 Poster: A snowHead
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I think the title of this thread says it all (OK, OK, asks it all).
But I honestly don’t see the point in em.
So on the negative side:
Most of em can’t ski very well.
Most of em have no idea what to do if things goes wrong.
Most of em are operating illegally (and no it not the same as you taking your mates around and you know it)
Most of em have no worthwhile training to do the job their being paid for.
Most of em aren’t insured to the job their doing (as they've neither been trained nor assessed as being competent).
Most of em ... well you get the idea
OK then, on the plus side:
Most of em make it unnecessary for their paying clients to look at a piste map (yes you are paying for it)
That’s about it on the plus side
The lucky thing is the some people in France have decided to put a stop to this absurd situation and not be bowed by the threat by some TO’s to pull out of various resorts.
PS. I'm going to organise a flash-mob in Admin's kitchen if anyone is up for it 
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Thu 22-11-12 17:29; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Isn't this going to be an exact duplication of the other thread?
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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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OK your right - I have change the title
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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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If you book with a TO and want this service, then accept it.
If you don't book with a TO, does it matter?
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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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ooo the goalposts moved while I was typing.
If someone doesn't want to wear a helmet then so be it. Maybe their insurance should reflect this.
My personal view is that anyone supervising children where children must wear a helmet to comply with law, then the supervisor must also wear a helmet. Any instructor whilst teaching should perhaps also wear a helmet.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I thought the point of TO ski guides was to use them as a human piste map, have the opportunity to meet up with a group of skiers rather than go solo and get some insider knowledge on where the best value eateries etc are?
If I want to learn technique I'll pay for lessons.
I like the guiding model based on my understanding of it and I think it is well worthwhile having it available.
I would expect something altogether different from a qualified guide I was paying for.
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| Arctic Fox wrote: |
| Any instructor whilst teaching should perhaps also wear a helmet. |
Ahh, but does that mean TO hosts should wear helmets? Because after all, they aren't teaching 
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The only reason they should be banned is if their customers are confused about what they're getting. Do they think they're getting somebody prepared (able and willing) to take responsibility for their safety? If yes, there's an obvious problem. If not, there's just as obviously not.
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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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The helmet seems to be a red herring no 
I don't use TO's anymore but when I did I never used the ski host service as I was always skiing with mates. Not that the latter rules the possibly out. Neither is skiing alone ruled out. I find it quite pleasant to a point, though obviously it limits much off piste activity or makes it markedly more risky. But then a ski host shouldn't really be taking you off piste anyhow. Anyway, despite my personal lack of use (I'd rather investigate and get to know the area under my own steam) I don't see much harm in them. I think most of your negs can be countered and there are more positives: such as people can ski more sociably (in bigger numbers), there is someone neutral to try and do the best for the group, etc.
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| Wayne wrote: |
| Most of em aren’t insured to the job their doing |
of course they are. Do you think the likes of TUI offer hosting without having liability insurance in place?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Quote: |
OK then, on the plus side:
Most of em make it unnecessary for their paying clients to look at a piste map (yes you are paying for it)
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we're often on limited ski time -having to get back to ski school at certain times, so a good guide would be useful in planning a route that would best suit our time constraints. Hate getting to ski school that bit early, but with not quite enough time to squeeze in another run. Having said that, never used one and doubt -I ever will. Im on the side of those that think the argument against guides is just job protectionism.
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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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| Wayne wrote: |
Most of em make it unnecessary for their paying clients to look at a piste map (yes you are paying for it) |
You see, the funny thing is when I use a TO and go and stay in one of their convivial chalets, complete with fireplace, I realise I am probably paying for several things that the TO isn't actually providing themselves.
For instance, they don't rear the livestock that is eventually cooked and served up as wholesome, welcome food. But I kinda know that and happily accept this.
They probably didn't build the chalet nor do they manage it. Someone else in the chain gets their slice and, you know what. I am entirely happy with that too.
Regarding the Ski Host. Well, it wasn't advertised as part of my package. Neither was the service offered as a specific "nice surprise extra" when I tipped up at said chalet.
It was, however, offered as an opportunity to meet some fellow skiers, to have an informal show around the principle areas of the resort. All ability requirements clearly described. All opportunities to bow out clearly offered. Just a very informal arrangement
Now, the funny thing is, is that I sort of suspected that I might have paid for the Lead Rep to be there - after all, they seemed to be vaguely in charge of us poor leaderless holiday-makers. So the very informal Ski Host was probably being paid somewhere in the chain of things, along with everything else that formed part of my ski holiday cost. But as this was never part of the contractual holiday offering, I fail to see that the above comment has any relevance to be honest.
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