Archive for The Motor Forum talking cars since 2006          The Motor Forum Forum Index -> General Eff One Going downhill fast while tearing up money - skiing 2009/10 I can't believe where this year has gone. Only two weeks until the first of the French ski resorts open; some of the really high places in the States are already open. After a difficult ski trip to Val d'Isere last year (beset by injury and a serious sinus infection) I had ummed and ahhed about giving it a miss in 2010. But my wife is massively keen and deep down I know I'd regret it if I didn't go - and some friends presented us with a fait accompli by inviting us to share their apartment. So shortly, and much later than usual, we should be booking for early February. This year, it's Les Arcs - new to all of us, but highly recommended. So who's going skiing or boarding this season? Humphrey The Pug Not me, I went skiing once with school when I was about 15, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to go again but: A. never have the funds B. Tina would rather rip her own eyes out than ski. Martin Me neither (not the point of the thread, I know!), but I would really like to.  Maybe the year after as the kids will be a bit older and I've already booked a trip to New York in March so funds are a little tight to say the least.   I quite fancy skiiing in the US, it would solve the problem of the Euro exchange rate at least! It seems like half the people I work with are going skiiing and are booking it now.  I've had 3 holiday requests for Jan/Feb this week and they are all for skiing trips. One of the lads in my team has a younger brother who's a qualified tennis instructor with his own business that seems to do quite well, but he tops up his income by teaching skiiing in the winter.  He owns a a house somewhere in the Pyrenees, I must get an invite! scamper I did a few seasons which was not the best thing to do with most of my right knee missing.  However, then spent several years tagging along - very enjoyable just hiking up the runs to meet my friends for lunch and a few beers.  These days kids seem to have got in the way! franki68 I miss skiing so much.Too many problems withmy knees to risk it. Pkh72 About 10 of us went snowboarding in Val Thorens back in 1999 over the new year period, it was really good but i struggled with it a bit as i started getting quite bad cramps in the bridge of my foot. I haven't done it again for a variety of reasons so i'd have to start again from scratch. One memory i have from the trip is that new years eve in a fench ski resort is like being in an explosion in a fireworks factory, they were coming at you from all angles! Big TC franki68 wrote: I miss skiing so much.Too many problems withmy knees to risk it. Exactly what I would say. My knees are shot, basically. garry We're off to Breckenridge this year. I get to sneak in a few weekend trips when I travelling with work. Dr. Hfuhruhurr Re: Going downhill fast while tearing up money - skiing 2009 Eff One wrote: This year, it's Les Arcs - new to all of us, but highly recommended. Les Arcs is brilliant, especially now they've linked it to La Plagne. scamper Re: Going downhill fast while tearing up money - skiing 2009 Dr. Hfuhruhurr wrote: Eff One wrote: This year, it's Les Arcs - new to all of us, but highly recommended. Les Arcs is brilliant, especially now they've linked it to La Plagne. I've been to La Plagne twice - effectively too resorts if I remember? Eff One Re: Going downhill fast while tearing up money - skiing 2009 Dr. Hfuhruhurr wrote: Les Arcs is brilliant, especially now they've linked it to La Plagne. I've had a quick look at a piste map and it all seems nicely linked up - one of the things that irritated me about Val d'Isere was the frequent need to get on buses. Looking forward to it, there seem to be some nice woodland runs too. Humphrey the Pug wrote: B. Tina would rather rip her own eyes out than ski. Has she actually given it a go? Dr. Hfuhruhurr Re: Going downhill fast while tearing up money - skiing 2009 Eff One wrote: ... one of the things that irritated me about Val d'Isere was the frequent need to get on buses. You will never need to take a bus at Les Arcs ... unless you're staying at Arc 2000 and miss the last ride up on the Transarcs lift. Apex clipper I miss mogal bashing! Gurney Off to Gressoney on the 20th December. After thoroughly enjoying Austria over christmas last year we thought we would do the same again this year but Italy this time. Not skiied in Italy since I was 16, should be interesting - providing it snows. Dr. Hfuhruhurr Gurney wrote: Not skiied in Italy since I was 16, should be interesting - providing it snows. That would help, certainly ... Apex clipper Re: Going downhill fast while tearing up money - skiing 2009 Eff One wrote: Humphrey the Pug wrote: B. Tina would rather rip her own eyes out than ski. Has she actually given it a go? Or. The often used line.."I'll break a leg" Fantastic sport. Spent many a month training in Zermatt, then competing across europe. Heli-skiing in Canada takes some beating though. DEEP.DEEP. DEEP POWDER. Racing Am definitely off to Courcheval for a week in early March with a big group of friends. Might also go to St Moritz for a week over New Year, although that's not set in stone. Depends if I can persuade my parents to let me use their flat there. Certainly won't be going to Zermatt again any time soon. Went earlier this year and it was the single most expensive 5 days of my entire life. It was eye-wateringly expensive; even more so than St Moritz. Blarno Despite having a penchant for the dangerous, skiing has never appealed to me. I tried snowboarding for a while, but got bored very quickly. I also don't want to be attached to something that is travelling very fast down a hill. If it goes tits up, I want to be as far away as possible from whatever it is that is travelling really fast. This is why I don't have clip in pedals on my bike. DetmoldDick Re: Going downhill fast while tearing up money - skiing 2009 Eff One wrote: So who's going skiing or boarding this season? I live 1 hours drive from a ski resort (Winterberg). It's not the high Alps but as the wife is only a beginner it does just fine. We normally drive down, ski till lunch, have a bite to eat and a hot chocolate. Ski until dusk then drive home. Apres ski is at home but the wife is normally totally knackered. I can't wait until she is up to the standard that we can go to Whistler. Now that is a great ski resort.. Eff One Re: Going downhill fast while tearing up money - skiing 2009 Apex clipper wrote: Fantastic sport. Spent many a month training in Zermatt, then competing across europe. As in, racing? I have, I think, peaked at about 35mph on skis - ie little more than a third of the speeds regularly achieved by downhill racers. I was absolutely shitting myself at that speed, too. Respect to the mentalists that do it, for I have neither the natural flair nor, frankly, the titanium balls required for ski racing. Clunes The new boy is still only 6 months old so no skiing for us this year (again). Its been a couple of years since I went and I miss it - without doubt my favorite holiday of the year and I would happily miss a summer break to ensure I could go skiing. Don't think I've been to Les Arcs - but I honestly can't remember! Humphrey The Pug Re: Going downhill fast while tearing up money - skiing 2009 Apex clipper wrote: Eff One wrote: Humphrey the Pug wrote: B. Tina would rather rip her own eyes out than ski. Has she actually given it a go? Or. The often used line.."I'll break a leg" No she hasn't tried skiing, TBH I couldn't see her doing it anyway, far too physical and she would moan all the time that she was cold and wet anyway. A family Tina babysat for went skiing, the husband didn't want to do it and he used the "I'll break a leg" line. His wife finally pursuaded him to go, they came home halfway through as he smashed his leg up very badly. Apex clipper Re: Going downhill fast while tearing up money - skiing 2009 Eff One wrote: Apex clipper wrote: Fantastic sport. Spent many a month training in Zermatt, then competing across europe. As in, racing? I have, I think, peaked at about 35mph on skis - ie little more than a third of the speeds regularly achieved by downhill racers. I was absolutely shitting myself at that speed, too. Respect to the mentalists that do it, for I have neither the natural flair nor, frankly, the titanium balls required for ski racing. Yes. I've been clocked at 80mph whilst downhill racing in Austria. I think I amassed about 50 trophies over a 6 year period. Although slalom was the one I won most 1st's at. NB. I've had a little go at speed skiing...Now that was fvcking quick!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw5doHjd0Ug Once training was over 7am-4pm...We all (The team) split up and free skied.. ...I always headed here.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MApwEehMKP4 scamper Was this with the military, Apex? Apex clipper scamper wrote: Was this with the military, Apex? It was Scamps. Although we were well removed from the military mindset once we headed off in early November and arrived long haired suntanned and skint back at camp late April. Our parties where infamous in Zermatt.   Juat a quick one for Racing...Is the brown cow pub still there in the centre of town? It's the one with the pink flamingo/ the spagetti factory and a cellar that is a disco.. ....If it is (Or named something else)...I could tell you some tales about that place!!! Racing Apex clipper wrote: Juat a quick one for Racing...Is the brown cow pub still there in the centre of town? It's the one with the pink flamingo/ the spagetti factory and a cellar that is a disco.. ....If it is (Or named something else)...I could tell you some tales about that place!!! In Zermatt? Yes, I think so. scamper Apex clipper wrote: scamper wrote: Was this with the military, Apex? It was Scamps. Although we were well removed from the military mindset once we headed off in early November and arrived long haired suntanned and skint back at camp late April. Our parties where infamous in Zermatt.   How did i guess!  I loose count of the number of jollies, i mean adventure training excursions Mrs Scamper and her friends sign up for! Although, for Laura at least, not quite to your level of expertise   Apex clipper Racing wrote: Apex clipper wrote: Juat a quick one for Racing...Is the brown cow pub still there in the centre of town? It's the one with the pink flamingo/ the spagetti factory and a cellar that is a disco.. ....If it is (Or named something else)...I could tell you some tales about that place!!! In Zermatt? Yes, I think so. Did you travel through the tunnel that is the kleiner matterhorn.. And yes I agree that it's a tad expensive, was back in the early 80's..heaven knows how much it is now!!! Must have something to do with those electric carts. Apex clipper scamper wrote: Apex clipper wrote: scamper wrote: Was this with the military, Apex? It was Scamps. Although we were well removed from the military mindset once we headed off in early November and arrived long haired suntanned and skint back at camp late April. Our parties where infamous in Zermatt.   How did i guess!  I loose count of the number of jollies, i mean adventure training excursions Mrs Scamper and her friends sign up for! Although, for Laura at least, not quite to your level of expertise   Nobody throws parties..quite the same as squaddies! Frank Bullitt Never 'got' skiing at all - just holds no appeal. SpecB garry wrote: We're off to Breckenridge this year. I get to sneak in a few weekend trips when I travelling with work. I've been to Vail but my dad has been to Breckenridge.  He says it is bloody cold - makes European ski resorts feel like the Med.  Wrap up warm! I haven't been for about five years and miss it quite a bit.  The last time I went to St. Anton and loved it. Roadsterstu Humphrey The Pug wrote: Not me, I went skiing once with school when I was about 15, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to go again but: A. never have the funds B. Tina would rather rip her own eyes out than ski. Pretty much exactly the same for me.  I'd love to go again but since funds will be severely limited and Jane is bad enough on her own two feet, let alone a pair of skis, it's not going to happen! JohnC I would love to go this year but I will have to see how the new business goes. If I have money in the bank by the end of January then we might do something last minute but our daughter would love to come so it might have to be mid term. Like Martin, I am also booked for New York in March to celebrate our wedding Anniversary so that will have to come first. We know one of the head girls in Marketing at Audi and the head man at Harley Davidson Marketing in the UK and they are going skiing in February so we might try and tie in with them if possible since it is 4 years since we last holiday'd with them and had a ball! PG I have for the past two years had a 5 day pass (Mrs PG having tried skiing twice and not being keen) to go with one of my friends on a boys trip. Two 49 year olds don't complain about the cold - just their knees mostly. Will probably try that again in Feb or March, but try not to come back with flu this time. Breckenridge is a huge ski area with a fantastic snow record, but it can be very cold. I preferred Whistler - even better snow. gonnabuildabuggy Roadsterstu wrote: Humphrey The Pug wrote: Not me, I went skiing once with school when I was about 15, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to go again but: A. never have the funds B. Tina would rather rip her own eyes out than ski. Pretty much exactly the same for me.  I'd love to go again but since funds will be severely limited and Jane is bad enough on her own two feet, let alone a pair of skis, it's not going to happen! Ditto. I went with my Brother and a group a few years ago and loved it, but it's not Helen's idea of fun at all. Especially as we went to Val Thorens were there was nothing to do but ski. I'm pondering going to my Brothers in Canada for Xmas next year in which case I'd try to include some skiing in that now the boys are old enough. if I had some really spare cash I'd take us all somewhere really nice to do it, but it's not cheap and I suspect very expensive all round with the current exchange rate. When I consider what else the money could do then it's difficult to justify for me knowing Helen will probably hate it. Gurney Re: Going downhill fast while tearing up money - skiing 2009 Apex clipper wrote: Eff One wrote: Apex clipper wrote: Fantastic sport. Spent many a month training in Zermatt, then competing across europe. As in, racing? I have, I think, peaked at about 35mph on skis - ie little more than a third of the speeds regularly achieved by downhill racers. I was absolutely shitting myself at that speed, too. Respect to the mentalists that do it, for I have neither the natural flair nor, frankly, the titanium balls required for ski racing. Yes. I've been clocked at 80mph whilst downhill racing in Austria. I think I amassed about 50 trophies over a 6 year period. Although slalom was the one I won most 1st's at. NB. I've had a little go at speed skiing...Now that was fvcking quick!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw5doHjd0Ug Once training was over 7am-4pm...We all (The team) split up and free skied.. ...I always headed here.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MApwEehMKP4 Bloody ell, I managed 37mph on blades down the Lauberhorn. I was whiter than the snow when I got to the bottom I am not sure I can imagine 80, deeply scary. Steph on the other hand has never exceeded 10mph, never gets out of the bottom of class and worries constantly about breaking something and therefore not being able to run. She still loves skiing though and wouldn't miss it for the world. Eff One Re: Going downhill fast while tearing up money - skiing 2009 Gurney wrote: worries constantly about breaking something and therefore not being able to run. I'm the same to a certain extent - not keen on risking damage to myself which would result in not being able to run or race karts. For me the appeal is as much about being high up in the mountains as it is about the actual sensation of skiing. Gurney Re: Going downhill fast while tearing up money - skiing 2009 Eff One wrote: Gurney wrote: worries constantly about breaking something and therefore not being able to run. I'm the same to a certain extent - not keen on risking damage to myself which would result in not being able to run or race karts. For me the appeal is as much about being high up in the mountains as it is about the actual sensation of skiing. Have to agree, I will never be any good skiing wise. I have in effect opted out by blading but I love the mountains. Steph is the same. We often discuss where we will live WHEN we win the lottery. Holland was very far down the list. The Alps/Dolomites/Pyrenees on the other hand.... Eff One Bloody hell, I wish we were going to Whistler. They've had five metres of snow in November - a new record - and opened part of the ski area two weeks early, on 14 November. By contrast, there's no snow in the Alps below 2000m and several resorts have had to delay opening   Big Blue This winter I am being dragged to the Tatras by W2.0. I've never been skiing and expect to die. "him" Big Blue wrote: This winter I am being dragged to the Tatras by W2.0. I've never been skiing and expect to die. Good luck with that...  if you are confident about not returning, you may bequeath your Fireblade to me...          The Motor Forum Forum Index -> General Page 1 of 1