 Poster: A snowHead
|
|
Prompted by an item in the latest HAT newsletter I was wondering how many people ask local pisteurs about snow conditions before they head off piste? I've not done it myself, but have been with groups who do ask a few questions if they are unsure of conditions. I should get into the habit of asking about conditions, but I'm unsure of what a typical response would be, especially as I won't be able to converse in their language.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Very occasionally.
Of course there is usually no point in simply asking "is xxx safe to ski at the moment".
However they are happy to anwer more general or more nuanced questions if you say you are thinking of skiing somewhere.
For example concerning danger level or particular current dangers (wind crust caused by winds from the South West, for example) or to tell the which are generally the more dangerous slopes or which have been bombed .
If somewhere is very or moderately dangerous they will probably volunteer the fact, but in cases of lower danger levels, unless you are hiring a guide, you will be left to make the final decision about skiing it. If you seem totally ignorant they might just warn you off everything since they will always play very safe with visitors.
Some lift attenants may not know enough to feel they can advise or feel it is not their job and may just say everywhere is dangerous.
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Thu 8-01-09 21:03; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
The trouble is of course that if they don't know your level / knowledge / risk-taking they'll be tempted to be very conservative with their advice. (I would).
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
Hi horizon, I'm off on Saturday - I'll see you a week after I gather 
Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Thu 8-01-09 21:09; edited 2 times in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
Yep - have a good trip! Fingers crossed for some new snow...
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
Very good snow depths in the Dolomites! Perhaps we won't hit rocks so often this time 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
rob@rar, I have been known to - and have bene given good advice. But then, I don't ask about known avalanche drains on a grade 5 day...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
yes - best to ask general questions about wind strength/direction, formation of slabs, that sort of thing
my french is pretty poor but "plaques de vent sur exposition [insert direction]?" gets the message across even if it isn't good french (maybe it is, i don't know!)
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 applaude anyone who feels confident enough in their French to burst into a Pisteurs hut, interupt their coffee and ask about conditions and actually understand anything more than "good" bad or closed... 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| JT wrote: |
| can't see them say 'go for it' as it could come back to them. |
I agree. Here's what HAT had to say
| Quote: |
Where you go and when? - try and ask the piste patrol!
We recommend you make an assessment of the snow conditions and review of the avalanche safety bulletin and understand the weather patterns over the past week. Then you will come up with some ideas about where you might find good snow conditions.
One of the simplest ways to challenge or validate your ideas is to ask the piste patrol. I triedn this three times today and yet again found it invaluable. The trick however is what you ask and how you ask.
Asking them where to find the best snow and you will be met by a gallic shrug. It depends what you want.
Instead try to ask the piste patrol at the top of the lift near to where you think you want to go. They are local and should know the immediate conditions. Tell them where you want to go and ask if they think it is OK. They will not give you carte blanche. They will first remind you it is off piste and you must be careful and should be well prepared and skilled. They will remind you it is risky. However I have found there are three typical responses.
1. It is dangerous the risk is high of an avalanche
2. There is not enough snow it is hazardous or not nice
3. There are risks but it is OK if you are well prepared and accept the risk.
When they say it is risky, I ask them is just "normal" danger or "very dangerous". This allows them to describe the danger and signals that you accept the risk. It also allows them to give you permission to go because we have all agreed it can be dangerous and caution is required. They will never say it is totally safe. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
Frosty the Snowman, as they demonstrated their fluid powder turns, I secretly wanted them to demonstrate how to get a wet ski patroller out of a lake 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
They can be very helpful if they wish, but not always. Need to ask specific questions about a route if you want a good response I have found.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
