Totally agree with this.
Took lessons on a dry slope when I first started skiing after having booked a weeks holiday. As stated a dry slope is a lot less forgiving, so once on snow things feel a lot easier.
The Snowsports Thread 2014-15
- Thread starter Jokester
- Start date
Totally agree with this.
Took lessons on a dry slope when I first started skiing after having booked a weeks holiday. As stated a dry slope is a lot less forgiving, so once on snow things feel a lot easier.
Associate
I also echo this. Even though a dry slope can be a world away from skiing/boarding on actual snow, at the end of the day you're still strapped to a board so can begin to get a feel for things. Plus it is so much cheaper than the snowdomes.
The snow here seems to be continuing in it's usual fashion. Went night riding yesterday and then up again this morning. A shot below from a morning last week:
Associate
Jealousy is a bitch!
Just over a month until I'm out in Flaine for the first time. Any been there that has any advice on runs etc?
Just over a month until I'm out in Flaine for the first time. Any been there that has any advice on runs etc?
Bought a couple of Wed'ze helmets from Decathlon for our trip, also got a Garmin VIRB for Christmas so will be recording as much footage as possible! 
Anyone else got a Wed'ze helmet? Or experienced removing the ear pads on one (Max Carv P & Med Carv)? I know it can be done as it's mentioned multiple places on the helmets descriptions . The part where the pads themselves push into the helmet, I can't seem to 'pull' them out???
Anyone else got a Wed'ze helmet? Or experienced removing the ear pads on one (Max Carv P & Med Carv)? I know it can be done as it's mentioned multiple places on the helmets descriptions . The part where the pads themselves push into the helmet, I can't seem to 'pull' them out???
Soldato
Anyone know if last week in February is an OK time to go snowboarding? (price wise! And to guarantee snow can go high up in France? How are snow levels looking this year?)
The price will depend on when the French school holidays are this year. Shop around for prices.
It has been a bad start to the season but there has been a lot of snow over the last 10 days. You will have no problems finding snow in late February-early March. Just look for a reasonable snow sure resort(it isn't all about height) and one that is snowboard friendly.
Soldato
I like my new boots
My Countdown to Arinsal: 5 days!
Weather report quoted below, so far it looks like the week I'm there the weather is going to be colder than this week with minus temps at night, I've got my fingers crossed for some snowfall! Things look a little patchy at the moment but the main thing is they have enough snow to board on!
Couple of websites have webcams with 'Live' footage from several of the bars and slopes:
http://www.arinsal.co.uk/weather.php
They look awesome, match your other gear too?
Weather report quoted below, so far it looks like the week I'm there the weather is going to be colder than this week with minus temps at night, I've got my fingers crossed for some snowfall! Things look a little patchy at the moment but the main thing is they have enough snow to board on!
Couple of websites have webcams with 'Live' footage from several of the bars and slopes:
http://www.arinsal.co.uk/weather.php
I like my new boots
They look awesome, match your other gear too?
Associate
Nice Roady. I was at Arinsal Early Feb last year and was pretty impressed as its not known for its good snow! Fingers crossed it doesn't rain on Saturday and Sunday as mentioned in your weather report!
Ok following on from my previous post i now know what is actually going on
I'm going to courchevel on 20th of January, i don't really know how cold it will be, without buying anything (I already have salopettes) i currently have a few cycling merino base layers long and short sleeve,
A HH waterproof like this: http://shop.hellyhansen.com/gb/item/loke-jacket-62252/?t_type=src&COLOR=576 DEEP STEEL&t_type=cat
And a cheap regatta softshell sort of llke this: http://www.sportsdirect.com/regatta-cera-soft-shell-mens-443497
Basically I want to know whether I should be going out and buying a proper Ski jacket or wehter I'll be fine? This trip is only 3 days of skiing so not loads, but I know once I've gone again I'm going to want to go again next year/the future (i've not been since before I started Uni and went with my parents a few years running 5+ years ago)
I'm going to courchevel on 20th of January, i don't really know how cold it will be, without buying anything (I already have salopettes) i currently have a few cycling merino base layers long and short sleeve,
A HH waterproof like this: http://shop.hellyhansen.com/gb/item/loke-jacket-62252/?t_type=src&COLOR=576 DEEP STEEL&t_type=cat
And a cheap regatta softshell sort of llke this: http://www.sportsdirect.com/regatta-cera-soft-shell-mens-443497
Basically I want to know whether I should be going out and buying a proper Ski jacket or wehter I'll be fine? This trip is only 3 days of skiing so not loads, but I know once I've gone again I'm going to want to go again next year/the future (i've not been since before I started Uni and went with my parents a few years running 5+ years ago)
Ahh awesome, where did you stay?
I've got my fingers crossed, although the rain is ment to turn to snow on sunday which should help things! Temperatures still look to be low afterwards so I'm hoping if the rain doesn't clear all the snow there will be lots left for us!
I've got my fingers crossed, although the rain is ment to turn to snow on sunday which should help things! Temperatures still look to be low afterwards so I'm hoping if the rain doesn't clear all the snow there will be lots left for us!
I use baselayer + thermal mid layer + fleece + waterproof shell.
Less if warm...
In extreme cold (< -15C) I'll add an extra mid layer.
Generally wear some running tights under my trousers, extra base layer if cold.
If you're not feeling confident I'd pick up some stuff from Mountain Warehouse. I got their 20000mm 3-in-1 and so far impressed how much I got for £80.
Associate
Ahh awesome, where did you stay?
I've got my fingers crossed, although the rain is ment to turn to snow on sunday which should help things! Temperatures still look to be low afterwards so I'm hoping if the rain doesn't clear all the snow there will be lots left for us!
I stayed at the hotel right next to the main gondola called Comapedrosa. Rooms were pretty small but you're spending most of the time on the slopes. Have you been before? And have you got the area pass for vallnord?
Associate
When I went skiing last year I ended up wearing 1 base layer with some ski trousers and a super dry jacket. This kept me warm all day but as you were saying it depends on the weather. If I got his by lots of snow then I'm pretty confident my jacket wouldn't have done the job.
One other thing to consider is it may be warm for skiing but if you fall over then it is going to be easy for the snow to get under your jacket. That could possibly ruin the rest of your day skiing if you don't warm up after it.
Have a great time!
Soldato
3 weeks till Bulgaria Can't wait!
Can't wait!Also, what dates, as that makes a massive difference as well...
Also consider Italy, Austria, even Switzerland as I'm not convinced on France's value for money/overrated facilities.
Yeah we have the area pass, I've not been to Andorra/Arinsal before so it will be a good experience. Although we're only beginners (snowboarding Jan 2014 we did a week in Bulgaria) I've skied in the Pyrenees before (about 15 years ago in my teens) and Austria/Italy several times. We're staying in Princessa Parc which supposidly isn't far from the Gondola too.
3 weeks till Bulgaria
Where abouts are you going? We did a week in Pamporovo Jan 2014 and loved it! Advanced skiers/boarders would soon have got bored there as there wasn't a huge amount of runs or challenging ones, but beginners/intermediate there should be enough for you!
I've always worn 'proper' ski/board jackets with salopettes/board trousers and usually a baselayer & shorts/boxers underneith.
Last year (Jan 2014) in Bulgaria it was hot (12 degrees a few days) so I could've done with a 'normal' softshell rather than a full jacket. It got below freezing at night but there was no snow, most days it was double the temperatures we'd left in the UK!
Other trips the weather hasn't been as warm (or not for multiple days) so never really struggled with the full coats. You obviously soon warm up when skiing/boarding anyway!
One year in Austria there was a bitter snowstorm and multiple days of minus temps. Without proper ski coats we would have really struggled. I think that's the only time I've worn trousers and more than a tshirt under my ski wear.
Looking at the weather report for next week I'm taking a few cycling jerseys (in addition to the baselayers) and some 'undershorts' for the colder days (along with skullcaps, liner gloves & neck gaiters/snoods I was taking anyway).
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Layers give you options, heavy ski jackets don't.
You will need another layer, or two depending on how good it is, for insulation. Depending on the weather you might not need to use it but it is far better to have it than not.
Weather is fine here in Andorra, warmer than the UK in the middle of the day but cooler overnight, we had a very light dusting of snow last night in the village (hoping for more on the mountains! 90% of the lifts are open anyway! Will report back later (with some pics!)