Season 14/15 Banter thread

Can't see beyond a return to Les Deux Alpes and the UCPA centre, close to Grenoble, high altitude and the right mix of slopes that I enjoy

I've put forward the idea of a ski trip to An Óige, as the UCPA and themselves are very close in ethos being both youth-orientated outdoor organisations, will see if it gets off the ground.

I'm almost ready.

Heading to Hinterglemm (Saalbach) for the last week in January, cant wait! Doing it DIY, Heading out on the 24th and coming back the 1st of Feb so getting a full 7 days skiing. I was in Leogang before a couple of times nearly 10 years ago and have fond memories of it so looking forward to going back.

Bit raging with the flights, only booked them last week and got an email of Aer Lingus with a sale today, price has dropped €35 per person ... but what can you do.

Still need to sort out transfers from Munich airport, I've checked a couple of places and it is working out about €125 per person. Anyone have any recommendations? Or know how much driving down a rented car would cost (fuel, tolls etc)

Most people on the trip will not have been skiing before so will be going to ski school over there, but do you think it is worth them doing a couple of lessons on the dry slope in Dublin?

Anyone have any recommendations or tips for Saalbach/Hinterglemm in general (Food, Ski rental, Ski schools etc)

AlternateID wrote: »

Personally I'd avoid the dry slope. One fall could put them off for life. Besides ski school is as much part of the trip as the beers in the evening.

yeah, that was why I had reservations ok. I dont think they would be not going to ski school over there but it would be more to get the absolute basics out of the way. But I think you could be right

i would second the dry slope ,
we all went there before our first trip and it got us used to the boots , walking in skis etc
also good craic having us altogether before the trip.
we werent on the main slope , just a small section which is all like a felt material so wouldnt hurt if you fell.

going a few years now and we still do a couple of sessions on the dry slope before heading off

Anyone been ski/boarding in Iceland? New flight route starting in June from Dublin to Reykjavik which will hopefully run through the winter

Tempted to book a flight this year over Easter going from Belfast, rent a car, see the sights and rent the gear (or bring it if it's cheaper). Feb - early April is best time to go for conditions according to this site:

The season runs from November through April, though conditions are most reliable from February to early April. Because of limited winter daylight, the major slopes are lighted and have extended evening hours.

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/iceland/254352

and just booked another Ski trip to Italy
this time just me and the girlfriend / no kids!

Paganella/Andalo

thanks to Fattes for the recommendation , it sounds beautiful.

hows that for addicted
now we just need to pay for it all!
off the drink for the foreseeable future

Opening day in Sunshine Village is November 14. Saw some cars in Calgary this morning with snow on them, and I believe there's been some falling up on the mountains. We're just waiting for the cold to hit here then we'll be in full countdown mode! It was -1.5 degrees this morning though, so won't be long before there's fluffy stuff falling. I'll be winterising the car this weekend, then it'll be a waiting game until I put the winter wheels on with the first snowfall.

One of the big local board shops has a huge warehouse clearance every August - got myself a new jacket and gloves half-price this year. Just need to pick up some base layer stuff and then I'm set. Maybe a bit of leg-work in the gym between now and then too!

Oh, I almost forgot - we've booked (just about) the first weekend away of the season. Long weekend in Revelstoke with the lads. Did it last year and it's a great hill when there's good snow. Hoping to maybe get a cat-ski trip in and maybe go all out and do avalanche training! I've never been so excited to be cold!!

masseyno9 wrote: »

Opening day in Sunshine Village is November 14. Saw some cars in Calgary this morning with snow on them, and I believe there's been some falling up on the mountains. We're just waiting for the cold to hit here then we'll be in full countdown mode! It was -1.5 degrees this morning though, so won't be long before there's fluffy stuff falling. I'll be winterising the car this weekend, then it'll be a waiting game until I put the winter wheels on with the first snowfall.

One of the big local board shops has a huge warehouse clearance every August - got myself a new jacket and gloves half-price this year. Just need to pick up some base layer stuff and then I'm set. Maybe a bit of leg-work in the gym between now and then too!

Oh, I almost forgot - we've booked (just about) the first weekend away of the season. Long weekend in Revelstoke with the lads. Did it last year and it's a great hill when there's good snow. Hoping to maybe get a cat-ski trip in and maybe go all out and do avalanche training! I've never been so excited to be cold!!

Sounds amazing, very jealous! How long you out there now? Doing boarding as a weekend warrior?

84 days before my first trip.

My bag is literally packed in the hall. Need to keep weight down for this trip. Second trip is for a month so weight isn't relevant.

67 days and counting to the first four day trip.
Not sure where yet as. Just booked flights to Geneva, probably 3 Valleys or Tignes depending on the snow. I always try to get a few days before the tour ops start as the resorts are pretty empty and if the snow is good it's just epic on the mountain. December 2012 in Meribel was like having a full mountain of powder to ourselves.

Fattes wrote: »

Jvan, you are always welcome to come visit me!!

Photo from the Irish championships on this weekend if you are looking for something to do tomorrow morning!

Yours truly had a bit of a mare on run 1 gate 4 today but can only get better

Reaching out to a boarder, that's very kind :pac:

neilthefunkeone wrote: »

Thinking about a new board.. but may hold off!!

Always upgrade at least one piece of major equipment per year.

There's no real reason for doing so, other than the excitement of it.

What widgets are you using for your home screen? Great idea!

cormee wrote: »

It's all go for everyone! Even my phone is set up.

Tommy Crowne wrote: »

Right that's La Tania booked for early Feb.
Bring on the snow!

I'll be in latania early Feb, see you there...

karl83 wrote: »

Hey mate, Tignes should be really good around then I know last year was. It can get very cold though as it's quite open and not much shelter.
I wouldn't be inclined to buy a new board if your only riding a couple of weeks per year. If you wanna rent yourself something good for the week checkout Bazoom in Val claret. They have a burton test center so you can take your pick. Also snowpark shop in Tignes is pretty good too.

Cheers man.. Ive had my Rome agent since '09. Got 100 days out of it in Whistler, and 4 week holidays since.. Just fancy a change but its all money ya know!!