead
|
|
I don't like Mondays in the office. Off piste I am ok with
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| Scarlet wrote: |
@DB, That is pretty much exactly my experience (though I'll skip on the ML refs, as I find them quite distasteful). @admin may remember waiting quite some time for me to repeatedly fall my way down a line, finishing with a particularly spectacular entrance back onto the piste that involved my head meeting the ground several times  I was determined to get it though, and I took about 3 weeks of lessons and practice to sort myself out. I don't fall over that much now, so don't expend so much energy getting back up again, but when I do there is usually blood and/or broken mountain furniture to deal with |
FIFY
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
| pam w wrote: |
| Quote: |
I feel much the same and have now given up trying
|
yeah, me too - even before my current health problems I found that the amount of falling I did in the difficult snow (easiski's description) at La Grave left me with a hugely swollen and very stiff knee (despite a steroid injection into it the week before, in preparation). Even so, some tuition specifically looking at how to descend what (to me....) were quite steep slopes, made a big difference. I just left it too late in my skiing career, I guess - I was in my late 60s when we did the La Grave descent - which will count as the high spot of my patchy off piste skiing career! I'd had lessons before, in deep soft snow, which had been enjoyable (if also knackering) and much improved my performance. Just not enough! I'm glad I did it - it gave me a "taste" of the real thing and helps on those days when the snow on-piste is far from perfect. But I am very happy to ski nicely groomed corduroy in the sunshine, as I am to beam-reach at 8 knots on a flat sea rather than hammering to windward in a chop. I don't feel I have anything to prove (it's one of the few advantages of being old....). |
Good attitude (though I'd rather ski the tamest nursery slope for the rest of my life than try any more sailing) I have to admit I'm not that interested in skiing lines where the "being gripped" detracts from the pleasure of the skiing. So even though I get my fair share of off piste skiing there are those doing far gnarlier stuff that I have no real aspiration to emulate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
I don't like doing off-piste either (any more). I did quite a bit in groups with instructors many years ago and loved it.
Now I simply prefer staying on the piste in my comfort zone!! I know I could get lessons to improve off-piste, but I enjoy skiing and the mountains as I am. I just hate falling in the deep stuff, and half the time the off-piste is all tracked out crusty sh*t anyway unless you're prepared to hike.
I'm just an average intermediate, I can ski most runs in a resort - some of them reasonably well! I don't think that's anything to sneer at.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| Quote: |
Thing is, if you rule out off piste you are missing more than just skiing, it's the experience of being in the high mountains away from the masses.
|
There are other ways of being in the high mountains away from the masses. And if you are getting to and from your off-piste by using pistes, you're not that far from the masses and their hardware, are you?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
ive used pistes and lifts to get to off piste day tours .... and the mountains were high and there certainly werent masses of people ... if any
there are plenty of refuges just over ridges you wouldnt dream of going to unless you ski off piste .. and theyre not a great distance not hard to get to and from... for example you can sit/eat/drink in the abomination at the Palet lift in Tignes or go to the top of the lift and pop down to the refuge and have a more traditional mountain experience away from the masses ...
off piste skiing is not for everyone ... skiing is about putting that big grin on your face and plenty of whoops where ever you are ..
Last edited by You'll need to Register first of course. on Mon 26-11-18 14:37; edited 3 times in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| HoneyBunny wrote: |
I'm just an average intermediate, I can ski most runs in a resort - some of them reasonably well! I don't think that's anything to sneer at. |
I don't think it's sneerable either, and anyone that does can soon be reminded that without average intermediates they would be accessing all their gnarl by their own power exclusively as there wouldn't be the funds to run ski lifts for the gnarly boyz n girlz alone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
| limegreen1 wrote: |
| ive used pistes and lifts to get to off piste day tours .... and the mountains were high and there certainly werent masses of people ... if any |
Exactly, I use lifts to help access off piste routes, usually with no one else but the group we are in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@tonyswift, thanks, there will be no bragging from me, far to old for that.
@Layne, Just curious, I knew I wouldn't be the only one but there are a few on here who are well into double figure years of skiing & I just wondered if everyone eventually got into it. As for Motive I must admit the Valle Blance run does appeal & I know my kids will want to do it at some point BUT I would only ever do it if I was totally comfortable off piste & yes I would have a guide.
Also it been quite on here & I haven't seen the topic before so I thought I would start one.
I think I will get myself a set of ex hire fat skis to try out (can get them for 150 euro) & if I feel it slightly easier I will book a couple of lessons.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
| Quote: |
ive used pistes and lifts to get to off piste day tours .... and the mountains were high and there certainly werent masses of people ... if any
|
I can well believe it, and in most of my on-piste skiing I don't encounter masses either - often the only people on a slope, straight onto lifts etc. I'm just mildly irritated by the suggestion that off-piste skiing is the only way to get into the mountains away from the masses. I've done plenty of walking in mountains miles away from any lifts and totally devoid of masses.
Last edited by snowHeads are a friendly bunch. on Mon 26-11-18 14:37; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
started 5 seasons ago I ma 42 now, doing maybe 20 days a year with kids if i am lucky. Had lessons from my wife who has been on skis since she was 10.
after one season I booked 6 days lesson with ESF. Was with beginners for one day but was told off and transferred to Advance group. I always loved playing off sides of piste and designated freeride terrain-not true off piste?Quiet, demanding terrain, i keep learning a lot. In Feb I am booked for off piste course. I like piste to practice technique only.
I cannot carve- I don't care (it will come or not) i want to have fun but I am not stupid and i don't want to die.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I too don't bother with off-piste. Been skiing 30+ years, always seems such a fuff to me, shovels, backpacks, transponders blah blah.
In the years I've skiied I always feel there is plenty of room for improving my on-piste skiing without worrying about other aspects. I also haven't tried ski jumping nor nordic either, yet don't feel a need to do them too. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
Apologies folks I may have gotten my terminology mixed up, when I stated off piste I meant down the side of the piste, maybe 10-20 meters off the side or cutting a couple of hundred meters over from one piste to the other, I have no interest in transponders/avalanche bags ect.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
I had to google it, but it seems that going off piste is no longer compulsory.
Apparently, so long as you enjoy yourself, you can ski however you like.
Weird.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
I used to enjoy those occasional fresh powder days to ditch the skis, get a snowboard on, and enjoy that floating feeling.
Then I usually found off piste, even if quite steep, much easier on snowboard than on skis.
Maybe that’s an alternative for skiers who find fresh snow difficult or too much like hard work?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| Jonny996 wrote: |
| As for Motive I must admit the Valle Blance run does appeal & I know my kids will want to do it at some point BUT I would only ever do it if I was totally comfortable off piste & yes I would have a guide. |
No need to be an off-piste expert to do the Vallee Blanche. There are various routes down, and the one we did was the 'easy' route. It was so well skied it was almost like being on a piste anyway. It's truly stunning, just go for it!
You have to have a guide/harness/transceiver anyway to get past the crevasses.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
@Jonny996, well, technically those ungroomed bits off the sides are off piste.
Not going to cut it with Gnarly Charlies I don’t think.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
Shouldn't this topic be in 'Off Piste' 
Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Mon 26-11-18 14:58; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| Jonny996 wrote: |
| Apologies folks I may have gotten my terminology mixed up, when I stated off piste I meant down the side of the piste, maybe 10-20 meters off the side or cutting a couple of hundred meters over from one piste to the other, I have no interest in transponders/avalanche bags ect. |
Nope, your terminology is correct. In Europe anyway, there is no such thing as a little bit off-piste, and bad things can happen just a few metres outside the poles. Maybe you should get yourself on an avi course 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
@Mosha Marc, 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Jonny996 wrote: |
| @Layne, Just curious, I knew I wouldn't be the only one but there are a few on here who are well into double figure years of skiing & I just wondered if everyone eventually got into it. |
TBH if I meet someone and they say they ski, I assume they mean piste ski. Most of the time when I am skiing most of the people are skiing on piste. A lot of people have dabbled, some do so on a regular basis. But as discussed on this thread if you are have dodgy knees, are a bit unfit, don't yet have great technique, it will be hard work, even inadvisable, and the rewards not there. Those that have will, age, fitness, perhaps the right people to do it with, will get there eventually and it's certainly a buzz/joy to be able to comfortably link a number of turns down a slope of untracked snow. That's when you really get it and get hooked and really get into it.
| Jonny996 wrote: |
| As for Motive I must admit the Valle Blance run does appeal & I know my kids will want to do it at some point BUT I would only ever do it if I was totally comfortable off piste & yes I would have a guide. |
I've done the VB twice - once the standard route and another time a variant. As much as it's a bit of a popular thing to do, and not particularly gnarly, it's still a worthy one. But IMO there is also a lot of fun to be had with the kids in more humble terrain.
| Jonny996 wrote: |
| I think I will get myself a set of ex hire fat skis to try out (can get them for 150 euro) & if I feel it slightly easier I will book a couple of lessons. |
IMO any all mountain ski with a waist 85 to 105 will do - you don't need to go super fat. It's just as important it's a ski your comfortable driving.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Layne wrote: |
| .........if you are have dodgy knees........it will be hard work, even inadvisable, and the rewards not there. |
Ah but my dodgy knee prefers off piste. One day of carving can have it stiff and swollen, but it can do multiple days off piste without a squeak.
Last edited by After all it is free  on Mon 26-11-18 15:25; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
| Jonny996 wrote: |
| Apologies folks I may have gotten my terminology mixed up, when I stated off piste I meant down the side of the piste, maybe 10-20 meters off the side or cutting a couple of hundred meters over from one piste to the other, I have no interest in transponders/avalanche bags ect. |
You are straying into contentious waters here. People will, quite rightly in some ways, tell you, there is only piste and off piste and that one metre or 100m from the slope doesn't matter. A more pragmatic view of course is that there is some "just off the side of the piste" that is patently safe. That said it doesn't take long before you start to spread your wings a little more - and sooner, rather than later, you should consider getting some training and the kit. It doesn't have to be expensive and becomes a bit like wearing a seat belt in the car and understanding the dangers of the road.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I do sometimes find the perception of offpiste being all gbarly gnar quite amusing
There’s plenty of glorious mellow meadow skipping, especially in spring corn conditions, that’s far more relaxed and fluffy bunnies than your average icy black piste.
But each to their own. No need to make what you do for fun stressful (unless type 2 fun is what you find most fun).
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
| Layne wrote: |
You are straying into contentious waters here. People will, quite rightly in some ways, tell you, there is only piste and off piste and that one metre or 100m from the slope doesn't matter. A more pragmatic view of course is that there is some "just off the side of the piste" that is patently safe. That said it doesn't take long before you start to spread your wings a little more - and sooner, rather than later, you should consider getting some training and the kit. It doesn't have to be expensive and becomes a bit like wearing a seat belt in the car and understanding the dangers of the road. |
Yeah that's fair enough but it's also the basis for many an opinion of "tried off piste and didn't like it". The stuff next to pistes is rarely life affirming greatness, it can be fun if you approach it in the right frame of mind but skiing on piste on piste-focused skis then dipping off and finding it harder work then the nice manicured groomer is hardly a rarity even among those who love off piste 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.
|
|
I've been known to link quite a lot of turns in nice new snow not far from a piste. Especially following an instructor. Made me feel great! But some of the rest of it ..... made me feel totally inept and knackered. I know it's mostly technique but too late now to acquire enough.....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Think that there's an element of confusion here.
I could take many of you guys n'gals off piste far away from the hordes and you'd have a ball and be able to ski perfect un-tracked snow, and feel that you're a super star, for sure you'd have to be fairly fit but as long as you can hike up a hill you'd have no issues skinning mellow terrain believe me.
Off piste is not just about powder, spring snow can be as good as powder* and almost as exhilarating; and if you can ski piste then you'd have no trouble skiing spring snow and you'd love it.
Unfortunately it's more about logistics, having the right kit at the right time to take advantage of conditions, hence a guide is better in this scenario than an instructor.
*and I'm just back from six days of awesome powder skiing in Siberia!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
| Weathercam wrote: |
| ........*and I'm just back from six days of awesome powder skiing in Siberia! |
And with that final line I've just won my bet 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
@Weathercam, funny, I enjoy off piste but am fairly sure that I wouldn't enjoy what you've described (in terms of skinning and generally making an effort)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
| spyderjon wrote: |
| Weathercam wrote: |
| ........*and I'm just back from six days of awesome powder skiing in Siberia! |
And with that final line I've just won my bet |
Damn I had >24 hours in the sweepstake for bragging outsie Off Piste Forum...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
Like @clarky999, says some of the best off piste is on not particularly challenging terrain, for me i get much pleasure traversing out on a relatively open slope and bouncing down the meadow far left or right in untracked powder to meet my wife who frequently says I’ll see you at the lift, and stays on piste. The joy of playing and using the terrain features as ramps, jumps and wind blown berms is fantastic. Equally I’m happy to go in a group and do high level routes through av barriers and exposed stuff but depends what mood I’m in, some days the best off piste in my view is no more than 50/ 100m from the nearest piste, other days it can be a lift served trip into a other valley, quite often with a steep crux. Also happy to bash down pistes preferably quiet ones, and prefer interesting terrain changes and features, with tech sections rather than just motorways. It’s all good.....that’s the beauty of skiing. I also maintain fat rockerred skis are such a help, to get into the powder you dont need extensive technique lessons if good on piste rather just go exploring, and keep safe hence learning mountain knowledge and snow/ terrain knowledge rather than how to ski off piste from a guide is my suggestion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
Much as I love piste skiing I will be found off piste pretty much every opportunity I can do it, I've even tried powder on GS race skis when conditions were just too nice not to venture off.
I have to admit though, that the 120mm Bents are so much easier to manage
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| Scarpa wrote: |
| 120mm Bents are so much easier to manage |
Maybe for you!! I'd have better luck strapping on two snowboards!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| queenie pretty please wrote: |
| … I don't mind steep but I don't want hidden obstacles ... |
Same here. I used to ski a lot of "just off the edge of piste", with occasional forays further afield, but had a rethink after the Schumacher accident and have now largely given it up.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| ecureuil wrote: |
| queenie pretty please wrote: |
| … I don't mind steep but I don't want hidden obstacles ... |
Same here. I used to ski a lot of "just off the edge of piste", with occasional forays further afield, but had a rethink after the Schumacher accident and have now largely given it up. |
Sorry if I am being harsh here... but of all the dumb reasons.....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Skiing on the "edge of the piste" can be dangerous. I once fell through deep snow into a covered stream and was stuck in freezing cold water with only my head and shoulders visible. Others in the group tried to extradite me but in the end had to call the rescue services to dig me out
And I was only 10 metres off the side of the piste
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 was fed up of making an a**e of myself in fresh powder, so signed up for Ski Marmalade’s one week residential Introduction to Off Piste week; on the basis that if I wasn’t happy to go off piste at the end of the week I would stick to the pistes going forward. After a great fun week, doing mainly off the edges or between the piste skiing I think that I cracked it by the last couple of days ... and I am now looking to build on this for the coming season.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@gazza330, ditto 10 years ago directly opposite a mountain restaurant in Lech much to the delight of the crowded terrace - except I thought I was going to drown, upside down and head in the water! My pals all rolling about in hysterics until they realised I was in trouble. I too laughed afterwards but at the time I was inverted with skis upside down in the snow and had to do pull ups on my skis to keep out of the icy water!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
Don't know nuffin 'bout the fence, guv 
