Seams only fitting as like the start of this trip it ends almost the same way!
The weather was all I've the place today. Sunny in places, complete white out in others. No wind anywhere, then huge strong gusts. Needless to say there was no snow kiting today. The Simplon Pass was in a complete white out and the wind was unpredictable. Oh well.
Instead myself and Oli (The Big Blue Experience) headed to the small ski resort of Rothwald. It had been snowing a bit yesterday and we were hopping that there would be a decent amount up there. After paying the 6CHF for the T-bar we made out way up to the top. We were disappointed that the other T-bar wasn't open, for what ever reason.
Oli knows this mountain very well and we where soon making some great lines through the trees in relatively in-touched snow. The snow fall was a lot less than we hoped, but there was some good snow drifts around.
We decided to head back up for another ride. This time however we stopped at the top and headed on into the restaurant for a quick coffee. The place was packed! There was a band playing traditional Swiss mountain music (needed more 'umpah' for me :-)). We headed out after the coffee as it really was packed (weird for such a small mountain).
More tree runs ensued. It was a little tricky as the snow was unpredictable. One second you had lovely soft snow, then hard crust, then ice and back to snow again. Plus my riding was not that great, to be honest. I think I need to get my new bindings aligned better, and to add some forward lean (I have none at the moment, which was the setup for the snow kiting, and not snowboarding).
When we got to the bottom, we decided that we would have a few more runs so I bought 3 passes. More tree runs. Would love to be on this mountain after a decent drop of snow and better conditions. It might be a small resort but has a lot of character.
After the 3 runs, I called it that we should head over the road and have a soft drink. This offered a good view of the Simplon pass whilst we had our drink. The clouds never seamed to move from the pass and were obvious white outs.
With not having a plan of what else to do, we decided to have 1 more run on the Rothwald. It really was just the last one, as the snow was starting to get sticky and slushy. Glad I didn't buy a day pass!
On the way back to Reid-Brig, we stopped off at a waterfall for our lunch. A real nice peacefully spot.
I have to say that I have really enjoyed my time here in Brig and made some great progress on my snow kiting, thanks to Oli and The Big Blue Experience. Is definitely worth while having him as a guide and snow kite instructor. I think I will just have to come back next winter (earlier in the season next time, I think).
Steak tonight to celebrate and then back home tomorrow!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Viel Schnee, wenig Wind - 16th March 2012
I looked at the wind report and it looked good this morning. However the weather had totally changed. Looking out of the window it was totally cloud covered and colder.
On the way up to the Simplon Pass, Oli (The Big Blue Experience) and I could see that there was little or no visibility. The weather was coming in from the south, and the clouds were low and cold.
As it was the weekend it was the first time that I would be out with the kite and other people than just myself and Oli. Oli had lessons to give to a couple guys from Zurich, who were kite flying for the first time. They were on the side next to the restaurant, where as myself and a guy from Termen (just a few minutes from Reid-Brig) were on the other side of the road.
The guy that was on the same side as me was only on the kite for the second time, so I helped him launch his 11m kite a few times for him. No problem, after all we are all here to have fun and learn. When it can for me to launch myself, the wind was very difficult as it was just so up and down in strength. That coupled together with the near zero visibility patches, made a hard morning. To be honest I think I must have made about 5-6 lines and traveled about 50m total. It was just not enough wind for me to do anything with the 11m kite and on my snowboard.
We both gave up, packed up the kites and headed on over to the other side to watch the newbies. The guy who was over with me called it a day, after all he lived only 20 minutes away and come back any time. I instead wanted to hang out with Oli and the newbies. They had finished with the trainer kites and were just starting to use some 8m kites, but still without their boards. You have to practice with the kite, after all it is about 80% kite flying and 20% board control.
I stuck with the newbie that appeared to be flying the kite better and let Oli help the other guy, and when needed advise the newbie I was with. I mostly just helped launch the kite when the wind dropped and gave some simple advice that I have learned over the last week or so. I think we have a coupe new converts to the exciting sport of snow kiting. They were both having a great time, laughing and joking, and generally having a good time.
When their first couple hours were up, Oli gave them the choice of either carrying on for their paid 3rh hour in.not great wind conditions or to use the time another day. They decided to go for a coffee, which was good with me as the snow had started to fall hard and it was getting colder.
We all stopped for a quick coffee before the newbies decided that they wanted to take their 3rd hour and get the practice in. I helped out with launching and general guidance for one of the newbies, and at Oli's guidance they practiced the skills that they will need when they strap the board to their feet!
Was nice to help out, but disappointing that the wind wasn't good enough for me to do any real snow kiting and touring. Still, it is nature and you have to take what you are given.
When the session came to and end, I was quite glad, as I had been wearing my lighter and older Burton Bio-lite, which isn't water proof any more, and the snow was now quite heavy but wet. I helped hang up the kites to dry in the Swiss snow kiting and school centre and we headed back down the mountain. It was snowing heavy all the way down the mountain until just pas t Rothwald, where it turned into rain. It looks like for my last day tomorrow we might be going snowboarding. Could be a fit way to end the vacation :-)
On the way up to the Simplon Pass, Oli (The Big Blue Experience) and I could see that there was little or no visibility. The weather was coming in from the south, and the clouds were low and cold.
As it was the weekend it was the first time that I would be out with the kite and other people than just myself and Oli. Oli had lessons to give to a couple guys from Zurich, who were kite flying for the first time. They were on the side next to the restaurant, where as myself and a guy from Termen (just a few minutes from Reid-Brig) were on the other side of the road.
The guy that was on the same side as me was only on the kite for the second time, so I helped him launch his 11m kite a few times for him. No problem, after all we are all here to have fun and learn. When it can for me to launch myself, the wind was very difficult as it was just so up and down in strength. That coupled together with the near zero visibility patches, made a hard morning. To be honest I think I must have made about 5-6 lines and traveled about 50m total. It was just not enough wind for me to do anything with the 11m kite and on my snowboard.
We both gave up, packed up the kites and headed on over to the other side to watch the newbies. The guy who was over with me called it a day, after all he lived only 20 minutes away and come back any time. I instead wanted to hang out with Oli and the newbies. They had finished with the trainer kites and were just starting to use some 8m kites, but still without their boards. You have to practice with the kite, after all it is about 80% kite flying and 20% board control.
I stuck with the newbie that appeared to be flying the kite better and let Oli help the other guy, and when needed advise the newbie I was with. I mostly just helped launch the kite when the wind dropped and gave some simple advice that I have learned over the last week or so. I think we have a coupe new converts to the exciting sport of snow kiting. They were both having a great time, laughing and joking, and generally having a good time.
When their first couple hours were up, Oli gave them the choice of either carrying on for their paid 3rh hour in.not great wind conditions or to use the time another day. They decided to go for a coffee, which was good with me as the snow had started to fall hard and it was getting colder.
We all stopped for a quick coffee before the newbies decided that they wanted to take their 3rd hour and get the practice in. I helped out with launching and general guidance for one of the newbies, and at Oli's guidance they practiced the skills that they will need when they strap the board to their feet!
Was nice to help out, but disappointing that the wind wasn't good enough for me to do any real snow kiting and touring. Still, it is nature and you have to take what you are given.
When the session came to and end, I was quite glad, as I had been wearing my lighter and older Burton Bio-lite, which isn't water proof any more, and the snow was now quite heavy but wet. I helped hang up the kites to dry in the Swiss snow kiting and school centre and we headed back down the mountain. It was snowing heavy all the way down the mountain until just pas t Rothwald, where it turned into rain. It looks like for my last day tomorrow we might be going snowboarding. Could be a fit way to end the vacation :-)
Friday, March 16, 2012
Coffee and light winds at Simplon pass, Switzerland - 16th March 2012
Woke up this morning hoping that the high pressure over the area had passed. Unfortunately not!
Myself and Oli (from The Big Blue Experience) headed on up to the Simplon pass. When we got there it was obvious that there was no wind yet. So we stopped at the restaurant and had a coffee and just relaxed in the sun. We would see the wind farm blades had been slowly turning to the south thought the morning. However it wasn't until after we had lunch that there was enough wind to even give it a go.
When we eventually got the 11m kites out and our respective snowboards and skis on, the wind was super light. Oli being the expert headed off up the slopes and over to the stone eagle on his skis and the 11m kite. Doing some nice up hill kite loops.
As for myself, on the 11m and my snowboard it was slow and tough going. The direction of the wind was the complete opposite as to what I had on Monday earlier in the week. Meant some different riding. It was very good practice however trying to keep the kite in the air and still making it far up wind and then riding down wind. It is a lot more gentle snow kiting, but in the light wind it really is a task keeping the kite in the air! The wind was still changing directions thought our time on the snow. It was also very up and down, which was personally a challenge. I'm glad to get the hours in, but am really ready for some real wind to get snow kite touring. Need for mother nature to get the wind blowing :-)
Myself and Oli (from The Big Blue Experience) headed on up to the Simplon pass. When we got there it was obvious that there was no wind yet. So we stopped at the restaurant and had a coffee and just relaxed in the sun. We would see the wind farm blades had been slowly turning to the south thought the morning. However it wasn't until after we had lunch that there was enough wind to even give it a go.
When we eventually got the 11m kites out and our respective snowboards and skis on, the wind was super light. Oli being the expert headed off up the slopes and over to the stone eagle on his skis and the 11m kite. Doing some nice up hill kite loops.
As for myself, on the 11m and my snowboard it was slow and tough going. The direction of the wind was the complete opposite as to what I had on Monday earlier in the week. Meant some different riding. It was very good practice however trying to keep the kite in the air and still making it far up wind and then riding down wind. It is a lot more gentle snow kiting, but in the light wind it really is a task keeping the kite in the air! The wind was still changing directions thought our time on the snow. It was also very up and down, which was personally a challenge. I'm glad to get the hours in, but am really ready for some real wind to get snow kite touring. Need for mother nature to get the wind blowing :-)
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Bit of a blow out - 15th March 2012
The day started out pretty much as normal. Myself and Oli (of The Big Blue Experience) headed on up to the lower section of the Simplon Pass. The wind don't look too bad, from the way the flag was flying.
We both got our kites out. Oli managed to get up and riding only a little, where as for myself I barley got the kite up off the ground a few times before it just settled back. Not good.
We decided to head up to the restaurant and have a coffee. Whilst there the wind appeared to pick up a little so we moved from the restaurant over the other side of the road.
Again we both got our kites out. Oli was off, not like a shot, but more like a lazy sloth. Whilst Oli managed on his skis and the 11m kite to make some head way, I think I managed about 15m on the 11m with my snowboard. Just going to be one of those days. Oh well.
We decided it was a little too early for lunch and headed to the tiny ski hill of Rothwald. It basically only had 2 T-bars! The first T-bar is quite long and steep, makes for an interesting drag. A short and fast little ride takes you to the second T-bar. At the top we walked up to the top of the hill and sat at the Cairn and had lunch. Some great views from here, and a lovely place to have lunch.
He rode some really nice snow, given the weather and made some nice tracks in the little valleys and dips. Couldn't believe they were basically untouched. About 1/3 the way down we stopped at the restaurant and had a couple beers and soaked up the sun and quiet atmosphere. What a nice way to spend a hot sunny afternoon.
After the second beer had gone down, he headed off down the slope. Was a very interesting ride. Really soft and slushy in parts and icy where the sun hadn't got to the slope. So you were switching from slush to ice quite quickly. However it was nice and high speed, which I like. It was obviously a little short, given that we were basically only 2 T-bars up the hill.
I could be disappointed about the lack of wind, but that is nature for you. You have to take the windy and the non-windy days in your stride. Let's hope it picks up for tomorrow?
We both got our kites out. Oli managed to get up and riding only a little, where as for myself I barley got the kite up off the ground a few times before it just settled back. Not good.
We decided to head up to the restaurant and have a coffee. Whilst there the wind appeared to pick up a little so we moved from the restaurant over the other side of the road.
Again we both got our kites out. Oli was off, not like a shot, but more like a lazy sloth. Whilst Oli managed on his skis and the 11m kite to make some head way, I think I managed about 15m on the 11m with my snowboard. Just going to be one of those days. Oh well.
We decided it was a little too early for lunch and headed to the tiny ski hill of Rothwald. It basically only had 2 T-bars! The first T-bar is quite long and steep, makes for an interesting drag. A short and fast little ride takes you to the second T-bar. At the top we walked up to the top of the hill and sat at the Cairn and had lunch. Some great views from here, and a lovely place to have lunch.
He rode some really nice snow, given the weather and made some nice tracks in the little valleys and dips. Couldn't believe they were basically untouched. About 1/3 the way down we stopped at the restaurant and had a couple beers and soaked up the sun and quiet atmosphere. What a nice way to spend a hot sunny afternoon.
After the second beer had gone down, he headed off down the slope. Was a very interesting ride. Really soft and slushy in parts and icy where the sun hadn't got to the slope. So you were switching from slush to ice quite quickly. However it was nice and high speed, which I like. It was obviously a little short, given that we were basically only 2 T-bars up the hill.
I could be disappointed about the lack of wind, but that is nature for you. You have to take the windy and the non-windy days in your stride. Let's hope it picks up for tomorrow?
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Snow kite touring at the Simplon pass - 14th March 2012
We weren't sure of the wind today but Oli (of The Big Blue Experience) room me to the lower end of the Simplon pass. We were there on our own and Oli decided to save his knees today, so it was just me snow kiting today.
I in packed the 11m kite, checked the lines and strapped into my snowboard. The wind wasn't great but it was more than good enough for me. The problem I had was that the snow was rock hard and cut up. This meant that it was a really hard ride on the feet and shins. As such I was definitely sticking my ass out instead of standing up straighter. I still managed to get near all the was up wind in the available area, and also make some ever increasingly easy and better kite loops and down turns. After a while I decided to ride down wind back to the bags to give my poor feet a rest. Yes the sun was softening up the snow but it had been hard.
Oli came over and gave me some more excellent expert advice and gave me a target. My task was to right up hill between two rock out crops, over the ridge and into the narrow valley on the other side. Then to try and keep my traverse lines.
I started off be getting well up wind, and the wind was really helping, and the snow was much softer. When I was far enough up wind I made my way up the slope. Steering the kite, keeping tension in the lines, kite looping where appropriate and down turning got me up and over the ridge. Fantastic! Next was to negotiate a narrow valley with obstacles on both sides, whilst riding down wind. It felt a lot tighter than it probably really was. I used the board to keep the tension on the lines and worked the kite in the area available. I was able to throw in a few kite loops to keep my progress in moving forward. When the ridge valley opens out a bit I traversed further away from the man flat area, to practice trying to keep my line. I was getting close to a couple trees, and when the kite shadow was over them I decided to turn and try riding down hill at speed (and to keep the kite flying). The faster I had the board going in the right direction the easier the kite was to fly. I was quickly back on the open area. I had done it, and in my personal opinion done it quite well. I was way chuffed. My first real snow kite touring experience.
As I was now way down wind again, I worked my way up wind and gave it all a go again. This time I performed a few more kite loops (3 in a row and in one direction too - before evening out with an opposite loop), and generally had a better line and higher rate of progress. I again got close to the trees near the bottom and turned to speed down the remainder of the ridge. I was even happier with that one.
The third time, I got into the ridge valley from a bit higher up wind, and tried to use the available width a bit more to keep progress. I also tried to pick a desired line that I managed to "mostly" stick to. Great experience and progression.
I returned to the bags with a great sense of achievement. I took another rest, as the snow was still reasonably hard and it was darned hot out. This time Oli challenged me to get even higher up wind and not only get up the ridge but over the next ridge and into the valley past that. He then left me to it and headed off for a walk with his dog 'Pip'.
The wind was slowly slacking by now, and getting up wind was a bit harder. I made sure I was far enough up wind and went for it. In the lightening wind it was tougher to get up hill. However with the guidance and experience I have received over the last few days from Oli I managed it OK. There would have been no way I would have managed it a couple days ago!
The second valley felt a bit more open, but did have more trees to negotiate. I worked the kite as well as I could and have a much better appreciation for being able to 'tour' with the kite. Near the bottom of the valley there is still a large hill side and I wanted to make sure that I could traverse it without loosing and height and keep the kite under control. I thought I did quite a decent job of it. Riding out back onto the open area, I had the buzz and wanted to go again. So I started to try and work my way back up wind. This time mother nature had other plans. I got most of the way up wind that I needed, but the wind was wreaking all the time, and I just couldn't get all the way I needed. I tried for a good 5-10 minuets but made very little progress. I was also having to really work the kite and snowboard to keep the thing in the air. I basically gave up and tried to head back down wind and to the kite bag. I simply either left it too late and the wind was too light, or more likely my light wind skills aren't good enough, as I failed and had to pack the kite away before I got back to the bags.
No matter. The main thing is that I have made some really good progress today, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I'm no longer limited to the open and relatively flat areas, I can not get some basic up hill and traversing touring going.
Oli decided that for lunch we would drive a little further down the pass and into Italy. We stopped at a place called "Gabi" and ate our lunch in the peace and quiet, and enjoyed the sunshine.
There was a possibility that on the way back that the wind may have picked up, so we again stopped at the Simplon pass. The wind wasn't playing ball and had swing around about 50° in the 10 minutes we were there. There was a possibility of wind at the top of the pass? Nah, the flags were hardly moving. Oh well, you have to take the wind as and when it comes :-)
After a quick shower at the hotel I went for a walk all the way down through the old part of the village and to the shops. Carrying a 6pack of 2l water up hill and the heat is not fun, but it was nice out.
A great sense of achievement day. Getting up hill, tight valley kite handling, traversing, and all in quite a light wind. I'm stoked with the progress so far...
I in packed the 11m kite, checked the lines and strapped into my snowboard. The wind wasn't great but it was more than good enough for me. The problem I had was that the snow was rock hard and cut up. This meant that it was a really hard ride on the feet and shins. As such I was definitely sticking my ass out instead of standing up straighter. I still managed to get near all the was up wind in the available area, and also make some ever increasingly easy and better kite loops and down turns. After a while I decided to ride down wind back to the bags to give my poor feet a rest. Yes the sun was softening up the snow but it had been hard.
Oli came over and gave me some more excellent expert advice and gave me a target. My task was to right up hill between two rock out crops, over the ridge and into the narrow valley on the other side. Then to try and keep my traverse lines.
I started off be getting well up wind, and the wind was really helping, and the snow was much softer. When I was far enough up wind I made my way up the slope. Steering the kite, keeping tension in the lines, kite looping where appropriate and down turning got me up and over the ridge. Fantastic! Next was to negotiate a narrow valley with obstacles on both sides, whilst riding down wind. It felt a lot tighter than it probably really was. I used the board to keep the tension on the lines and worked the kite in the area available. I was able to throw in a few kite loops to keep my progress in moving forward. When the ridge valley opens out a bit I traversed further away from the man flat area, to practice trying to keep my line. I was getting close to a couple trees, and when the kite shadow was over them I decided to turn and try riding down hill at speed (and to keep the kite flying). The faster I had the board going in the right direction the easier the kite was to fly. I was quickly back on the open area. I had done it, and in my personal opinion done it quite well. I was way chuffed. My first real snow kite touring experience.
As I was now way down wind again, I worked my way up wind and gave it all a go again. This time I performed a few more kite loops (3 in a row and in one direction too - before evening out with an opposite loop), and generally had a better line and higher rate of progress. I again got close to the trees near the bottom and turned to speed down the remainder of the ridge. I was even happier with that one.
The third time, I got into the ridge valley from a bit higher up wind, and tried to use the available width a bit more to keep progress. I also tried to pick a desired line that I managed to "mostly" stick to. Great experience and progression.
I returned to the bags with a great sense of achievement. I took another rest, as the snow was still reasonably hard and it was darned hot out. This time Oli challenged me to get even higher up wind and not only get up the ridge but over the next ridge and into the valley past that. He then left me to it and headed off for a walk with his dog 'Pip'.
The wind was slowly slacking by now, and getting up wind was a bit harder. I made sure I was far enough up wind and went for it. In the lightening wind it was tougher to get up hill. However with the guidance and experience I have received over the last few days from Oli I managed it OK. There would have been no way I would have managed it a couple days ago!
The second valley felt a bit more open, but did have more trees to negotiate. I worked the kite as well as I could and have a much better appreciation for being able to 'tour' with the kite. Near the bottom of the valley there is still a large hill side and I wanted to make sure that I could traverse it without loosing and height and keep the kite under control. I thought I did quite a decent job of it. Riding out back onto the open area, I had the buzz and wanted to go again. So I started to try and work my way back up wind. This time mother nature had other plans. I got most of the way up wind that I needed, but the wind was wreaking all the time, and I just couldn't get all the way I needed. I tried for a good 5-10 minuets but made very little progress. I was also having to really work the kite and snowboard to keep the thing in the air. I basically gave up and tried to head back down wind and to the kite bag. I simply either left it too late and the wind was too light, or more likely my light wind skills aren't good enough, as I failed and had to pack the kite away before I got back to the bags.
No matter. The main thing is that I have made some really good progress today, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I'm no longer limited to the open and relatively flat areas, I can not get some basic up hill and traversing touring going.
Oli decided that for lunch we would drive a little further down the pass and into Italy. We stopped at a place called "Gabi" and ate our lunch in the peace and quiet, and enjoyed the sunshine.
There was a possibility that on the way back that the wind may have picked up, so we again stopped at the Simplon pass. The wind wasn't playing ball and had swing around about 50° in the 10 minutes we were there. There was a possibility of wind at the top of the pass? Nah, the flags were hardly moving. Oh well, you have to take the wind as and when it comes :-)
After a quick shower at the hotel I went for a walk all the way down through the old part of the village and to the shops. Carrying a 6pack of 2l water up hill and the heat is not fun, but it was nice out.
A great sense of achievement day. Getting up hill, tight valley kite handling, traversing, and all in quite a light wind. I'm stoked with the progress so far...
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Light wind Münster - 13th March 2012
Oli (of The Big Blue Experience) presented me with two choices today, as the wind was going to be unpredictable. I mad him choose as after all he is the expert :-). As such we headed to Simplon pass to see if there was any wind there or not. We got down to the monastery and the flag there wasn't even moving, so to the back up plan.
A 30-40 minute drive east along the valley and we ended up at Münster. There was little wind here too so we decided to have a coffee and wait and see. I'm glad we did. As we were going to drive back along, Oli stopped to see if we could get a lift to the top of the pass and as such he got talking to one of the locals. I was in the van, and an English couple stopped and had a chat with me too. They had lived in the village 8 years but were originally from North Devon. Turns out that the wind doesn't really kick in until after 12:00.
Oli drove us back along the valley a little way and we stopped at a great open area just outside Münster. There still wasn't any consistent wind, so we stopped for another coffee and a soft drink. Right enough, around 12:00 the wind started to pick up.
We decided to give it a go, and crossed the rail tracks and the langlauff tracks into the open field space. Oli was up and away pretty quickly on his skis and the 11m kite. I wasn't so quick and simply took longer to get the 11m kite and my snowboard ready. However as soon as I was ready I was off and going. The terrain was quite undulating, and whilst not being big rises and dips, they were good for me to practice the kite loops and down turns. It was a very big open space, but did have a lot of irrigation pipes and pole markers sticking out all over the place, but no other obstacles.
The wind started out quite light and a bit gusty, but was great for me to practice getting up wind and then the trickier down wind in light wind conditions. Really starting to like and get the kite loops and down turning working for me.
The wind started to get a little strange and felt like at one side of the field it was coming from one direction and the the opposite direction from the other side of the field. In the middle there was this kind of dead spot. Most of the time I managed to keep the kite working thought the dead spot, but on a couple occasions I didn't do so well.
After about 2 hours I felt that the wind had lightened a fair bit and it was tougher to keep momentum up and down the rises, despite my double kite loops. So I thought I would ride back over to the bags and wait it out a little. No sooner as I had arrived at the bags the wind picked right back up again, so I thought I'd go for another line out and back. The line out was good, but as mother nature would have it, on the way back it really dropped off. I had been lulled into a false sense of strong wind security. I managed to get more than half way, before the kite simply stalled and I couldn't keep it in the air. I spent a good 5 minutes trying to cajole the kite into the air but had to concede that my skills were no match for the lack of wind. So I started to pack the kite away. Typically as I got most of the kite rolling up done the wind was back again. Very taxing this kind of wind.
I was a little heartened when I looked down wind to see Oli struggling too. However he is the expert and was able to get the kite back up flying and get back up wind back to the bags for his pack away.
We decided to call it as the wind was all over the place, and go have a couple beers. Got a lot of the sun sitting on that terrace earlier and with the beers. It was a really good practice day for me, and I enjoyed it all. One of those days I wish could have lasted longer. But whilst we were having beers Oli imparted more words of wisdom for me to think about and use tomorrow. Roll on tomorrow and good wind :-)
A 30-40 minute drive east along the valley and we ended up at Münster. There was little wind here too so we decided to have a coffee and wait and see. I'm glad we did. As we were going to drive back along, Oli stopped to see if we could get a lift to the top of the pass and as such he got talking to one of the locals. I was in the van, and an English couple stopped and had a chat with me too. They had lived in the village 8 years but were originally from North Devon. Turns out that the wind doesn't really kick in until after 12:00.
Oli drove us back along the valley a little way and we stopped at a great open area just outside Münster. There still wasn't any consistent wind, so we stopped for another coffee and a soft drink. Right enough, around 12:00 the wind started to pick up.
We decided to give it a go, and crossed the rail tracks and the langlauff tracks into the open field space. Oli was up and away pretty quickly on his skis and the 11m kite. I wasn't so quick and simply took longer to get the 11m kite and my snowboard ready. However as soon as I was ready I was off and going. The terrain was quite undulating, and whilst not being big rises and dips, they were good for me to practice the kite loops and down turns. It was a very big open space, but did have a lot of irrigation pipes and pole markers sticking out all over the place, but no other obstacles.
The wind started out quite light and a bit gusty, but was great for me to practice getting up wind and then the trickier down wind in light wind conditions. Really starting to like and get the kite loops and down turning working for me.
The wind started to get a little strange and felt like at one side of the field it was coming from one direction and the the opposite direction from the other side of the field. In the middle there was this kind of dead spot. Most of the time I managed to keep the kite working thought the dead spot, but on a couple occasions I didn't do so well.
After about 2 hours I felt that the wind had lightened a fair bit and it was tougher to keep momentum up and down the rises, despite my double kite loops. So I thought I would ride back over to the bags and wait it out a little. No sooner as I had arrived at the bags the wind picked right back up again, so I thought I'd go for another line out and back. The line out was good, but as mother nature would have it, on the way back it really dropped off. I had been lulled into a false sense of strong wind security. I managed to get more than half way, before the kite simply stalled and I couldn't keep it in the air. I spent a good 5 minutes trying to cajole the kite into the air but had to concede that my skills were no match for the lack of wind. So I started to pack the kite away. Typically as I got most of the kite rolling up done the wind was back again. Very taxing this kind of wind.
I was a little heartened when I looked down wind to see Oli struggling too. However he is the expert and was able to get the kite back up flying and get back up wind back to the bags for his pack away.
We decided to call it as the wind was all over the place, and go have a couple beers. Got a lot of the sun sitting on that terrace earlier and with the beers. It was a really good practice day for me, and I enjoyed it all. One of those days I wish could have lasted longer. But whilst we were having beers Oli imparted more words of wisdom for me to think about and use tomorrow. Roll on tomorrow and good wind :-)
Monday, March 12, 2012
Light wind and tobogganing in Simplon pass and Grimsel - 12th March 2012
Not a great start to the day. Didn't sleep well as I had a bit of a dicky tummy all night.
Myself and Oli (from The Big Blue Experience) set off quite leisurely to the Simplon pass. When we got there the wind appeared to be ok, but as soon as we unpacked the kites it had dropped. I only managed to get the 11m kite up and moving for a couple turns before the wind and my lack of skill made it drop out of the sky. Oli however, on an 11m and skis wasn't doing too badly, but even he gave up not long in.
We decided to give the area down the pass by the old monetary a go instead. The wind was better here, but not by too much. There were a couple people there with LEI kites when we arrived.
There were a lot more features to this area which made for more interesting riding. However when I started off I simply wasn't entirely up for it and my mind wasn't in the game. As such I made a very poor kite loop that was more at 12 o'clock that to the side, as such I was pulled off my feet and nearly slammed into the ground. It certainly woke me up.
After that I decided to relax and start off easier and then build up. I was making some really good progress too, and getting up and over some of the smaller hilly features, but not making it too high up the steeper stuff. Need to work on my balance more (I've always had poor balance).
I did get a couple scares be one of the guys on one of the LEI kites. He simply wasn't in control, and every so often he got it wrong and popped out of his skis and generally crashing into the area I was kiting in. Thankfully we never got too close and I made sure I have him plenty of space.
Unfortunately mother nature had decided to turn down the strength of the wind. I tried to carry on and make some kite loops and down turns to try and keep the tension in the lines and the power flowing. Some were very successful others whilst not great they weren't bad either. At one point the wind died just as my kite was over a rise and it sank to the ground. Thankfully after the expert tuition from Oli over the past few days I knew what to do. I knew that there wasn't anything that the kite could get caught on (apart from hard crusty snow) so managed to work the kite a little to the side, and I was able to snowboard away from the kite so as to get tension in the lines. With a couple hard pulls of the 5th line I managed to re-launch and carry on.
The remainder of the snow kiting was ashore lived. The wind simply was not there, even for our 11m kites. I tried to make my way down wind back to the van, and where Oli had stopped, but there simply wasn't enough wind or skills in my bag to get me all of the way. So, when the kite went down and looked like a lot of work to get back up I simply started winding the lines in (so you can tell there was no wind, as this is hard to do when there is wind!) and fold up the kite for pack away.
When we go back into the van Oli suggested that we get back to the hotel and pick up the toboggans. Why not! When we picked them up, they were much more space aged than I thought they would be, almost F1 style.
Oli drove up to Grimsel and I bought a pass for 12CHF to get the cable car up. We had a couple small beers at the restaurant down the hill a little from the cable car, before heading down the hill.
The toboggans were much harder to control than I thought they would. They have a tilt steer, and you have to lean right out to put some tight turns in. I just never really got it, and more often than not fudged the turns.
About half way down I caught up with Oli who had stopped at a spot where we could have lunch. A very quiet and tranquil spot.
After eating out self made sandwiches we set off again. Oli has obviously had a lot of experience on these toboggans as he was off like a shot and took the corners like a real pro. Me, I took off like a shot, slowed for the corners and still managed to make a mess of them. In one very tight corner, I thought I was doing well, but managed to fall off the back of the toboggan! Oh well :-). The good long and steep straights were great fun, give me that and someone else can have the corners. Only very, very near the bottom was I starting to have better turning control. It could have been the conditions of the snow however, as it was mostly slushy on the way down. Whereas near the bottom there were loads of more icy patches. It was easier on the ice rather than the slush. As per most things, all too soon we were at the bottom.
A quick pack of the van, visit to the super market and back to the hotel. Not a great snow kiting day, but it was all experience, which can only be a good thing. Let's hope the wind is better tomorrow.
Myself and Oli (from The Big Blue Experience) set off quite leisurely to the Simplon pass. When we got there the wind appeared to be ok, but as soon as we unpacked the kites it had dropped. I only managed to get the 11m kite up and moving for a couple turns before the wind and my lack of skill made it drop out of the sky. Oli however, on an 11m and skis wasn't doing too badly, but even he gave up not long in.
We decided to give the area down the pass by the old monetary a go instead. The wind was better here, but not by too much. There were a couple people there with LEI kites when we arrived.
There were a lot more features to this area which made for more interesting riding. However when I started off I simply wasn't entirely up for it and my mind wasn't in the game. As such I made a very poor kite loop that was more at 12 o'clock that to the side, as such I was pulled off my feet and nearly slammed into the ground. It certainly woke me up.
After that I decided to relax and start off easier and then build up. I was making some really good progress too, and getting up and over some of the smaller hilly features, but not making it too high up the steeper stuff. Need to work on my balance more (I've always had poor balance).
I did get a couple scares be one of the guys on one of the LEI kites. He simply wasn't in control, and every so often he got it wrong and popped out of his skis and generally crashing into the area I was kiting in. Thankfully we never got too close and I made sure I have him plenty of space.
Unfortunately mother nature had decided to turn down the strength of the wind. I tried to carry on and make some kite loops and down turns to try and keep the tension in the lines and the power flowing. Some were very successful others whilst not great they weren't bad either. At one point the wind died just as my kite was over a rise and it sank to the ground. Thankfully after the expert tuition from Oli over the past few days I knew what to do. I knew that there wasn't anything that the kite could get caught on (apart from hard crusty snow) so managed to work the kite a little to the side, and I was able to snowboard away from the kite so as to get tension in the lines. With a couple hard pulls of the 5th line I managed to re-launch and carry on.
The remainder of the snow kiting was ashore lived. The wind simply was not there, even for our 11m kites. I tried to make my way down wind back to the van, and where Oli had stopped, but there simply wasn't enough wind or skills in my bag to get me all of the way. So, when the kite went down and looked like a lot of work to get back up I simply started winding the lines in (so you can tell there was no wind, as this is hard to do when there is wind!) and fold up the kite for pack away.
When we go back into the van Oli suggested that we get back to the hotel and pick up the toboggans. Why not! When we picked them up, they were much more space aged than I thought they would be, almost F1 style.
Oli drove up to Grimsel and I bought a pass for 12CHF to get the cable car up. We had a couple small beers at the restaurant down the hill a little from the cable car, before heading down the hill.
The toboggans were much harder to control than I thought they would. They have a tilt steer, and you have to lean right out to put some tight turns in. I just never really got it, and more often than not fudged the turns.
About half way down I caught up with Oli who had stopped at a spot where we could have lunch. A very quiet and tranquil spot.
After eating out self made sandwiches we set off again. Oli has obviously had a lot of experience on these toboggans as he was off like a shot and took the corners like a real pro. Me, I took off like a shot, slowed for the corners and still managed to make a mess of them. In one very tight corner, I thought I was doing well, but managed to fall off the back of the toboggan! Oh well :-). The good long and steep straights were great fun, give me that and someone else can have the corners. Only very, very near the bottom was I starting to have better turning control. It could have been the conditions of the snow however, as it was mostly slushy on the way down. Whereas near the bottom there were loads of more icy patches. It was easier on the ice rather than the slush. As per most things, all too soon we were at the bottom.
A quick pack of the van, visit to the super market and back to the hotel. Not a great snow kiting day, but it was all experience, which can only be a good thing. Let's hope the wind is better tomorrow.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Kite loops in Simplon, Switzerland - 11th March 2012
Man was I tired this morning. However, that all soon enough evaporated when I started kiting.
My self and Oli (of The Big Blue Experience) set off early to the Simplon pass. There is a nice open area next the the Swiss Snow Kite School building that myself and Oli basically had to our selves. Then as Oli headed on over into another area I was left with this lovely area all to myself. The snow was soft, the sun was out and I was on a 11m kite.
I started off so nice and easy, with little effort. I remembered to relax and not work it too hard. I also decided to have a look at the area that Oli went off int. there was a very narrow entrance and it was all up hill (not big, but big enough for me). I had a couple goes at getting up there and made it on my third try.
To be honest, when I got there I didn't really realise that I had to do a lot of up wind riding in a tight area, I basically chickened out and decided to go back to my area and have more fun.
After a bit Oli came back over and gave me some expert guidance on how to perform kite loops and "down turns". I have been hesitant on doing these before for reasons of not sure how to, apprehension and not wanting to crash. So it was great to get the advice and guidance. My first kite loop was not that great but I had managed it, bloody brilliant! I then also have the down turn a go and it made the turns so much easier and fun.
I did get over cocky a couple times and managed to crash the kite, but it only seamed to happen when Oli came back into view :-). I persevered however. Some of my kite loops were quite loose and pulling me down wind a bit too much. I soon realised that I wasn't putting the bar in enough to make a tighter turn. Sometimes easier said than done, other times easy done, some times too low to start the turn and decking the kite. It's all a learning experience. I was really enjoying myself however, making some great progress.
The wind was starting to die a little so when Oli landed his kite I decided to make a few last runs, accompanied by some kite loops and down turns, before landing my kite. What a fantastic morning.
We had a really nice relaxed lunch and decided to give it a go on the other side of the road, which is basically a big slope. After some expert tuition from Oli I was ready to give it a go. To get up the hill I was performing double kite loops front and back. I was struggling however. For my skill level the wind wasn't ideal. Also, going back down the slope it was quite tough to keep the kite airborne, given that gravity was taking me on my board down hill and reducing the tension in the lines.
After a couple good tries at getting up the hill, my first real near disaster. Near the top, my special awareness let me down and I didn't notice Oli coming up the hill and under my lines. Needless to say, I probably panicked a little and the kite dropped out of the air. Thankfully it was Oli and he has great patience, and he guided me as what to do and I was able to launch my kite up off his lines and away. No harm done. (phew)
Unfortunately a couple runs later a near total disaster struck. Near the top of the ridge I lost tension in the kite and it dropped just over a rise, right next to a small tree. Arg! I'm so thankfully that Oli was right there yet again. When I could hear him he managed to pull the kite seal a little from the tree and got me to snowboard back away from the tree. With it being just over a rise I had no idea what it could possibly be caught on or anything. Disaster averted, again so much thanks to Oli.
I struggled from then on, not just because I think my confidence took a little know but also because the wind had dropped. Other people in the vicinity were also struggling and landing their kites. After a few failed attempts at launching and flying, I decided to call an end. Best end whilst I was still feeling great from getting the kite loops, down turns, and even som up hill riding in the bank. So I started to pack down. Seamed like Oli had the same thought as whilst I was packing down he came over the rise and down, to then proceed to pack up himself.
Such a great day, and some real progression. Couldn't be happier with that.
My self and Oli (of The Big Blue Experience) set off early to the Simplon pass. There is a nice open area next the the Swiss Snow Kite School building that myself and Oli basically had to our selves. Then as Oli headed on over into another area I was left with this lovely area all to myself. The snow was soft, the sun was out and I was on a 11m kite.
I started off so nice and easy, with little effort. I remembered to relax and not work it too hard. I also decided to have a look at the area that Oli went off int. there was a very narrow entrance and it was all up hill (not big, but big enough for me). I had a couple goes at getting up there and made it on my third try.
To be honest, when I got there I didn't really realise that I had to do a lot of up wind riding in a tight area, I basically chickened out and decided to go back to my area and have more fun.
After a bit Oli came back over and gave me some expert guidance on how to perform kite loops and "down turns". I have been hesitant on doing these before for reasons of not sure how to, apprehension and not wanting to crash. So it was great to get the advice and guidance. My first kite loop was not that great but I had managed it, bloody brilliant! I then also have the down turn a go and it made the turns so much easier and fun.
I did get over cocky a couple times and managed to crash the kite, but it only seamed to happen when Oli came back into view :-). I persevered however. Some of my kite loops were quite loose and pulling me down wind a bit too much. I soon realised that I wasn't putting the bar in enough to make a tighter turn. Sometimes easier said than done, other times easy done, some times too low to start the turn and decking the kite. It's all a learning experience. I was really enjoying myself however, making some great progress.
The wind was starting to die a little so when Oli landed his kite I decided to make a few last runs, accompanied by some kite loops and down turns, before landing my kite. What a fantastic morning.
We had a really nice relaxed lunch and decided to give it a go on the other side of the road, which is basically a big slope. After some expert tuition from Oli I was ready to give it a go. To get up the hill I was performing double kite loops front and back. I was struggling however. For my skill level the wind wasn't ideal. Also, going back down the slope it was quite tough to keep the kite airborne, given that gravity was taking me on my board down hill and reducing the tension in the lines.
After a couple good tries at getting up the hill, my first real near disaster. Near the top, my special awareness let me down and I didn't notice Oli coming up the hill and under my lines. Needless to say, I probably panicked a little and the kite dropped out of the air. Thankfully it was Oli and he has great patience, and he guided me as what to do and I was able to launch my kite up off his lines and away. No harm done. (phew)
Unfortunately a couple runs later a near total disaster struck. Near the top of the ridge I lost tension in the kite and it dropped just over a rise, right next to a small tree. Arg! I'm so thankfully that Oli was right there yet again. When I could hear him he managed to pull the kite seal a little from the tree and got me to snowboard back away from the tree. With it being just over a rise I had no idea what it could possibly be caught on or anything. Disaster averted, again so much thanks to Oli.
I struggled from then on, not just because I think my confidence took a little know but also because the wind had dropped. Other people in the vicinity were also struggling and landing their kites. After a few failed attempts at launching and flying, I decided to call an end. Best end whilst I was still feeling great from getting the kite loops, down turns, and even som up hill riding in the bank. So I started to pack down. Seamed like Oli had the same thought as whilst I was packing down he came over the rise and down, to then proceed to pack up himself.
Such a great day, and some real progression. Couldn't be happier with that.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Snow kiting in Simplon, Switzerland 10th March 2012
I was tired when I got up this morning, despite a decent sleep. It was an earlier start too, so after a quick breakfast I loaded into "The Big Blue Experience" van with Oli and we set off to the Swiss Snow kite school.
We picked up the kites and a couple other people who were on lessons (I think there was about 9 learners and 3 experts). We arrived at the very big open area kind of split into two, with an old abandoned monetary to one side and the mountain to the other.
Oli went through all of the necessary safety procedures and then on to how to get the kite out and set up. I was to ride a 9m, and the skiers were on 8m. It never occurred to me that snowboarders would need a slightly larger kite. It was here that he also told me about how to start off when snow kiting, how to use the kite differently than kite surfing, how to land, re-launch and also reverse launch. He also covered the requisite knowledge of the area including where to keep away from and where the wind shadows were.
I was soon ready to launch. When you launch a snow kite (ram air, flexi foil, etc) you need to get it up in the air and then very quickly into the direction you are going. I was surprised at how much easier the kite is to drive through the air. Unlike the LEI kites you use for kite surfing the whole experience of the kite is much gentler and easier work!
I was soon rushing off to one side and going up wind, then slide turning and rushing off up wind in the opposite direction. Looking back over the day it is obvious to myself that I was being was to aggressive, uptight, and simply over working everything. Needless to say I'm paying for that now.
I was easily able to basically keep on my own tracks too and frow. The snow conditions weren't brilliant but I think good for what I needed. There was soft snow areas, but not deep. There were a few crusty spots and ridges here and there which made it a little harder.
I was starting go get a bit cocky and sure of my self, then low and behold I managed to stack it. I was trying to change direction with the kite before my board and body was ready, hay presto, face first into the snow. I grabbed the break line and brought the kite under controls very quickly. Mistake made, lesson learned. From now on, make sure that I pause the kite at 12 o'clock and get my body and board ready before diving the kite in the opposite direction.
I made sure that I kept my spatial awareness as there were 2-4 other snow kiters (ski and board) in the general area. We all did a great job of giving everyone the right amount of space, and followed the give way rules.
My sore front foot was still giving me hip, that combined with my general lack of fitness, and me being too aggressive to start, I grew tired after an hour or two. I had to take a rest. I've also been drinking absolutely loads of water (6+ ltr a day) so all combined I needed to stop.
I brought the kite to a slow, easy, and good landing. I then anchored the break to my board and headed off to put snow on the kite to keep it down. Stupid me left the safety line on and I uprooted my anchor. I quickly ran back to the bar and anchored again. This time taking off the safety leash. I folded up the kite and declined a nice gracious offer from someone to drag me back to the car park.
I took a 40 minute break and drank loads more water. Thankfully Oli told me that I should make the most of the rest of the available wind as it was due to drop.
So, I unpacked the kite and got ready to go again. It was easy to tell that the wind had dropped a bit, as before you could park the kite (near enough), however now you had to work it more.
I did take the lessons learned from earlier in the morning and decided to not be as aggressive and to try to relax more. This did mean that I was using way less energy. Can only be a good thing, must remember this!!! I did want to try a "little" bit of up hill kiting, but to be honest I half chickened out and also there was a definite wind shadow in the 'easy, area I wanted to try it. Still, it is only my first days snow kiting so take it easy, you fool.
In the lighter wind I got some practice of self re-launch and reverse launching. I think I'll find this of immense use when back in Blighty and heading out on my own.
All too soon the wind was dropping too much, and Oli requested that I ride back up wind and land the kite. I did this in a relaxed manner and it was much easier that my over working efforts earlier in the day. I brought the kite gracefully down, and anchored the break onto my board which I anchored in turn into the snow.
From here Oli showed us all the best, easiest and correct way to pack the kite and lines. I'm really glad that he has the time and patience to do this, as often in kite surfing, especially abroad, this is basically done for you. I want to learn to do this on my own. So, hopefully I will put this successfully into practice all week.
Kite packed up and in the bag, we all loaded up and headed back to the kite school for a rest and lunch.
Oli gave me the choice of going out again, but it was really crowded (weekenders) and frankly I was a bit tired. Besides, the rugby is on soon. So we decided to call it for the day.
All in all a really good day. So happy with the guidance and progress made. More of the same tomorrow please :)
We picked up the kites and a couple other people who were on lessons (I think there was about 9 learners and 3 experts). We arrived at the very big open area kind of split into two, with an old abandoned monetary to one side and the mountain to the other.
Oli went through all of the necessary safety procedures and then on to how to get the kite out and set up. I was to ride a 9m, and the skiers were on 8m. It never occurred to me that snowboarders would need a slightly larger kite. It was here that he also told me about how to start off when snow kiting, how to use the kite differently than kite surfing, how to land, re-launch and also reverse launch. He also covered the requisite knowledge of the area including where to keep away from and where the wind shadows were.
I was soon ready to launch. When you launch a snow kite (ram air, flexi foil, etc) you need to get it up in the air and then very quickly into the direction you are going. I was surprised at how much easier the kite is to drive through the air. Unlike the LEI kites you use for kite surfing the whole experience of the kite is much gentler and easier work!
I was soon rushing off to one side and going up wind, then slide turning and rushing off up wind in the opposite direction. Looking back over the day it is obvious to myself that I was being was to aggressive, uptight, and simply over working everything. Needless to say I'm paying for that now.
I was easily able to basically keep on my own tracks too and frow. The snow conditions weren't brilliant but I think good for what I needed. There was soft snow areas, but not deep. There were a few crusty spots and ridges here and there which made it a little harder.
I was starting go get a bit cocky and sure of my self, then low and behold I managed to stack it. I was trying to change direction with the kite before my board and body was ready, hay presto, face first into the snow. I grabbed the break line and brought the kite under controls very quickly. Mistake made, lesson learned. From now on, make sure that I pause the kite at 12 o'clock and get my body and board ready before diving the kite in the opposite direction.
I made sure that I kept my spatial awareness as there were 2-4 other snow kiters (ski and board) in the general area. We all did a great job of giving everyone the right amount of space, and followed the give way rules.
My sore front foot was still giving me hip, that combined with my general lack of fitness, and me being too aggressive to start, I grew tired after an hour or two. I had to take a rest. I've also been drinking absolutely loads of water (6+ ltr a day) so all combined I needed to stop.
I brought the kite to a slow, easy, and good landing. I then anchored the break to my board and headed off to put snow on the kite to keep it down. Stupid me left the safety line on and I uprooted my anchor. I quickly ran back to the bar and anchored again. This time taking off the safety leash. I folded up the kite and declined a nice gracious offer from someone to drag me back to the car park.
I took a 40 minute break and drank loads more water. Thankfully Oli told me that I should make the most of the rest of the available wind as it was due to drop.
So, I unpacked the kite and got ready to go again. It was easy to tell that the wind had dropped a bit, as before you could park the kite (near enough), however now you had to work it more.
I did take the lessons learned from earlier in the morning and decided to not be as aggressive and to try to relax more. This did mean that I was using way less energy. Can only be a good thing, must remember this!!! I did want to try a "little" bit of up hill kiting, but to be honest I half chickened out and also there was a definite wind shadow in the 'easy, area I wanted to try it. Still, it is only my first days snow kiting so take it easy, you fool.
In the lighter wind I got some practice of self re-launch and reverse launching. I think I'll find this of immense use when back in Blighty and heading out on my own.
All too soon the wind was dropping too much, and Oli requested that I ride back up wind and land the kite. I did this in a relaxed manner and it was much easier that my over working efforts earlier in the day. I brought the kite gracefully down, and anchored the break onto my board which I anchored in turn into the snow.
From here Oli showed us all the best, easiest and correct way to pack the kite and lines. I'm really glad that he has the time and patience to do this, as often in kite surfing, especially abroad, this is basically done for you. I want to learn to do this on my own. So, hopefully I will put this successfully into practice all week.
Kite packed up and in the bag, we all loaded up and headed back to the kite school for a rest and lunch.
Oli gave me the choice of going out again, but it was really crowded (weekenders) and frankly I was a bit tired. Besides, the rugby is on soon. So we decided to call it for the day.
All in all a really good day. So happy with the guidance and progress made. More of the same tomorrow please :)
Friday, March 09, 2012
Snowboarding in Grimsel, Switzerland - 9th March 2012
I already knew last night that there was little chance of decent wind today, so Oli was going to take me to the ski resort Grimsel.
First however I had to have breakfast at the hotel. I was the only one having breakfast, so it was a little eery. However as I tucked in to some strange chocko cereal, coffee, orange juice and a continental meat and cheese selection I soon put that behind me. One of the meats was a local delicacy and fantastic. Hope there is more tomorrow.
At 09:00 Oli was ready with the van and I loaded my gear in. After a short ish drive we were at Grimsel. A daily ticket is 51CHF, and is the lovely easy proximity pass that you just need to put in your pocket and wave it near the barrier. To get to the slopes you take a cable car up. Good views.
We headed up to the top of the resort, which after the cable car had a chair and then a T-bar. There are quite a few T-bars in this resort, so you had better be good with them.
From the top, having Oli as my guide was absolutely fantastic. He knows the mountain so well, and we spent practically the entire day off piste.
It was a near perfect blue-bird day, only with the occasional cloud cover. A bit hot and cold on the old temperature thought the day however. But that may be more due to the effort being put in. The snow conditions however were an inch or two of lovely soft stuff on top of a crusty layer. So the first few runs were tough on the ankles in a lot of places. However with the sun on the slopes this did change all the way from crusty, to perfect, and later into the day heavier and a bit sticky.
The resort is not that big but Oli took me all over it. It was one of these places that just keeps on giving good stuff. I was very surprised that most of the places we went had little or no fresh tracks in there. Made for a great day.
Took a while for my snow legs to get under me (still not sure they are there yet). I was very happy when we stopped for a coupe filled rolls and an apple for lunch. My front foot on the outside of the foot/sole and heel were starting to ache. This unfortunately continued thru the day and I was fairly hobbling by the end of the day. Had to push through tho :-)
After lunch it was more of the same off piste action for a while. We did start to tire and decided to do some piste runes, with little excursions here and there into the untouched snow.
I was glad when Oli suggested a beer and then the ski out. Was such a good day that you cannot finish without a beer.
The run out was fun. It's a cat track practically all the way back to the car park. Lots of long straight line straights, interspersed with some tight turns. This is apparently also the toboggan run too. Will have to give that a go!
Quick visit to the supermarket and back to the hotel for a shower and a relax.
A bloody good day, and a great way to get back on the board. I recommend it!
First however I had to have breakfast at the hotel. I was the only one having breakfast, so it was a little eery. However as I tucked in to some strange chocko cereal, coffee, orange juice and a continental meat and cheese selection I soon put that behind me. One of the meats was a local delicacy and fantastic. Hope there is more tomorrow.
At 09:00 Oli was ready with the van and I loaded my gear in. After a short ish drive we were at Grimsel. A daily ticket is 51CHF, and is the lovely easy proximity pass that you just need to put in your pocket and wave it near the barrier. To get to the slopes you take a cable car up. Good views.
We headed up to the top of the resort, which after the cable car had a chair and then a T-bar. There are quite a few T-bars in this resort, so you had better be good with them.
From the top, having Oli as my guide was absolutely fantastic. He knows the mountain so well, and we spent practically the entire day off piste.
It was a near perfect blue-bird day, only with the occasional cloud cover. A bit hot and cold on the old temperature thought the day however. But that may be more due to the effort being put in. The snow conditions however were an inch or two of lovely soft stuff on top of a crusty layer. So the first few runs were tough on the ankles in a lot of places. However with the sun on the slopes this did change all the way from crusty, to perfect, and later into the day heavier and a bit sticky.
The resort is not that big but Oli took me all over it. It was one of these places that just keeps on giving good stuff. I was very surprised that most of the places we went had little or no fresh tracks in there. Made for a great day.
Took a while for my snow legs to get under me (still not sure they are there yet). I was very happy when we stopped for a coupe filled rolls and an apple for lunch. My front foot on the outside of the foot/sole and heel were starting to ache. This unfortunately continued thru the day and I was fairly hobbling by the end of the day. Had to push through tho :-)
After lunch it was more of the same off piste action for a while. We did start to tire and decided to do some piste runes, with little excursions here and there into the untouched snow.
I was glad when Oli suggested a beer and then the ski out. Was such a good day that you cannot finish without a beer.
The run out was fun. It's a cat track practically all the way back to the car park. Lots of long straight line straights, interspersed with some tight turns. This is apparently also the toboggan run too. Will have to give that a go!
Quick visit to the supermarket and back to the hotel for a shower and a relax.
A bloody good day, and a great way to get back on the board. I recommend it!
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