France Ski Bargains - Skiing Holidays in France » Ski Equipment and safety

Finding the Best Snowboards and Equipment for Your Individual Skill Level

admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:58:13 +0000

An Advertising Feature

Whether you are just starting out or you are an advanced boarder looking to improve your game, you need to select the correct board and equipment to match both your skill level and style.

How do I determine my skill level?

Most boarding resorts will have slopes colour or shape coded to match skill levels. You can gage how advanced your abilities are by experiencing these slopes first hand and taking advice from the experts at the resort.

How do I match a snowboard to my skill level?

As a basic guide, beginner snowboards should have wider surface areas and high flexibility. This allows for greater control and ability to turn. Advanced boarders looking for high speed performance should consider narrower, more rigid boards which provide greater control at high speeds.

Buying guides like the one found at Snow + Rock organise boards into numbered categories which represent skill levels, making the selection process really easy and more accurate.

What boarding style is best for me?

A lot of boarders try to emulate pro styles but you might want to mix up your boarding style depending on your confidence and where you are boarding. One day you could be a Freecarve boarder looking to cut up the slopes at speeds and another day you may want to be more of a Freestyler looking for any jump or trick opportunity on the way down.

What snowboard is best for my particular style?

Tricksters looking to grab some air time will appreciate the Freestyle boards. Casual boarders and beginners are probably best sticking to All Mountain (Freeriding) boards which are designed to adapt to most terrains, they are usually manufactured to be longer than other boards for extra stability. Racers need a narrow and stiff board often referred to as Alpine or Freecarve, which are designed for maximum speed but provide minimal jumping assistance.

What else can help?

Good quality boarding boots and well insulated snowboarding gloves are essential. As a snowboarder you don’t need much flexibility in your fingers and can buy thickly padded mitts to keep your hands warm and perhaps more importantly – keep them dry.

Finding the right ski equipment will make your ski holiday If you do not have the correct ski equipment then...
Finding the right ski jacket When you’re out on the slopes this winter, you don’t...

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Finding the right ski jacket

Alan — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 02:48:37 +0000

When you’re out on the slopes this winter, you don’t want to suffer from chill instead of enjoying the thrill. Feeling cold and uncomfortable is definitely going to detract from your pleasure in this best of all winter sports, so avoid the situation entirely by getting the right gear, and that includes your jacket.

Ski jackets come in two basic types; soft shell and insulated. That’s the first choice you need to make, and it’s based on your metabolism – whether you’re typically warm when others are cold, and vice versa. If you’re the warm-blooded type you should probably consider a soft shell jacket, as it will usually be lighter in weight and more ‘breathable’ to allow body heat to escape. If you tend to shiver and long for a sweater when everyone around you is in tank tops, go for the insulation.

Depending on where and in what conditions you plan to ski, you may not need some of the available options, but all of them are worth considering, so check out these features in the jackets you’re looking at and made your choice accordingly. You’ll find most of them in both types of jacket; it’s really the bulk and warmth added by insulation that defines the two categories.

A powder skirt is basically the band of fabric that is attached to the interior waist area of the jacket and can be pulled snug and fastened with snaps or Velcro. It helps keep snow from getting under and inside the jacket above your waistline, and it’s especially useful if you’re skiing in deep powder. Wrist closures work on the same principle, to keep snow and cold air from getting into the jacket and up your arms. Just make sure they work properly with the gloves you plan to wear.

Hoods are not a ‘must’ but they sure do come in useful in a lot of weather conditions and different activities. They provide extra protection from the elements and you’ll find a hood most welcome when riding a lift with an icy wind whistling around your head. Detachable hoods can be put on and taken off as the circumstances dictate, and you can get the stowaway type that you just roll into the jacket when it’s not in use. Make sure your hood fits your helmet, and you can see out of it to either side.

You’ll almost certainly want a storm flap (or zipper cover), which is simply a strip of fabric covering the length of the front zipper. This serves to prevent a build-up of ice resulting in a frozen zipper, and a soft fleece cover also protects your skin from that icy metal.

Whatever features you decide you’ll need, a good fit is one thing you absolutely must have. The right size and fit will give you the flexibility to move your arms and upper body with freedom and comfort. That means you will be able to ski with greater ease, and it won’t hurt that you’ll look good while you’re at it.

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Finding the right ski equipment will make your ski holiday

Alan — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:38:52 +0000

If you do not have the correct ski equipment then skiing holiday can easily be ruined. To be a better skier it is important to know about your skis. How they work and what you need to do to get all you can out of them. The ski has been with us for over four thousand years give a take a decade or so and they have come light years since that first one was found in the bog in Scandinavia.

They are not complicated machinery and you may have noticed that companies that make ski or ski equipment are highly competitive. So each year you can expect some sort of new innovation and many times incredible leaps in the performance of the ski. The biggest breakthrough in the last five years has been how a novice skier can now make turns like professional skiers.

What are the kind of skis you may need to help improve your technique and make all the effort into the skiing holiday worth every penny. There are no longer recreational skis that were required to be the length of your arm raised above your head. The best length today is about 5cm less than your height up to 5cm taller than you.

The designs are so good they will even grip ice, go quite fast and slide right on through powder. Even though speed will never be gained with these skis but you can try out many different ones before choosing and buying your own pair.

If you want to purchase or hire skis from a ski shop you need to go at a time of day that is quiet from them. If you go when they are busy the head of the skis department will just scold you and speak harshly to you.

If it’s quiet ask his advice let him know you are an aggressive skier want skis that are performance tested and with a bit of whoosh in them, hiring at ski shops has improved to the point it is worth it to take advantage. Since the prices are reasonable to hire then you are better off doing that if you are only going to ski for a few hours.

If hiring from a ski store make sure the bottoms are plastic soles and smooth, have not gouges or holes. An unbroken curve should be made with the metal edges all along the length of the ski.

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Hiring a car in France

admin — Fri, 27 May 2011 09:45:05 +0000

An Advertorial Feature

As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, France probably has one of the most well-established car rental industries anywhere. All the big names operate throughout the country, including Hertz, Avis, Thrifty and Alamo, as well as some smaller more local companies.

Generally, it’s much cheaper to book your rental car in advance as part of your travel package. Plus it saves you a great deal of time and hassle when you arrive at your destination. You want to get on the slopes, not haggle about insurance and the size of the excess! Any decent car hire comparison site will give you a range of quotes, but always make sure you’re comparing like with like.

Of course, you can always rent a car in the UK and take it to France via the Channel Tunnel or on the ferry. However, remember that the ski resorts are situated mostly in the southeast of the country and that fuel and motorway tolls will add substantially to the cost of your holiday. You’ll be better off renting your car at your destination airport.

Tips for driving in France

Your rental car should come equipped with all the paraphernalia you’re legally required – or strongly recommended – to carry in your car, including warning triangle, first aid pack, hi-viz vests, spare bulbs and so on. What they won’t have is a bundle of cash, which is useful to have in case you’re stopped for speeding by the police and asked for an on-the-spot fine. (Don’t speed is the better advice, of course.) If you see an accident, remember that you are legally required to stop and offer assistance if no one else is in attendance.

Driving in France today is perhaps what driving in England was like back in the 1950s. OK, so the cars today are faster and any courtesy a little less obvious. But you can drive for miles – sorry, kilometres – without seeing another vehicle. This traffic paucity has another benefit. Whereas British motorways are dug up and resurfaced with depressing regularity, roads in France manage to survive blistering summers and fierce winters without seeming to be visited by a single cone. Drive in the country anytime other than during August, which is unlikely if you’re going for the skiing, and you’ll rediscover the sheer joy of motoring.

Tips for driving in icy conditions

Lists like these are trotted out annually in the UK so people tend to nod knowingly and turn the page. But when driving in the ski resorts of southern France, knowing the basics really could save your life. So, always carry a torch, mobile phone and warm clothing. Drive a long distance from the car in front. Stay in a higher gear. Use dipped headlights. Stick to the busy roads. If you skid, don’t brake; just steer into the direction of the skid. And if you get trapped in snow, use the engine and heater intermittently, making sure the exhaust isn’t obstructed.

Happy motoring!

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Dacia wants to be THE French ski vehicle

Alan — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 06:43:20 +0000

Racing in the French Alps is normally a pastime that you would associate with a luxurious lifestyle. The budget vehicle brand Dacia has brought out a new vehicle to give everyone a chance. There shouldn’t be any reservations about the make either, the Dacia Duster has been challenging hard in the Andros Trophy ice racing series, and has Alain Prost at the wheel.

The low cost Romanian subsidiary of Renault has announced its new, special edition model. Having been in partnership for years with the French Ski School (Ecole de Ski Francais) this new Dacia Duster gets a new White paint job, reinforced sump guard, special badging, a roof rack capable of holding 4 pairs of skis and the set of spare wheels are already fitted with snow tyres.

It’s powered by a 100hp diesel and the rest of the equipment is the same as on the ‘Laureate 4 x 4’. Before you want to rush out and buy one, there is a certain stipulation. You have to be an ESF instructor and have €18,990 to pay for it.

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Personal warming products for your ski holiday

admin — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:20:07 +0000

For added comfort for your winter ski holiday, take a look at www.personalcooling.co.uk. The Personal Cooling Centre has expanded its unique and highly successful cooling range with personal warming products, which are perfect for soothing aches and pains and to keep you warm on the go.

Hand Warmers (rrp. £4.95 plus p+p) are great to put in your coat pockets on a cold day. Simply flex to activate and you will have warm hands for at least twenty minutes. Want to use your hand warmers again? Just put them into boiling water to reactivate and enjoy your portable heat wherever you are.

Snowboarding or skiing can put pressure on the lower back and the vigorous movements can cause neck pain. The microwave heated Back and Neck Compress (rrp. £9.95 plus p+p) combines unique thermal technology with a comfortable and non-restrictive one-size-fits-all belt. Fastened around your lower back or neck, it helps to relieve any aching. You can also place the compress in the fridge and use it cold to help reduce inflammation at the site of an injury!

When packing your suitcase, don’t forget about the Instant Hot Packs (rrp. £2.95 plus p+p), designed to provide heat treatment for knocks, bruises and sprains. The single use Hot Pack comes with two pouches which are easily activated by simply squeezing the inner liquid pouch. The Instant Hot Packs are small, discreet and perfect to take on your travels.

All of these products and more are available from www.personalcooling.co.uk.

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Getting the Right Ski Rentals

admin — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 16:57:59 +0000

Safety is always the first concern on any ski holiday. Ski Holidays in France shouldn’t be cause for an injury. One way to ensure this is to make sure you get the right equipment when renting. Most firms are reputable, but there are a few things you should be sure to look at when choosing where to rent.

First of all, it’s important to look at the quality of equipment; is it well cared for, or is it scuffed up and scratched? The scratches and scuffs don’t really matter, but they are indicative of poor care that could manifest itself in different ways. Ask to look at some of the equipment so you can see how everything looks.

The most important thing is that all your equipment is personally set up for you. Ski bindings need to be adjusted to your height, boot size, skill level and weight and it takes a level of expertise to set this all up. So if someone just hands you a pair of skis, don’t accept them. Insist on getting them set up properly for you, otherwise they are unlikely to stay on while you’re skiing.

It also worth seeing how old the equipment is. Not all ski rental equipment is old, and many shops have great new equipment. A good pair of skis can really affect your performance so look around for the best stuff you can get; this is important for beginners and experts as modern ski technology can help anyone.

So if you are heading to France this year for a holiday and need to rent, don’t settle on the first shop you come across. Take a peak around and find the best deals and equipment. Also make sure your skis are set up by someone with experience. If you do this you’re rental equipment will help you stay safe on the slopes.

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Haglofs Cirque Jacket – Discounted at Packyourbags

admin — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 09:49:42 +0000

Packyourbags Travel Store has just received stock of Haglofs latest all singing, all dancing waterproof and windproof jacket – the Cirque Jacket.

The Cirque Jacket boasts a fully-featured Gore-Tex® 3-layer Pro Shell for extreme outdoor conditions. In addition the jacket uses Gore-Tex® materials in its shell layer which provides the jacket with great abrasion and tear resistance. It also makes the jacket windproof and waterproof at the same time, yet still being breathable and lightweight.

Order online through Packyourbags Travel Store and you can make a great saving on the price too, normally the Cirque Jacket retails at £380, but Packyourbags Travel Store is selling the jacket for £341.99, including post and packaging within the UK.

The Men’s Haglofs Cirque Jacket Features:

• Below-the-hip length with waist adjustment
• 3-way adjustable, helmet compatible hood
• 2-way front zipper with dual storm flap, front closure
• Reinforced shoulder, sleeve, back and hip sections
• Articulated sleeves
• Two torso pockets, two chest pockets and one sleeve pocket all with laminated, watertight zippers
• Two inner pockets
• Laminated watertight pit zips
• Velcro adjustable cuffs
• Single-hand adjustable hem
• Weight: 605 g (size L)

See below for more details.

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Snowboarding origins

Alan — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 06:38:58 +0000

The origins of snowboarding are difficult to determine with certainty. One can trace the beginnings back to the 20s. By this time it seems that, independently of any invention or commercialization, many people are amused to slide on snow standing on a board.

It was much later to be the subject of patent and legal battles that now say that Jake Burton invented the snowboard. Yet many people claim, wrongly or rightly, a key role in its creation, was his father. And if they are indeed likely to have played a role in the history of this new sport of snow gliding, it is difficult to measure the importance of the contribution of each. In addition, many pioneers have developed innovations identical each in the US and Europe.

The history of snowboarding is the story of two ancestral practices which owe their unlikely encounter with modernity. Skiing was a means of transport of Scandinavian origin in the mists of time. Surfing is a sport originally from Hawaii, which represents an important constituent of life and community organization on the island. Its origin dates back to at least the fifteenth century.

In the second half of the nineteenth century skiing became a sport. Half a century later he would meet with the surf gear and apparently inevitable result of the creation of snowboarding. During the slow maturation of snowboarding, surfing would give birth to another avatar: the skateboard.

Although much later (1950 compared to 1920) the sport would grow faster, thanks to its ease of manufacture. Snowboarding is more complex and more expensive so took longer to be developed.
To quote the people who played a role in the emergence, development and popularization of snowboarding, we can start with U.S. Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku of Hawaiian origin who was responsible for the promotion of surfing since the 1910s and in the 1920s tried to slide on snow standing on wooden barrels. Snowboarding became an Olympic sport in 1998.

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Check your insurance before you go skiing

Alan — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 04:56:56 +0000

It is important to remember to check on your insurance status before you go skiing. You should have a travel policy that will cover you if you become the victim of a winter sports accident. Recent reports show that even fewer skiers than usual have the proper insurance because of recent economic hard times.

Skiers must consider, however, the ultimate costs involved if they are injured on the slope or on a skiing holiday without having the proper insurance. An injured skier can lose out on work, not to mention any medical costs and transport home involved in the incident. All of this can become very costly, especially in comparison to the more reasonable expense of a good insurance policy.

It is estimated that as many as one third of winter sports travellers have an injury of one sort or another while they are on holiday. With incident reports this high, it only makes sense that winter travellers should make sure they have insurance coverage before setting out on holiday.

Be certain to talk to your travel agent or insurance professional before your trip, so that you can be certain that you have the proper coverage, should the need arise.

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