Let's start talking Skiing/Snowboarding holidays again..

[quik5i1ver]

So, who's heading off to the moutains again this coming season?

I plan to return to Tignes for my 2nd boarding experience. Sadly this year I shall be going during Feb half-term as my girlfriend is accompanying us and she is now teaching.. Expecting the slopes to be totally rammed but hey, if it's the only way to go, so be it.

So, discussion topics:
- clothing and kit - where and what to buy
- Shows - anyone attending any? - the two that I know of are the Metro show in Olympia and the ski and board show at the NEC, of which I plan to attend both.
- places to stay - votes on challet vs appartments/hotels etc
- Anything else...

- I fancy investing in a board, boots and bindings this year so as to avoid the cost of rental in the future.. Have been recommended the Bataleon Funkink and Evil Twin as good boards for learning/playing - apparently they're easy to ride and the triple base makes them easier to turn.. Bindings, I've been told to look at Burton Mission or Cartel.. Not sure about boots - my friend bought some Vans which he was exceedingly pleased with..

I really need some decent impact shorts too - mine are fine but they could be less bulky..

Last year I bought an Oakley Jacket and Pants, does anyone know if they sell specific inners to interface to their jackets? - what brands of outwear have others gone for?

Thoughts?

 

[Cue]

my chalet days are behind me until the little one gets to around 4 or 5.....

 

[Alexei]

Gotta love snowboards/skis - light, fast, maneuverable - just like a Trophy. Good move buying your own gear - you'll notice a huge difference with fitted boots particularly. I've got a set of Burton Cartels and have to say that they are excellent - you won't go wrong with a pair of those. As for boots I'd recommend 32 Lashed -very comfortable and light. A couple of my mates have Bataleon boards and don't rate them that highly to be honest - bit of a gimmick and not that confidence inspiring. Personally, I ride a Burton UnInc 158 which is excellent but not as fast as my last board - An Apo amanite. The burton is very forgiving though and much better for learning jumps (still broke my wrist in Banff this year riding it though! - unable to drive for my 1st 5 weeks of Trophy ownership - gutted!). Red and Dainese impact shorts are both good but I'd also recommend a back protector if you're doing any serious stuff. Myself and some friends have apartments in Bansko, Bulgaria so I'll be going there a couple of times this season. The pistes are good and the off-piste is amazing if theres plenty of snow but as with most places its very busy during school holidays. The ski area is not as large as the French resorts but everything is brand new and much cheaper (beers from 30p a pint in some places). Bonfire jackets and pants are top notch and reasonably priced but all the major manufacturers offer good quality outerwear-just check the waterproof/breathablity ratings - nothing worse than a cold, wet arse! I was in the states last year so saved a packet buying a board over there. Have a shop around and see if you can pick up last seasons' stuff at a reduced rate 'cos it is pretty expensive buying everything at once. Getting excited now - one of the few good things about winter 8)

 

[Luke335]

If your buying boots just try on as many pairs as you can. Everybody's feet are different. Also, try and make sure the boots and bindings are a good match.
I could never get on with my Burton Cartels (probably just me) so I bought some Flow bindings. They are heavy, expensive and badly built but also quick to get in and sooo comfortable.
Red shorts have removable pads and I use them if it's icy for the tailbone protection. If you wear all the pads it gives you a fat arse! By the way if anyone is looking at padding you should check out d3o stuff. It's a really clever product and the sessions base layer looks good.

http://www.d3o.com/products.php?section=4

 

[quik5i1ver]

must see if I can try on some boots at the shows. So if not a bataleon board, what are your recommendations in terms of an east to ride versatile purchase?

 

[quik5i1ver]

We're now looking at going with a group to Donnersbachwald in Austria - apparently accomodation is £75 for the week - seriously good for half term.. No idea what it's like mind you!!! Has anyone been there?

Being as I'm only on my second week of boarding when I go next year, I doubt I'll be needing a back protector but I shall certainly take a look at the suggested impact shorts - cheers guys!

In terms of boots - do you go for lace ups or for the tensioning system with the rotating disc?

 

[Alexei]

I don't know anyone who has been to Donnersbachwald but I reckon anywhere can be good if you're with a good crowd and there is plenty of snow. By the way, If you or anyone else would like to ski/board in Bansko in future then I could arrange a very good deal. I had a word with friend who works in a snowboard shop and often tests new equipment and he came up with some suggestions:
http://www.ldmountaincentre.com/
http://www.ldmountaincentre.com/product ... egoryid=61
http://www.ldmountaincentre.com/product ... egoryid=61
http://www.ldmountaincentre.com/product ... goryid=126
http://www.ldmountaincentre.com/product ... egoryid=42
http://www.ldmountaincentre.com/product ... egoryid=42
He said you can drop him an e-mail at the shop and he may have some further suggestions if you like? Just ask for Scotty and tell him you spoke to me on the Clio Trophy website so he knows who you are if you decide to do this. He really knows his stuff and said he would be happy to help you (Whether or not you use his shop)
Personally I like Burton boards, lace up boots and traditional style bindings as i reckon they offer better control (Some friends really appreciate the convenience of the Flows though). Good luck, hope you get sorted out.

 

[quik5i1ver]

Thanks Alexei, I will certainly follow up the offer of some help - I don't think you can ever seek too much advice.

Apparently Donnersbachwald is quite a small resort so I'm hoping that it won't be swamped with Brit holiday makers during halfterm - certainly would be one distinct advantage over the French Alps..

I think I shall have to try on some boots at the metro ski and board show and determine whether or not I have any preference but your opinions are very helpful - thanks!

Cheers for the deal offer - this may well be worth looking at too!