Ski season 2016/2017

AlternateID · 04-10-2016 9:52am

lawred2 wrote: »

How often do you get out to ski?

I aim to go for 2 2 week trips a year and aim to board everyday if possible. I get a season pass to save a bit

lawred2 wrote: »

Does anyone go over to Scotland out of interest? Anyone know what it's like for say a weekend ski trip?

I've looked at it and it seems expensive all in with dodgy weather. I'd stick to the alps.

cormee · 04-10-2016 9:54am

lawred2 wrote: »

Does anyone go over to Scotland out of interest? Anyone know what it's like for say a weekend ski trip?

My Brother went to Cairngorm (I think) a few years ago, said it was absolutely polar, and with high wings. Said, weather wise, it's way worse than the Alps. If I recall correctly a light aircraft crashed up there a few years ago, the conditions were so bad they couldn't get up to retrieve the bodies for a week or so.
Regarding a weekend trip - besides the marginally shorter flight, there would be no real advantage to picking there over the Alps. You'd still have to go through the whole airport, transfer, hotel experience anyway. Much better flying to Geneva and going somewhere close by like Chamonix.

cormee · 04-10-2016 9:56am

AlternateID wrote: »

I aim to go for 2 2 week trips a year and aim to board everyday if possible. I get a season pass to save a bit

Do you not go on any summer holidays?

AlternateID · 04-10-2016 10:09am

cormee wrote: »

Do you not go on any summer holidays?

Haha Not really but I have been up to Hintertux in summer. Good fun but cost the same as a winter trip.

lawred2 · 04-10-2016 10:39am

cormee wrote: »

My Brother went to Cairngorm (I think) a few years ago, said it was absolutely polar, and with high wings. Said, weather wise, it's way worse than the Alps. If I recall correctly a light aircraft crashed up there a few years ago, the conditions were so bad they couldn't get up to retrieve the bodies for a week or so.
Regarding a weekend trip - besides the marginally shorter flight, there would be no real advantage to picking there over the Alps. You'd still have to go through the whole airport, transfer, hotel experience anyway. Much better flying to Geneva and going somewhere close by like Chamonix.

well I only say Scotland because the missus' folks are over there... But not really over there in a sense that would help for the highlands

I'd say it's perfect if you're local and not a 'working' type where you could make impromptu decisions to hit the slopes. Probably not great for planned trips.

CardinalJ · 04-10-2016 10:42am

AlternateID wrote:

Haha Not really but I have been up to Hintertux in summer. Good fun but cost the same as a winter trip.

Will be in Mayrhofen in Jan and was going to go up there for a day? Is it worth it? Ive got a lot of mixed info about how long it takes to get there. Anything from 20 mins to 90! Any idea whats accurate?

cormee · 04-10-2016 10:51am

lawred2 wrote: »

well I only say Scotland because the missus' folks are over there... But not really over there is a sense that would help for the highlands

I'd say it's perfect if you're local and not a 'working' type where you could make impromptu decisions to hit the slopes. Probably not great for planned trips.

It would be fantastic to have something like that here in Ireland. Imagine just being able to throw the skis/board in the boot, say bye to the missus and kids, and head up for a Saturday afternoon messing around on the slopes.

CardinalJ · 04-10-2016 11:10am

cormee wrote:

It would be fantastic to have something like that here in Ireland. Imagine just being able to throw the skis/board in the boot, say bye to the missus and kids, and head up for a Saturday afternoon messing around on the slopes.

Ive promised myself that ill ski on Lugnaquilla this year. Every winter I go up when theres good winter conditions to hike/climb up the gullies coming down theres always parts that are skiable.

Its treking up with all my gear thats stopped me!

AlternateID · 04-10-2016 11:32am

CardinalJ wrote: »

Will be in Mayrhofen in Jan and was going to go up there for a day? Is it worth it? Ive got a lot of mixed info about how long it takes to get there. Anything from 20 mins to 90! Any idea whats accurate?

I'll be there end of Jan too.

Takes about 30 to 40 mins on the bus. I usually drive. I would spend most of my trip there but stay in Mayrhofen. Other days I'd be off piste somewhere in zillertal valley.

Fattes · 04-10-2016 1:05pm

CardinalJ wrote: »

Will be in Mayrhofen in Jan and was going to go up there for a day? Is it worth it? Ive got a lot of mixed info about how long it takes to get there. Anything from 20 mins to 90! Any idea whats accurate?

30-35 min is the norm, well worth the trip!

lawred2 wrote: »

Does anyone go over to Scotland out of interest? Anyone know what it's like for say a weekend ski trip?

Expensive, time conusuming, all of the slopes are a couple of hours drive, weather is terrible, high winds, and minumal snow cover.

That said, skiing in Scotland is a great experience, and if you get the opportunity take it, if the conditions are good it can be amazing

cormee · 04-10-2016 3:49pm

CardinalJ wrote: »

Its treking up with all my gear thats stopped me!

Wait for the next PhantoM DJI, it will have gear-carrying functionality

Fattes · 04-10-2016 5:37pm

The cows are down from the summer pastures, and the first snow has fallen photos courtesy of Anni Monti and Prome Mountain sports

CardinalJ · 04-10-2016 6:32pm

Can anyone comment on what the best few all mountain skis out there at the moment? Friend looking to buy a new pair. Volkl Mantra seem to get v positive reviews.

CardinalJ · 05-10-2016 7:47pm

If anyone was a fan of 'The Art of Flight', I'm presuming a lot of people, Red Bull Media House have a new film out with Travis Rice again. Only came out the other day but the trailer is sick.

Like TAOF it looks beautifully shot.

AlternateID · 05-10-2016 8:09pm

CardinalJ wrote: »

If anyone was a fan of 'The Art of Flight', I'm presuming a lot of people, Red Bull Media House have a new film out with Travis Rice again. Only came out the other day but the trailer is sick.

Like TAOF it looks beautifully shot.

Ahhhh it was broadcast last Sunday at 9pm on Redbull.tv but my broadband died at exactly that moment.Have been waiting ages for it. Trailers are awesome.

prunudo · 05-10-2016 8:50pm

Big fan of the previous 2, especially Art of Flight, I was blown away the first time I saw that.

But and this is based on first impressions. The fourth phase didn't do it for me. Maybe I need to rewatch it, not sure of the picture quality was lost on my streaming (via apple tv) but it didn't cut it with me. Maybe I was expecting too much but I thought it was a bit flat.

As I said, I'll get my hands on the dvd and watch it on my own time but first impressions was meh

Fattes · 07-10-2016 11:17am

For anyone heading to Coyrmayer or Chamonix this season!

https://youtu.be/Tco3nJ9YESA

lbj666 · 07-10-2016 12:10pm

jvan wrote: »

Big fan of the previous 2, especially Art of Flight, I was blown away the first time I saw that.

But and this is based on first impressions. The fourth phase didn't do it for me. Maybe I need to rewatch it, not sure of the picture quality was lost on my streaming (via apple tv) but it didn't cut it with me. Maybe I was expecting too much but I thought it was a bit flat.

As I said, I'll get my hands on the dvd and watch it on my own time but first impressions was meh

Ya I totally agree , I think was only 4-5 segments of actual boarding in total which is nothing compared to the previous two films.

It had the feel of a failed project and that they had to cut their loses a piece together a film out of it. Its no surprise given that they really pushed their luck a lot in the Art of Flight. My whole perspective of these films have changed a lot given, the mental state that Mark Lanvik was left in following Rice around so much.

That said there were some but not many great segments and one scene in particular my jaw just dropped , anyone who see's it will know what I am on about

prunudo · 07-10-2016 1:26pm

I see where you're coming from re the failed project and just winging the remaining 'story'. Wonder did the money men pull the financing after last scene.
Any idea if Landvic and Rice have fallen out. Did they just part ways in the movie or has the friendship fallen apart. He always seemed like the biggest messer so was surprised to see him getting that freaked out by the conditions and not just being there for the craic.

lbj666 · 07-10-2016 2:30pm

jvan wrote: »

I see where you're coming from re the failed project and just winging the remaining 'story'. Wonder did the money men pull the financing after last scene.
Any idea if Landvic and Rice have fallen out. Did they just part ways in the movie or has the friendship fallen apart. He always seemed like the biggest messer so was surprised to see him getting that freaked out by the conditions and not just being there for the craic.

This explains it alot he basically had a mental breakdown, they didn't have a falling out really per say. Its just the near deaths, injurys , pressure to perform in front of a high production film setup, longs waits for weather, its really took its toll.

I saw that clip a few months ago watched the 4th phase kinda hoping Rice finally got his ass handed to him , while coming out of it obviously

prunudo · 07-10-2016 7:51pm

Wow, interesting little video that.
Even with some of the heavy content it was still a more enjoyable 12 mins than the whole of fourth phase.

hawkwind23 · 08-10-2016 9:46pm

Heres one of the craziest moves ive seen on skis

from around a minute in!

https://youtu.be/ZsX41G0MNqc

Same guy about 5 mins in

https://youtu.be/5KmSPTUgfio

Fattes · 10-10-2016 11:06am

hawkwind23 wrote: »

Heres one of the craziest moves ive seen on skis from around a minute in!

https://youtu.be/ZsX41G0MNqc

Same guy about 5 mins in

https://youtu.be/5KmSPTUgfio

That clipping out and in is excellent, both of the lads in the 2nd video are very lifty with the inside ski, I can understand why the older guy is but the younger lad has no excuse!

cormee · 10-10-2016 11:14am

And we're off! First snow of the season - will probably be gone by lunchtime though.

Fattes · 10-10-2016 10:31pm

We have snow down to 1,800meters now! Way to early to get excited about it, but always nice too see. Photo courtesy of Prime Mountain sports

stevire · 11-10-2016 4:41pm

Pretty sure I read somewhere that the year following an El Nino year has always had above average snow in Europe.... Fingers crossed!!

hawkwind23 · 13-10-2016 7:12am

First snowfall in Aosta Valley

cormee · 16-10-2016 10:49am

hawkwind23 wrote: »

First snowfall in Aosta Valley

Ooh, that's a live, webcam photo. Fancy!

hawkwind23 · 16-10-2016 12:58pm

cormee wrote: »

Ooh, that's a live, webcam photo. Fancy!

thats the one i use for your app

painfully frustrating counting down 64 days and 18 hours ha ha

Fattes · 16-10-2016 10:08pm

Sorry my friends & colleagues at the ski school have, terrible taste in music but they were out for a little hike today that turned into this!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLoq761gVS2/?taken-by=primeengelberg

masseyno9 · 17-10-2016 8:28pm

CardinalJ wrote: »

If anyone was a fan of 'The Art of Flight', I'm presuming a lot of people, Red Bull Media House have a new film out with Travis Rice again. Only came out the other day but the trailer is sick.

Like TAOF it looks beautifully shot.

Go to redbull.tv (or get the app) and there are a ton of features, behind the scenes etc. available free there. HAven't splashed out for the movie yet, but it's only a matter of time, I'm sure - it looks amazing!

Billy Mays · 18-10-2016 10:39am

Watched The Fourth phase over the weekend.

I was disappointed with it overall. Some great shots in it, but nowhere near enough action for a movie that's 90 minutes long. Far too much pretentious nonsense and ego stroking in it for me. The added sound effects on pow slashes and the like in certain scenes was unnecessary aswell.

cormee · 18-10-2016 11:31am

Billy Mays wrote: »

Watched The Fourth phase over the weekend.

I was disappointed with it overall. Some great shots in it, but nowhere near enough action for a movie that's 90 minutes long. Far too much pretentiousness nonsense and ego stroking in it for me. The added sound effects on pow slashes and the like in certain scenes was unnecessary aswell.

I find it difficult to watch films like that, first of all because if I was to live a thousand lives I'd never be able to do any of those tricks, and second, because as you said, the general pretentiousness, there's a fair amount of w*nk, too many people taking themselves far too seriously. I'm much happier watching people having fun on snowboards on Vimeo, or the likes.

But credit where credit is due,the skill of the athletes and the film crew, in films like that is undeniable. The scenery and tricks are breathtaking, but there is only so much I can watch before I get bored.

Fattes · 18-10-2016 12:29pm

cormee wrote: »

I find it difficult to watch films like that, first of all because if I was to live a thousand lives I'd never be able to do any of those tricks, and second, because as you said, the general pretentiousness, there's a fair amount of w*nk, too many people taking themselves far too seriously. I'm much happier watching people having fun on snowboards on Vimeo, or the likes.

But credit where credit is due,the skill of the athletes and the film crew, in films like that is undeniable. The scenery and tricks are breathtaking, but there is only so much I can watch before I get bored.

Watch GNAR! It should cheer you up

cormee · 18-10-2016 12:32pm

Fattes wrote: »

Watch GNAR! It should cheer you up

What/where is that?

Fattes · 18-10-2016 12:45pm

cormee wrote: »

What/where is that?

https://vimeo.com/18809446

Here is the full hour movie, basically a movie about a lot of skiers and boarders, being dumb, getting naked, peeing in the forest and generally acting like complete children while drinking.

The fact that they are some of the best skiers and boarders in the world makes it even better.

cormee · 18-10-2016 12:51pm

Fattes wrote: »

https://vimeo.com/18809446

Here is the full hour movie, basically a movie about a lot of skiers and boarders, being dumb, getting naked, peeing in the forest and generally acting like complete children while drinking.

The fact that they are some of the best skiers and boarders in the world makes it even better.

Will watch it later, cheers

hawkwind23 · 18-10-2016 4:44pm

I agree , some of the movies you just cant connect to as you dont have a helicopter and production team to take you to Alaska.
It all gets a bit boring and whilst nice to look at doesnt really inspire.

heres a simple video of a guy carving blues , id rather watch that sort of thing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW4F8AEiofkh

This was a start up movie https://vimeo.com/ondemand/prettyfaces and i think it captures the spirit of having fun in the mountains.
i have 2 daughters and i hope this movie has inspired them

Fattes · 19-10-2016 12:01pm

The power of nature in Chamonix this weekend

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLmBL81hbzy/?taken-by=tof_henry

masseyno9 · 19-10-2016 8:58pm

Fattes wrote: »

Watch GNAR! It should cheer you up

GNAR is my favourite snow movie, and probably will be for a long time. I only watch it the night before I go boarding, otherwise I get too giddy and just can't wait to go! Nothing like a bunch of 30 year olds waxing boards and having beers while watching GNAR and a having a good old fashioned sleepover before getting up at 6am to hit the road...Followed by a day of "I'm the best rider on the hill!"

My FB feed keeps popping up with different snow movies and premiere events. I'll do my research and post back here if I find any worth watching.

Disappointed that fourth phase is not impressing, although I did like the behind the scenes stuff. Makes me think they're just incredibly talented guys who are lucky enough to be at the forefront of a progressive sport and are just loving life. I don't watch them to relate, I watch them to be in awe of what's possible and hopefully get the push to finally book my avalanche safety training course!

*EDIT to add, anyone else seen Horgasm? I liked it a lot but that wannabe agent character got unfunny very quickly!

Fattes · 20-10-2016 12:17pm

The resort segment from Days of my Youth below is amazing, just 3 friends shredding 3 diffrent resorts, haveing fun and messing about, pretty much what I do on my days off with my co workers and friends. However none of us are Cody Townshed, Richard Permin, Banks Gilbelti

:D:D:D:D:D despite what we think

https://youtu.be/Fz4F2X1xSc8

cormee · 20-10-2016 12:27pm

masseyno9 wrote: »

*EDIT to add, anyone else seen Horgasm? I liked it a lot but that wannabe agent character got unfunny very quickly!

that's my go-to video when I'm looking to watch a snowboarding video.

I like Dex, the agent, he's a Norwegian comedian in real life, but I think he plays the idiot, coke-head agent quite well. He's meant to be overbearing, annoying and full of sh*t, and he plays it perfectly.

prunudo · 26-10-2016 5:40pm

So fellow snow chasers I have a question to some of the diy'ers.
If I hire a car in Memmingen and plan to drive to Mayrhofen do I need to specify that I need winter tyres or would they be fitted as standard in mid January.
Just trying to way up options on a solo trip.
Munich is coming in a good bit more expensive.

a148pro · 26-10-2016 9:49pm

Pretty sure its standard in Austria, germany and switzerland.

prunudo · 26-10-2016 9:55pm

a148pro wrote: »

Pretty sure its standard in Austria, germany and switzerland.

OK grand, its mentioned as a tick box extra, so just was wondering if I'd be liable for it at the desk or being the middle of winter were they going to be standard.

AlternateID · 26-10-2016 10:46pm

jvan wrote: »

So fellow snow chasers I have a question to some of the diy'ers.
If I hire a car in Memmingen and plan to drive to Mayrhofen do I need to specify that I need winter tyres or would they be fitted as standard in mid January.
Just trying to way up options on a solo trip.
Munich is coming in a good bit more expensive.

Standard as far as I'm concerned. I'm flying to Memmingen for that same reason. Flights to Munich are crazy when I'm going. Flight over alone costs more than return to Memmingen including my bags. I think it was 350 without bags and I got flights and baggage with Ryanair for less than 282. Mate will fly from England to Munich for next to nothing, pick up car and collect me.

Fattes · 26-10-2016 10:52pm

jvan wrote: »

So fellow snow chasers I have a question to some of the diy'ers.
If I hire a car in Memmingen and plan to drive to Mayrhofen do I need to specify that I need winter tyres or would they be fitted as standard in mid January.
Just trying to way up options on a solo trip.
Munich is coming in a good bit more expensive.

99% sure that Bavaria, is the only German state that has identical rules re cars to Austria, you should be ok. Just make sure you pick up your Vignette, at the last petrol station in Germany.

Road up to Mayrhofen is Motorway and then A road so even in regular tyres you will be on

Fattes · 27-10-2016 10:28am

Ah Home!!!

The shot at 53 seconds in is actually my current screen saver except its me skiing it ha ha

http://wepowder.com/forum/topic/230340

DoraDelite · 27-10-2016 12:14pm

jvan wrote: »

OK grand, its mentioned as a tick box extra, so just was wondering if I'd be liable for it at the desk or being the middle of winter were they going to be standard.

My one and only car hire experience was from Munich airport in early March about 6 years ago and winter tyres were NOT on the car automatically. Chanced driving to Saalbach without them and had a few near death experiences in a snow storm on the way back to Munich :eek:

Don't know if the winter tyre thing has changed since but I'd be double checking if I were you. Can't remember who we rented off at the time either.

Fattes · 27-10-2016 12:19pm

Found this on line for you

http://www.stuttgart.army.mil/pdf/WinterTires.pdf

Are Winter tires required in Germany?
In November 2010, a new German federal law went into effect that specifically mandates the use of winter
tires when conditions are icy. European winter tires have two kinds of markings: a snowflake for snow tires or
M+S for tires designed to work in “matsch und schnee” — mud and snow. All-season or all-weather tires may
also have the M+S marking and are acceptable for winter driving. The laws also apply to motorbikes, trucks
and buses, regardless of whether the driver is the owner or is renting the vehicle. While there is no specific time
period during which winter tires are required, many German drivers use the rule of thumb “von O bis O” – from O
to O – meaning snow tires should be put on in October and remain on until Ostern (Easter).
If your winter vacation takes you to another country, e.g. Austria or Switzerland, check what these countries’
rules are. The European Road Safety website is a good resource:
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/index_en.htm.
Can tire chains be used in Germany?
In some areas snow chains may be required, but only as directed by road signs or police.
An example of a German sign for areas requiring chains is at left. The maximum speed
while driving a vehicle with chains is 50 kilometers per hour.
What types of tires are best for winter driving?
Only snow tires without spikes or studs are allowed in Germany. Tires designed for snow
function better than multi-purpose tires. All tires must have at least 1.6 millimeters of tread
depth, but for maximum safety tires with less than 4 millimeters should be replaced. A one
euro coin can be used for a quick “tread check.” When placed in the tire’s tread, you
should not be able to see the golden edge of the coin. If you can, the tire needs to be
replaced. Winter tires offer better protection than all-season models, and it’s best if all
four tires match. The German automobile club ADAC recommends using tires that
carry the “three peak mountain” seal shown here, the mark of snow tires that meet
the highest standards.
What are the penalties for driving without winter tires?
If you get caught driving without the correct tires on your vehicle, you can get a 40-euro ticket. If you cause
an accident or create a road hazard or traffic jam as a result of not having the correct tires on your vehicle you
can expect an 80-euro ticket and a point against your license. Police can assign blame to a motorist involved in a
winter accident whose car does not have snow tires installed, regardless of who caused the accident. In addition,
some insurance companies may deny coverage to motorists driving with summer tires on winter roads.
Drivers who are unsure about winter tire requirements can contact the USAG Stuttgart vehicle registration at
431-2833/civ. 07031-15-2833 or the Safety Office at 431-3132/civ. 07031-15-3132.
Pay attention with rental cars:
Don’t take for granted that rental cars are equipped with winter tires during the winter season. It is always your
responsibility as the driver to ensure that the vehicle you operate is in a roadworthy condition, which includes
suitable tires. You should clearly request winter tires when you reserve the car,

Ski season 2016/2017

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