Originally posted by ysb33r
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The Andorra 2020/21 Skiboarding Report
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The last two days I have been on plain vanilla backcountry skis. I rented a pair of 165cm narrow skis mounted with step-in bindings. Luckily I have Scott boots which is compatible with step-in, AT and alpine bindings, so no need for extra boots at least. I have been in the backcountry only on Ospreys, which made me unique in any touring group. However, I have been curious to try out the lightweight concept that a lot of people use. Generally a pair or backcountry skis with the step-in bindings , should be be lighter than a pair of Ospreys with the Tyrolia touring bindings.
Uphill I hardly noticed a difference. I cannot say that I really felt the weight difference. Surface glide is good and in the end I was just as tired
Downhill is a complete different matter. I am back to feeling like a beginner who has just got to try to do parallel turns (!). It is incredible how unwieldy they are. It really feels like have two flat planks strapped on to ones feet. Turning is an effort. It is not just a case of getting them on edge. So much so, that I am thinking of getting some lessons (!)
So far my only criticism of the Ospreys is their performance on icy ridge traverses. As I haven't had a change to test out the new Voile crampons (previous post) I cannot say how much of an improvement that is. However, from two days of activity I can say that the Ospreys outperform a standard touring ski in all other respects.
However I am going to persevere for a week or so, to see if I can get any better. I also do think there is a lot of experimenting coming up to see if backcountry skiboarding can be made better than it is now.
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On Jack's recommendation, I added some Voile crampons to my Ospreys. The problem with the standard Tyrolia crampons is that they totally disengage upon forward movement.
This makes it hazardous in icy conditions in the Pyrenees.
The Voile crampons are fixed which requires a lift of the ski on forward movement. This requires more effort, but is more secure.
The photos show the crampon mounted forward of the binding on my older version of Ospreys and Jeff's first model of the backcountry riser for Tyrolia bindings.
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newbie2011, it's less effort to turn. You have to plan your turns more in advance with the Ospreys.
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So great that you don't have to rely on working lifts to be able to get some snow time this winter ...
Originally posted by ysb33r View PostAs usual I was on Ospreys, although on the descent I wished I had the no-effort Slingshots.
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Since we don't know when resorts will open, but we had a fresh dump of snow, we were out on skins this morning. Glorious day break between storms. As usual I was on Ospreys, although on the descent I wished I had the no-effort Slingshots.
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Came across this video that someone made last year about skiboarding in Andorra
https://youtu.be/YfHS50nNfhg
Sent from my Mi Note 10 Pro using TapatalkLast edited by Greco; 12-01-2020, 08:24 PM.
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Originally posted by ysb33r View PostI have no idea. Austria is not my radar as it does not affect me directly. I know that Pres Macron of France is trying to get all EU countries to agree at the same time - it seems to be more political dealing at home than medical-supported reasoning.
In the French Alps region, I've read that at the moment the hospitals are overcrowded, that was quoted as the main reason for not opening until mid January.
Not really a satisfying explanation to me, I feel more exposed if I take the subway in Paris and go do some shopping in a toy's store ( those will open soon ), than if I'm in a lift cabin with open windows, wearing gloves, helmet, goggles, mask, scarf and whatnot...
Switzerland are going to open, but indeed, there's a risk of people flowing en masse to Andorra and Switzerland creating much bigger crowds ...
I'm all for lockdown and such, but seriously skiing is a zero contact sport, it would be easy to come up with something better than full closure, while keeping the risk as low as in big cities where people will get more crowded for Christmas shopping
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Originally posted by montigo View PostWhat about Austria? All I know that they are lockdown for the moment.
Of course if French resorts remain closed, but Andorran resorts are open we'll be swamped with French tourists. Too many people can be a bad thing.
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What about Austria? All I know that they are lockdown for the moment.
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Originally posted by newbie2011 View PostYou're lucky ... Germany now is also planning to keep resorts closed until beginning of January, like France and Italy.
I need to get some skins and find some backcountry maps for the Alps
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You're lucky ... Germany now is also planning to keep resorts closed until beginning of January, like France and Italy.
I need to get some skins and find some backcountry maps for the Alps
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Originally posted by newbie2011 View PostWhat are the prospects for Andorra this December ? At the moment France and Italy are planning to keep resorts closed in December
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What are the prospects for Andorra this December ? At the moment France and Italy are planning to keep resorts closed in December
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I have become a fan of the Karpos and Crazy brands. I specifically like the slim fit of their winter offerings. I just invested in a Pull Repeat for this season.
https://www.crazy.it/en/product/pull-repeat-man-3.aspx
I has an outside pocket for a small waterbottle, one outside pocket, two inside pockets for water, mobile phone or avalanche beacon. Interestingly the manufacturer used graphene in the jacket.
The jacket will be great for touring and also for snowshoeing. I'm quite curious how well it will handle windflow on downhills runs.
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