Ski headwear Fashion Police

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Fiona

Inspired (is that the right word?, Blog Ed) by the truly ludicrous collection of skiing outfits in a previous blog Ski Wear Fashion Police we started “researching” skiing hats. Well, when we say “researching, what we mean is wasting a bit of down-time having a laugh at some truly ridiculous ski headwear found on Google.

While most folks these days have given up the woolly hat for a safer ski helmet there are still some fabulously laughable skiing hats to be found. Some of these really do not need a word of comment (but we’ll probably add one any way).

And if you do spot someone wearing a bonkers-style ski hat when you’re next on the slopes, take a picture – and then tell them they should have gone to SimplyPiste. We have lots of cool looking ski helmets and also a rather lovely range of ski headwear for times when you’re not on skis but out in the cold snowy conditions

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Octo-hat? Fancy dress? Surely this one went down like a damp “squid”? This bright lime green woolly wonder hat was surely only a wear-once and hide in the bin idea?

imgres-21 Well, I suppose this ski hat saves the wearer from having their hair died pink. Then again, why would anyone want to die their hair pink? Let’s just settle for this being a joke hat!

imgres-24 Could this be a Movember ski hat? Or a Mov-aclava? Indeed it could, but why the utterly un-lovely mustard colour? Maybe this skier’s mum/gran/auntie only had mustard wool leftover form the 1970s.

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We actually like this mohican-inspired ski hat but it’s still on the bonkers side of normal so we have still included it in our line-up of mad ski headwear. Take a closer look and see if you can tell what it’s made of. We’re wondering if it’s old-style swimming hat material?! Or an ingenious crepe paper design?

imgres-19 We’ve all seen plenty of these dreadlock style ski hats on the slopes – and no doubt many of us have been brave enough to buy one (this writer even owned a similar style with bells on the ends!) but surely we’ve all moved on in fashion terms. Haven’t we?!

imgres-23 And as if it couldn’t get any worse….

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This skiing pussy cat might not have a hat but it still made us laugh… He’s wearing proper fur all over his body…Like an extended hat. Hmmmm.

imgres-26 No doubt caringly handknitted by someone lovely, this Superman inspired ski hat is one to treasure… just maybe not the one to wear on your skiing holiday!

imgres-27 And last, but by no means least, this one is for everyone who is really quite old. We loved our ski hats in the 1980s and many of us would have been proud to wear such an item. Only, these days, it’s probably best if it stays in the attic!

Learn to ski jump. It’s not as mad as you might think

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Fiona

Ski jumping for beginners. Ski JUMPING? For BEGINNERS? Surely we have gone mad here at SimplyPiste. But no! Ski jumping really isn’t that difficult to learn and you certainly do not need to be an adrenaline-pumping skiing expert to give this snowsports activity a go.

What equipment do you need for ski jumping?

Fancy learning to ski jump?

Essentially the kit you use for downhill skiing – your boots, skis, poles, ski jacket and pants – will do the job. If you don’t already wear a helmet then this is one skiing discipline that definitely needs more head protection than a woolly hat.

But, of course, you can also buy the perfect kit made for ski jumping, too. Ski jumping skis are generally longer and wider and made to exactly suit the sport. Then there are the ski jump body suits that are made to reduce the drag. You’ll have seen these neat fitting outfits on the Olympic skiers!

But, before you get carried away, our advice would be that on your first few ski jumping lessons you make use of your downhill ski kit and your normal ski clothing and see how you like the ski jumping.

Putting ski jumping in perspective

Olympic jumps measure 90 to 120 metres. Beginner ski jumps measure less than 20 metres! But standing at the top of only a 10m or perhaps an 18m jump for your first time can still seem pretty daunting. Eighteen metres is 76ft. Add to this the 31mph launch speed and you might well do a neat ski turn away from the jump.

But before you ski away from your first ski jump

Lessons are the way to go. Check out you local dry ski slope, a snowdome or the options while on a ski holiday. Here’s how most lessons proceed:

* The first skill to learn before you even click into your bindings is the position. It’s a familiar one: Bend at the knees and waist, press the shoulders down, keep the head up, the torso parallel to the ground and extend the arms straight backward. Think “ski jumpers on the TV”. Then think: “This is the position I need to hold when I fly through the air!” Hmmmmm, not just yet!

* Now for the ski “bumps”. A bump is a small jump. This is where you practise getting up speed, reaching the top of the bump, springing up on your knees and leaning forward.

* Now for the speed. This is when new ski jumpers learn to go with the speed straight downhill and without stopping… until the end of the slope… Then you’ll definitely want to stop. There’s no jump, just an acceptance that you’ll be going fast.

Make like a ski jumping pro! Eventually...

* Next up will be a small ski jump, of around 10m. This might seem daunting but a ski jump on this will only take the ski a metre or slightly more into the air. You’ll feel some sensation of soaring but then you land.

* And once the 10m jump is mastered it’s the 18m jump. Learning to ski jump is about progression and confidence. Although it may look dangerous with practice and lessons the sport is relatively safe. Apparently!

Oh, go on. You know you want to squeeze into one of those tight fitting ski jumping suits. Don’t you?!

How to choose the right skis for you

Posted on October 22, 2011 by Fiona

To rent or buy your skis?

If you hire skis on your one ski holiday of the year – or every other year – you can be pretty sure that the skis will be the right fit for you and reasonably up-to-date. Of course, you need to pay for the hire of skis, boot, poles and helmet each year but this might be the only time that you use the skis so it’s a safe purchase.

imgres-6 If you plan to ski more often, perhaps in your home country, such as Scotland, as well as on several holidays abroad and year after year then the cost of skis will likely outweigh the repeated ski hire price. Buying during the ski sales will help with this outlay, although you should remember that each time you fly with your skis you’ll need to pay for carriage in the plane.

So you’ve decided to splash out and buy your skis

The length of skis, whether you hire or buy, depends on a wide range of factors, including where you’ll ski, your ability level, how often you’ll ski each year, and your height.

Here are the questions to answer when deciding on the right skis for you:

What type of terrain do you most love?

All mountain skis?
Freestyle in the parks and pipes?
Off piste on powder?
Carver style on piste?

Where are you at with your skiing?

Beginner: Can pull off a good snowplough turn (or wedge turn) and mostly stop when you want to. Do you ski green and blue runs?
Intermediate: Can you ski parallel on blue and red runs and also handle limited sections of moguly snow? Do you prefer blue or red runs but can manage black if they are wide and smooth?
Expert: Do you love the challenge of red and black runs, especially if they are full of bumps and rough snow? Can you ski beautiful carved turns on almost any surface? Are you a qualified instructor?!

How often do you ski?

The number of days that you spend on the slopes will also determine the type of skis that you should buy, because the longer you’re out there giving it practice the quicker you’ll progress. For example, if you’re a beginner skier who plans to ski 30 days a year, you might want to buy intermediate skis.

Now for the ski sizing guidelines:

As a general rule, a ski held lengthways from the ground should reach to somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. But most people agree that there is no set perfect size according to the skier’s height and weight. Professional and expert skiers will choose skis that are slightly taller than their height, while beginner skiers will be advised to go for a shorter ski, somewhere around their chin height.

Here’s a ski height guide to think about.

Choose longer skis, closer to the top of your head if you are:

Skiing fast and aggressively
You weigh more than average for your height
You plan to do the majority of skiing off piste

Choose shorter skis, closer to your chin if you are:

A beginner or intermediate skier
Your weight is lighter than average for your height
You like to make short, quick turns.

And to add to the mix of buying skis:

A shorter ski is easier to turn on piste but it is not as stable as a longer ski. A carving ski with skinnier waist and a smaller turn radius can be skied at a shorter length than an all mountain or freeride skis, which have larger and longer turn radius and fatter waist width.

Male or female skis?:

As a general rule, men are taller and heavier, while women are shorter and lighter. But as we all know this isn’t always the case and so the same guidelines as above should be applied to buying skis whether you’re male or female. However, you will find that most brands split their skis into gender and so their female skis will be more prettily designed while their male skis tend to be more “butch” in colours and design. Hmmm. Well, it’s up to you what you buy, really. You might be a guy who likes pink, or a girl who loves black.

If you’re still not sure about the right skis for you:

Take the advice of a quality ski shop or think about heading off for a ski test weekend? Many resorts offer breaks for skiers early in the season who want to test new equipment.

How to become a ski or snowboard instructor

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Fiona

Why you might want to become a ski instructor

You know that feeling. You come back from a ski holiday with a massive yearning for more. You want to jump back on the plane and enjoy more time on the pistes. But something gets in your way: Work, university or family life.

But you could change your life and become a ski instructor. To teach skiing, whether at home or abroad, does take dedication, skill and time but imagine the life of moving between ski resorts each season, teaching to earn enough money for rent and food and then getting to spend every other hour doing your own ski thing.

How to become a ski instructor

There are a wealth of qualification courses that take place in the UK and abroad. You can choose to join a course that is for a few hours each week and spread across many months, or else go for a full-scale intensive course in an overseas resort. It all depends on how much money and time you have to spare.

There are also a great number of schools offering ski school instruction. It’s important to ensure that these qualifications will allow you to teach in ski resorts and are recognised by different ski schools worldwide. Google is a great place ot find ski school instruction but do make sure it’s a bone fide course.

The qualifications required for becoming a ski instructor

Get a BASI qualification: The British, French, Italian and Austrian governing bodies for skiing and snowboarding have an agreement that sees BASI (British Association of Snowsport Instructors) qualifications are recognised in Europe.

Pass the “Test Technique”: However, in order to instruct in France, BASI-qualified instructors have to complete a slalom race called the ‘test technique’ within a certain time. You can then work as a stagieres or trainee, within certain approved training establishments. To get full qualification, at some point you will need to take the European Speed Test.

Get a North American (CSIA/PSIA) or New Zealand (NZSIA) qualification:
If you plan to teach only in these countries then go for these qualifications. If not, follow the above.

Your first step to becoming a ski instructor

Choose the ski sport that you want to teach, including Alpine skiing, Telemark skiing, Nordic skiing or Snowboarding. Then become an associate member of BASI and attend a level one course. Many courses take place at local snow domes or dry ski slopes, or else you can go abroad.

The basic qualifications for ski instructors

Essentially there are two levels to achieve at the outset. If you want to teach in the UK at indoor snow parks or on dry ski slopes you’ll require level one.

But becoming a ski instructor isn’t meant to be easy! Of course, you need to be better than your class at skiing but you will also be required to learn on-piste first aid, child safety and put in many hours of ski schooling.

To achieve your Level 1 Ski Instructor certificate you’ll need to do a Safeguarding Children Module, a First Aid Course and 35 hours of Snowsport School experience. To receive your licence to teach you’ll also need a Criminal record Disclosure in place.

What does the Level One ski instructor course cover?

You’ll be assessed on skiing safety, planning and conducting a ski lesson, accident and emergency procedure and how to improve personal ski performance. You’ll also need to know a host of info about rules, regulations and structures of ski teaching.

Take your qualification to Level 2 ski instructor

Before even reaching this level wannabe instructors must complete another 35 hours of Snowsport School experience. Level 2 will allow you to teach overseas although to teach in France there is also the “Test Technique” to pass. Level 2 raises the bar on Level 1 and requires many more hours of learning and being assessed. Many people choose to follow this course as part of a long holiday.

Why ski instruction could be for you

Whether you’re looking for a gap year between school and university, a year out from your career or a lifestyle change in your 50s, becoming a ski instructor could be your ticket to fun and money. As a ski instructor you could spend entire seasons in resorts around the world, teaching and also making the most of your time close to the slopes.

Tell us if you became a ski instructor and why.

Get ready for a family ski holiday

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Fiona

The ski holiday is booked – and the countdown to a week or two away on the white stuff is on. So now you just need to make sure your family is kitted out in ski clothing and equipment and ready for the off.

Here we bring you a guide to everything your family will need for a ski holiday

Ski and snowboard clothing: You do not need to go mad (unless you have a bottomless wallet), especially as kids have a tendency to grow out of the clothes from one year to the next. If you have a number of children you could buy clothes for the older children with the view to hand them down to the younger kids. One cost-saving tip is to buy a ski jacket that doubles as a school jacket. The same goes for hats and gloves. Or buy children snazzy ski jackets for a Christmas or birthday present. If you are on a budget, remember to keep an eye on ski clothing websites in the spring when they will be selling off last season’s stock.

All in the detail: Children get cold on the ski slopes far quicker than adults. It’s worth investing in ski pants with bibs to keep them extra warm while on holiday. Add a decent baselayer and good-quality ski socks so that they do not end up spoiling the trip because of their moans about the cold.

For little ones: An all-in-one ski outfit is the best choice for younger children. These keep them extra warm and you know that if they are messing around and throw themselves into a big pile of snow that they will stay dry.

Get a service: Skis and snowboards will benefit from being edged and waxed. While you’re in the shop ask for your kit to be checked over, especially the bindings to ensure there are no loose bolts.

Small adjustments: If you’re a family that owns their own boots but hires skis make sure all the boots fit before heading off overseas. It could be a pricey mistake to arrive in a ski resort to find one or two children have grown a shoe size. If you also own skis, make sure the bindings are adjusted to fit your ski boots, especially if the kids have been lucky enough to receive new bots as a gift.

Helmets: Hire or buy but ensure they children have helmets. If they are attending ski lessons they will definitely require to wear a ski or snowboard helmet. If they’re off skiing with you it’s a good idea to protect their heads with a god helmet. If you want to set them a good example then buy helmets for yourself, too.

Learning curve: Ski lessons before you head off on holiday are vital for beginners and a god idea for skiing improvers. Once in the ski resort you will most likely be keen for your children to attend lessons, too. It’s worth booking these ahead in busy school holiday times. Ask you ski booking agent or go online and check out the lessons on offer at the resort itself.

We bring you a guide to everything your family will need for a ski holiday

Cosy ski wear for toddlers

Ski and snowboard clothing: You do not need to go mad (unless you have a bottomless wallet), especially as kids have a tendency to grow out of the clothes from one year to the next. If you have a number of children you could buy clothes for the older children with the view to handing them down to the younger kids. One cost-saving tip is to buy a ski jacket that doubles as a school jacket. The same goes for hats and gloves. Or buy children snazzy ski jackets for a Christmas or birthday present. If you are on a budget, remember to keep an eye on ski clothing websites in the spring when they will be selling off last season’s stock.

All in the detail: Children get cold on the ski slopes far quicker than adults. It’s worth investing in ski pants with bibs or higher waist and braces to keep them extra warm while on holiday. Add a decent baselayer and good-quality ski socks.

For little ones: An all-in-one ski outfit is the best choice for younger children, and older children who really do suffer with the chills. These keep them extra warm and you know that if they are messing around and throw themselves into a big pile of snow that they will stay dry.

Get a service: Skis and snowboards will benefit from being edged and waxed. While you’re in the shop ask for your kit to be checked over, especially the bindings to ensure there are no loose bolts.

Small adjustments: If you’re a family that owns their own boots but hires skis make sure all the boots fit before heading off overseas. It could be a pricey mistake to arrive in a ski resort to find one or two children have grown a shoe size. If you also own skis, make sure the bindings are adjusted to fit your ski boots, especially if the kids have been lucky enough to receive new boots as a gift.

Helmets: Hire or buy but ensure they children have ski or snowboard helmets. If they are attending ski lessons they will definitely require to wear a ski or snowboard helmet. If they’re off skiing with you it’s a good idea to protect their heads with a good helmet. And you might want to set them a good example by buying a helmet for yourself, too?!

Learning curve: Ski lessons before you head off on holiday are a great idea for beginners and a good idea for skiing improvers. Once in the ski resort you will most likely be keen for your children to attend lessons, too. It’s worth booking these ahead in busy school holiday times. Ask you ski booking agent or go online and check out the lessons on offer at the resort itself.

Learn how to ski moguls

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Fiona

Standing at the top of a mogul field you scream inwardly and let out a small squeak. (Hopefully there is no-one close by to hear this whimpering!) You look around for alternative routes but realise that the only way back to your resort is down this seriously scary run of moguls.

Already skiing the mogul field are seemingly expert skiers who manage to gracefully zip through the bumps making easy work of the run. All you can see are the “enormous” and numerous bumps. And so you side step your way down the piste and make off feeling more than a little ashamed.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Most skiers can learn how to tackle a mogul field if they practise the right technique and gain a little confidence.

If you follow this guide to better mogul skiing technique it might well be you who is the skier who looks graceful and controlled the next time you meet a mogul field.

The four steps to skiing a mogul field

Head to a blue slope!

First you need to practise your rhythm. So find an easy slope and point your skis directly down the fall line. Moguls require a fairly constant speed, usually a little faster than you are comfortable with, and flexible short radius turns. Maybe even imagine a mogul field as you zip down the blue slope.

Small beginnings on a mogul field

You are looking for an easy mogul field on a red run. Going for a double black mogul field is trying something too hard too soon. Now try the same technique as before: Ski to the field with your skis pointed directly down the run. Do not enter the mogul field in a traverse. Pick a line through several moguls and imagine this line in your head as you ski off, speeding up and making fast, short turns through these moguls. And then stop to the side of the field. Repeat this method for every five or six moguls.

Learn how to ski moguls

Don’t fight the bumps

It’s vital that skiers remain flexible in their lower body so as to “ride” the moguls. The aim is to turn on the sides of the moguls, rather than in the trough between the moguls or over the top of the moguls. Let the moguls guide your knees up and down, keeping your skis pointed down the fall line and in contact with the snow. Think about letting the mogul bumps compress your knees up and down. Using a pole plant as a guide will help, too, so plant your ski poles near the top of the mogul, favouring the downhill side.

Keep on practising the moguls

Practice makes perfect and this is definitely the case with mogul fields. Take it easy and try to ski more moguls as you go along. Stay relaxed, let your legs and knees take the bumps, keep your skis in contact with the snow, plant your poles and keep doing short, quick turns. Once you feel confident enough you can head back to that tricky mogul slope first encountered on day one of your skiing holiday and show everyone how much you have learned!

* Look out for a future blog that looks at skiing moguls according to age and flexibility.

Do you have any top tips for skiing moguls?

Great family ski resorts

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Fiona

Fabulous off-piste snowboarding. A freestyle-park. Mostly blue runs. Lots of red runs. Top childcare. All-inclusive accommodation and meals. Views to die for. The checklist of “likes” for skiing and snowboarding holidaymakers is almost limitless and very individual. Where you choose to go will also be dictated by time, money, recommendations from friends and your thirst for new or familiar.

Happy kids = happy ski holidays

As a first in a series of blogs we have come up with some recommended ski resorts for families. While every family has different needs, in general they will be looking for:

* Short transfers from airport to resort

* Family-friendly accommodation and food

* Welcoming ski schools, with English-speaking instructors

* Flattering green and blue runs

* More cable cars and chair lifts, less button tows

For a range of reasons, and some of those included above, the family-friendly resorts that we like include:

Valmorel, France: The French resort that shows that purpose-built doesn’t have to equal horribly functional. Advantages include a pedestrianised centre, a road that loops around the resort giving easy access to accommodation and the excellent Club Piou Piou offering comprehensive childcare and child ski tuition.

Flaine, France: Short transfers from Geneva, all runs leading back to central bowl so it’s difficult to get lost, numerous flattering blue runs and plenty to keep all abilities and ages happy all week long.

Claviere, Italy: Small, quiet and with a good range of family-friendly pistes. It also has easy to access another pretty Montgenevre area. Hotels geared up for families.

Puy-St-Vincent France: Guidebooks often cite this resort as as one of Europe’s top family resorts. It’s because of the British creche, two ski schools and superb snow record.

Nassfeld, Austria: The acclaimed chain of family specific Austrian hotels, Kinderhotels, has a place here, which makes it an excellent choice for families.

Vemdalen, Sweden: Very friendly with a huge dedicated children’s area, a crèche, a much-loved ski school and many child-friendly evening entertainments.

Morillon, France: One of a few resorts to have won the French government’s “Famile Plus” label for excellent children’s facilities. A “village des enfants” is ideal for younger kids.

Anyone else got a family-friendly ski resort recommendation?

Best Excuses for Quitting Your Job to Become a Ski Bum

Posted on October 5, 2011 by admin

That awkward moment when you’ve just had a call from your friends telling you they’re all going skiing for a season, you’ve just started a new job and there’s no way you’re missing out on this trip.
So after 3 months of heavy training and expensive investment in your services, you’re now considering telling your boss that the role is “No longer for you” and you’ve realised that you don’t want to start your life of servitude just yet.
So what do you do? Do you sell everything you own and go? Do you drag your job out to the last moment and collect all the money you can and then leave your boss in the pits after “everything they’ve done for you”?
Below are what we think are the best excuses for quitting your job and seeking out that “Ski Bum” role that we all dream about whilst racking up the credit card allowance and personal loans.

1.) If you have a great respect for your boss and feel guilty about leaving, try this: “I hate getting paid for working – I need at least 6 months out in the French Alps to cleanse my soul.”

2.) An alternative to the above: “I am going through a hard time and I couldn’t handle this job right now. I found out that my long lost grandpa has died and he lives in a ski resort somewhere in Europe. I need to spend 6 months finding his resting place so I can show my last respects.”

3.) Another alternative: “Dear boss, I’ve heard rumours that you will be leaving soon. Since the only source of fun and laughter is gonna disappear, I don’t see any point in sticking around anymore”

4.) If you can no longer stand your boss and you’d like to get that final “up yours” in, try: “I have an eye problem, I just can’t see myself turning up anymore”, or…

5.) “I’d like to inform you that with the generous raise you gave me last night, I was able to afford to buy a pen, paper and enough ink to write you this message…… …………..I quit”
I’ve personally handed in a resignation request just once in my short career of 5 years and to be perfectly honest I’d rather never want to endure those awkward two weeks up until your leave date, ever again. I think from now being sacked is perhaps more satisfying and it gives you a chance to cause havoc for a few weeks up until your departure……. Plus its way more Rock N Roll.
5 ideas for getting fired.
1.) Do nothing…. Let your phone ring, ignore your e-mails, spend all day on facebook and refer all hard work to your boss.

2.) Use your boss’s credit card on adult entertainment sites.

3.) Park in your boss’s space every day ….. “By accident”.

4.) Suddenly develop Tourettes syndrome and shout random abusive language across the office.

5.) Re-arrange your boss’s keyboard keys to spell out something funny or abusive.

Where to ski and snowboard in October

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Fiona

Where to ski in October

No-one would blame you for being keen to kit the European slopes as soon as you can this season. While most of us will look towards November and December before booking a few days or a week away, there are some opportunities for early season skiing and snowboarding adventures. Skiing – which is usually cheaper at this time of year – takes place on glaciers.

Where to ski in Europe in October

France

The Mont de Lan glacier (3600m) in Les Deux Alpe and the Grand Motte Glacier (3456m) in Tigne are the best places to head in france this october. Check out the resots for opening times of the glacier slopes and the snowparks.

Austria

Rettenbach glacier (3000m) in Solden offers some 3km of open pistes, served by two lifts. Meanwhile the Stubai Glacier (3000m) has already opened some of its pistes, and a good rnage of lifts. For snowboarders and freeskiers the season will start with the Snowpark on October 21, followed by the season’s opening of the Moreboards Stubai Zoo, for kids and beginners.

The Kaunertal Glacier (3108m) – the highest glacier in the Tyrol area – is open year-round and also has lots of snow already.

Switzerland

Zermatt’s Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3883m) is open throughout the year, while the Allain Glacier (3600m) in Saas-Fee is also looking good to go for Ocotber skiers and snowbaorders.

No-one would blame you for being keen to hit the European slopes as soon as you can this season. While most of us will look towards November and December before booking a few days or a week away, there are some opportunities for early season skiing and snowboarding adventures. Skiing – which is usually cheaper at this time of year – takes place on glaciers and many resorts are already reporting a fair dumping of snow.

Matterhorn Glacier, Zermatt

Where to ski in Europe in October

France: According to reports, Mont de Lan glacier (3600m) in Les Deux Alpe and the Grand Motte Glacier (3456m) in Tignes are the best places to head in France this October. Check out the websites of the resorts for opening times of the glacier slopes and the snowparks.

Austria: Rettenbach glacier (3000m) in Solden offers some 3km of open pistes, served by two lifts. Meanwhile the Stubai Glacier (3000m) has already opened some of its pistes, and a good range of lifts. For snowboarders and freeskiers the season will start with the Snowpark on October 21, followed by the season’s opening of the Moreboards Stubai Zoo, for kids and beginners.

The Kaunertal Glacier (3108m) – the highest glacier in the Tyrol area – is open year-round and also has lots of snow already.

Switzerland: Zermatt’s Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3883m) is open throughout the year, while the Allain Glacier (3600m) in Saas-Fee is also looking good to go for Ocotber skiers and snowboarders.

How to wax your snowboard

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Fiona

We’re going to state the obvious: A clean, well-waxed snowboard will ride better and faster than one that is rough looking! So it’s always surprising to see so many people queuing at ski shops in the resorts to pay top dollar to have their boards waxed.

This year, why not plan ahead? With the white stuff just around the corner, now is the time to dig out your snowboard and give it a close inspection. Is the snowboard base scratched and dull looking?

How to wax your snowboard

This is fairly easy if you have the right tools. To start with clean the base of your board with cleaner or wax remover. Fill any small dents with a P-tex candle. Drip it less than a few centimetres above the base of the board. Once it has cooled to room temperature scrape off the excess with a metal scraper or flat metal tool.

Now you’re ready to wax. It depends on the type of riding you’re planning – and the conditions so take your time to choose the right snowboard wax. To apply the wax use a hot iron and melt the wax on to the board. With a solid coat of wax applied to the base of the board, you can rub the iron from front to back to even it out.

Use a plastic scraper to remove all excess wax. An abrasive pad to rough up the wax will make your board glide even better.

If in doubt, take the board to a local store to be waxed but never leave it until you arrive at the resort. It will cost you so much more.

We’re going to state the obvious: A clean, well-waxed snowboard will ride better and faster than one that is rough! So it’s always surprising to see so many people queuing at ski shops in the resorts to pay top dollar to have their boards waxed.

This year, why not plan ahead? With the white stuff just around the corner, now is the time to dig out your snowboard and give it a close inspection.

How to wax your snowboard

This is fairly easy if you have the right tools. To start with, clean the base of your board with cleaner or wax remover. Fill any small dents with a P-tex candle. Drip it less than a few centimetres above the base of the board. Once it has cooled to room temperature scrape off the excess with a metal scraper or flat metal tool.

Now you’re ready to wax. It depends on the type of riding you’re planning – and the conditions, so take your time to choose the right snowboard wax. To apply the wax use a hot iron and melt the wax on to the board. With a solid coat of wax applied to the base of the board, you can rub the iron from front to back to even it out.

Use a plastic scraper to remove all excess wax. An abrasive pad to rough up the wax will make your board glide even better.

If in doubt, take the board to a local store to be waxed but never leave it until you arrive at the resort as it will cost you so much more.

Simply Piste Blog

Skiwear & Ski Clothing Blog

Category Archives: Ski Advice

Ski headwear Fashion Police

Learn to ski jump. It’s not as mad as you might think