[Stubbs]

Stomped it too! think the finals are tomorrow afternoon

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/winter-olympics/25811382

[Grubes]

Woo hoo
First ever medal on snow 
Well done jenny Jones

[SA Chris]

Cover in Scotland is great right now, had a day at Glenshee Friday, west coast is apparently even better.

[bigtuboflard]

quick edit from my trip to Grand Bornand

not exactly charging any more i know (getting a bit old for that) but still had a bit of fun in the pow

[SA Chris]

http://www.tetongravity.com/films/jeremy-jones-further/watch/

Worth a watch while it's free.

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

http://www.tetongravity.com/films/jeremy-jones-further/watch/

Worth a watch while it's free.

If you've got any 'mates in prison' who might not be available to watch it whilst it's free, or who might potentially want to want to watch it again when they get out...
if they bung this

http://player.vimeo.com/video/87821325

into this http://savevideo.me/ they might want to right click and save as...

[SA Chris]

So....

Heading for Alps mid March and got choice of; either 4/5 days in Les Gets with car and access to PdS, Grand Massif and several other lesser known resorts in the area, which i know well and how to access off piste stuff etc, or got a chance for a couple of days in La Grave (where I've never been) with a guide and then a couple of days in Les Gets. Would join some mates there who are going with a guide so that would cost a bit, plus would need to get there from Geneva, which would lose me a day of riding to travelling. I'm fairly advanced level boarder and definite preference for off piste / powder riding.

How hit and miss is La Grave? Is it likely to be tracked out if it's not snowed in a while, and if the weather is crap is there still things to do?

Thanks

[gingerninja]

la grave is supposed to have some really good off piste but if theres been no snow for a while it could be a bit poo.
id look and see when last snow was a check the snow report for conditions. if its not had much then go to les gets, at least you can go flying around the piste if the off piste isnt up to much. plus you get the extra day sliding.
have a good one.

[galpinos]

Chris,
Why are you going?
I obviously have a bias for touring and getting off the beaten path but…..

La Grave – never been but it’s on the list. Drop the idea of waist deep virgin powder and embrace the idea of the adventure, whatever the snow will be like, awesome descents in fantastic scenery (you’ll be with a guide so getting off the beaten track should be easy).

I did three seasons in the Grand Massif and it’s an area very close to my heart (I know the other areas pretty well too). Going back I still know what where to go for the best snow on a given day but my desire has moved from just skiing to going to new places, exploring and having an adventure. I’ve enjoyed my recent Scottish trips immensely despite not actually skiing much!

If you just want a lot of time on the board, Les Gets…….

[Fultonius]

La Grave won't lose you a day if you have a car - easily make it there and bake in the evenings.

In March, it *should* be ok. I've only been once, snow was average but we had fun. I'd say take the risk - you've had loads of good days in your life Chris, better take the chance on some *really* good days, than opting for the easy option.

[bigtuboflard]

As I'm sure you know, the fact that La Grave is both North facing and high altitude means it will be much less affected by the relatively poor season snowfall to date. Les Gets has suffered big time so far, though snow is falling as we speak.

Personally I'd go to La Grave if you have the chance, conditions will be as you take them, ie you might be lucky or not but either way it will be much more interesting than cruising round PdS.

This blog is reasonably local to La Grave too in Serre Chevalier so might give an idea as to snow conditions www.stylealtitude.com/gallery

[Fultonius]

15cm outside, probably 30cm on the mountain. I'm resting up for tomorrow - finally some face-shots beckon!

easily make it there and bake in the evenings

I mean, you can bake if you really want   

[SA Chris]

Sorry for delayed response, I was a bit vague on details. I won't have access to car to get from Geneva to La Grave, so will be dependant on public transport as far as Grenoble from where I can get a lift, so will take a bit of time to get there.

Anyhow, upshot is I'm convinced! I've got flight to Geneva booked to arrive early morning Wednesday 11th, Flying back Monday evening 16th March. Just seeing if accomdation and place with guide in La Grave are still available!

If anyone is about on Pds or nearby on 16th I'll be on my tod if anyone is up for some riding.

Thanks for input!

[SA Chris]

http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Chamonix/6day/mid

Fultonius, I hate you. Anyone who is out there next week, I hate you too.

[Fultonius]

 

Just think of  it a different way, it's finally going to fill in the nice lines and cover the rocks. Our edges and bases have been shark-fodder all January!  There's also a really sketch base layer so there's going to be some nasty avalanches - I'm going to keep it low risk until it all settles!

Still.... 

[Bubba]

Can anyone recommend a board repair/service shop in Sheffield, or nearby?

Got a Lib Tech that's been sat in the garage for a few years but only had 2 weeks use on it before I tore an edge out. Just want to see if it's fixable/viable for use.

[lagerstarfish]

the guys at Decathlon have all the gear; worth asking/showing them as a starting point

[SA Chris]

place with guide in La Grave are still available!

Guide says no   4 is max limit he can take.

So going to be in PdS area Wednesday 11th to Monday 16th March if anyone is about?

[galpinos]

Nope, sorry. I'm touring in the Vanoise the weekend before but will be back at my desk looking longingly at photos by then.

[SA Chris]

You going to make it up here this year? I've upgraded my touring boots, need to justify the expense!

[bigtuboflard]

Can anyone recommend a board repair/service shop in Sheffield, or nearby?

Got a Lib Tech that's been sat in the garage for a few years but only had 2 weeks use on it before I tore an edge out. Just want to see if it's fixable/viable for use.

There used to be a snowboard shop down at Shalesmoor/Infirmary road, not sure if it is still there though since I moved out of the neighbourhood. If your board has had it, I've got a Burton Dominant 156 in great condition that I can pretty much give you as its just gathering dust at the moment. Needs a wax but otherwise in perfect nick.

[Johnny Brown]

Shit I'll have it if he doesn't. 156 might be a bit small for Bubba?

[Bubba]

the guys at Decathlon have all the gear; worth asking/showing them as a starting point

Good call - they can't fix the damage but they didn't think it was too bad and said it might be worth just using epoxy and a clamp to fix.  I'm getting an edge service and wax done there anyway for £18.

There used to be a snowboard shop down at Shalesmoor/Infirmary road, not sure if it is still there though since I moved out of the neighbourhood. If your board has had it, I've got a Burton Dominant 156 in great condition that I can pretty much give you as its just gathering dust at the moment. Needs a wax but otherwise in perfect nick.

Cheers Tim but I reckon it might be a bit small for my bulk in powder   I've heard that shop is shut but I'll try ringing them tomorrow.

[galpinos]

You going to make it up here this year? I've upgraded my touring boots, need to justify the expense!

Doubt it. My wife has just started back full time and with on calls and weekends etc, I' e not got a pass for Scotland. I' e got this Vanoise trip and I'm up doing the Highlander MM again. I'm toying with Scotland but think my passes have run out for the winter/spring!

[Johnny Brown]

You going to make it up here this year? I've upgraded my touring boots, need to justify the expense!

You got a splitty Chris?

Cheers Tim but I reckon it might be a bit small for my bulk in powder

Seriously, I would be well keen for a cheap 156 if you want shot of it bigtub.