Ski Instructors Report 8th December 2012

The resort has been open for one week and it has been a great week for snow. Although on the days that it snowed the visibility was poor. Wednesday was fantastic with a clear blue sky and a lot of untracked powder. The Spanish arrived on Friday for the long weekend (The Immaculate Conception, for those of you who had not been to Sunday school for a long time) There were more people on the pistes but still not crowded. It just seemed slightly more congested as I have been spoiled by the having the whole run to myself. The amount of snow we have bodes well for the first Crystal clients who are arriving on the 16th. I understand that there will only be a lucky few on the first flightI have often been asked what one should wear on a skiing holiday, here are a few of my thoughts on the subject, others may disagree; Let’s start at the top; Safety helmet or not? I do not have one but always encourage anyone who asks me, to get one. Some people wait until AFTER they have taken a knock, it is better to buy one before the accident rather than after. In cold weather, I will wear a woolly hat, it is important that it covers the ears. On sunny days, on the beginners’ slopes, I will sometimes wear a peaked cap to keep the sun out off my eyes. Caps tend to be blow off when skiing at speed. If any of the male readers are a bit thin on top, please wear something on your head, anything will do. If you fail to do so, you will get burned. Glasses or goggles? I always wear sunglasses with a high UV protection factor. Most goggles have a lens suitable for days with poor visibility and are not really suitable for sunny days. A dark lens is usually available for those racing on sunny days. Thermal underwear or base layers? I usually prefer base layers with a wicking facility, even on very hot days, as I do not like the feel of my ski trousers on my skin. Most people recommend several layers of clothing. The number of shirts or jerseys depends on your needs and the weather. And of course, a good ski jacket. You can spend between £40 and £600. The choice is yours Gloves: Many claim to be waterproof but I have found that the weatherproof membrane gets broken with wear and your gloves will cease to be waterproof. An Australian friend of mine turned up with something that looked like a huge pair of “Marigolds”. They came with liners that should soak up your sweat. I have seen his liners looking very damp indeed. My solution is to have a spare pair. Trousers: they should have a very high back, to prevent snow getting onto your back. Jeans are not really suitable as you may well get snow down your back, should you fall over. Socks: Some people recommend that you wear two pair, however most skiers will wear specialist ski socks with reinforced areas in the foot. I had a pressure point on one foot and found the wearing a thin sock on that foot helped. My advice is, do not listen to advice; do whatever suits YOU. Apres ski wear: Although , it will be cold in the evenings, most bars, restaurants and hotels will be very warm inside. So cool casual should be good enough. Ladies, a piece of advice, bring a skirt or dress. Instructors and workers do not see legs for four months. I realise that a pretty dress needs suitable shoes and such shoes may not be ideal for trudging through snow. So, you may have to carry them in a bag to your destination. A question on clothing that I have never understood; why are knickers plural and bra is singular? I would have thought that it would be the other way round. Answers please, to the webmaster, please.