 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi, I hope this is the right place for my questions.
My wife has had her ankle bones fused solid (as a consequence of arthritis) and I was wondering if she will be able to ski again, bending ze knees doesn't sound altogether likely 
There are other problems thrown up, like boots - her current Rossignols which were always a struggle are clearly out the question, would something like the Full Tilt work? All a bit in the future, actually.
I should add that we are a pair of old farts and just want to carry on wombling down the mountains together as long as we can, we aren't bothered that we'll likely be confined to piste, and easy piste at that.
Next, this Christmas we're going to be at Flaine and she will still be in an Aircast boot and crutch, so that leads to another couple of questions.
Are there any skidoo taxi services that could, maybe take her up to restaurant d'altitude? Would it be impractical/expensive/possible to rent one?
Any recommendations for crampons on the Aircast, and spikes on the crutch? Otherwise, she'll be stuck in the apartment all the time, doing grandchildren child care, which ain't much fun
TIA
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Ham, a friend has ankles fused 100% and 95%. He skis in Nordica HFs and is delighted. It does help that he is extremely fit …
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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?
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An interesting conundrum, certainly. I think for the ski boots, go and talk to a good specialist boot fitter and take their advice.
As for this season, you could try a pair of rubber spikes that fit over shoes (might need two pairs if the air cast is significantly bigger) – this kind of thing https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-snow-grips
I’m not sure about the bottom of the crutches, but if the handles are smooth, wrap them in gymnasts’ tape/climbing tape for extra grip there.
I’m not familiar with Flaine, but any restaurants at the top of gondolas or other pedestrian lifts should be accessible. Contact the tourist info and ask them about disability access.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@under a new name, that's really encouraging, thanks. No, we're not that fit, but as long as it's still possible, that's ace
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@Ham, can't help you with most of it, but here in Sweden crutches seem to come with a spiked ring at the bottom, that can be hinged up out of the way when not needed. I don't know where they come from, but they're definitely available.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Ham, you'll be able to buy them in a French pharmacy I reckon
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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.
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@holidayloverxx, we've both had crutches at various times post knee surgery and at least two pairs were equipped with crampons very much like those ones. Simple and effective Do be careful that they swivel outwards when not in use otherwise more ankle injuries may occur. 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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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.
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Go and see Colin at ski solutions in Bicester. He refused to sell me £700 (and that was before Covid) of ski boot/beds until I had improved the flexion in my ankles and gave me exercises to go away with to do so. Very thorough and very knowledgeable.
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@bambionskiis, can you improve flexion in fused joints?
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You know it makes sense.
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@Ham, Wholly agree with @bambionskiis, . The wife had a similar problem due to long distance running. Colin proscribed a series of exercises with a roller and customised the boots. Worth every penny.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Colin took one look at my ankle flexibility and refused to sell me any boots. He sent me to Dale Boots to get a pair custom made. With them I have no problems skiing.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Ham, pure gemoetry suggests something like a heal ift to tilt the shin into closer ski position without flexing (note I'm not a ski boot fitter and wouldn't claim to be) such that normal stance when wearing them is a ski one and using the further upward joints as normally orientated during skiing, just a less dynamic and mobile interaction than one without compromise.
Interested to see expert feedback about this.
Flaine access, I'm not familiar with restaurant L'Altitude ? but there are other options that may help family meeting on slope. L'Epicea just under main gondola lift but out full onto slopes is a flat walk from Forèt level village slopes and may be suitable on the mobility you have to consider. Ideal for non ski children too with plenty of area to play in the snow, little sledging slopes etc that make having someone spend a few hours there as the skiers can keep looping round to interact easily entirely possible.
Flaine Forum level also excellent for mixed group access, with very good child play area, cafè restaurants etc and such exemplary access for the skiing participants to spend a good part of the day with family and skiing all of the Flaine bowl slopes.
Alternatively, Molliets is reachable by bus with excellent chalet/restaurant to meet over there via different ski route to be inclusive too.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Brilliant! they appear identical to the Amazon ones, but for the first time the info says "suitable for 16-22mm", while the top is 25mm, the bottom part is 22mm. Why the other vendors don't include that key piece of info, I don't know.
Very useful (and cheering) info from folk, a specialist fitter seems the way to go once it has settled down
@ski3 some useful resort specific info, thanks - we've never been to Flaine in >30 years of ski trips... ( "restaurant d'altitude" is the generic french term for mountain restaurants)
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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?
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@under a new name, sorry yes my post was misleading. I just meant he’s very professional and knows his stuff.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@bambionskiis, he certainly has that very sound reputation 
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