Skis or Snow Blades? Advice required!

jmarko

No idea where to put this - holidays seems about right though!

Basically, went skiing last year and there were a couple who were on snow blades (think short skis). Since then I've wanted to have a go but really don't know anything about them - so it's collective knowledge time!

They looked really good fun but I don't know if that was partly down to the people using them being *really* good skiiers (they claimed to have only been once before but I had trouble believing it!). So, are they good fun? Are they difficult to use? All advice and tips gratefully received!

:rudolf: jmarko :rudolf:

DMUK

Generally the shorter the ski, the easier it is to turn and handle, but the slower it is in a straight line.

Snowblades, take short skis to a new level. I have been skiing 8 years and tried snowblades after 4 or 5 times skiing and loved them for messing around and found them very easy, as they are designed to be. You'll be fine. The are great for the lower level slopes and messing about, and very very easy to maneuver but you have to be quite good to take them anywhere steep or bumping as being so short bumps will send you flying!

Not only that, but they are cheap too so can make a very cost effective alternative to hiring all week if you do not own your own skis.

newlywed

I quizzed some who were using these one ski holiday. Here's the bits I remember....

Don't bother if you don't like going fast as you pick up LOTS more speed on them downhill on the steep slopes.

You can learn to use them in an afternoon - quite easy to pick up apparently.

You CAN'T use them in fresh/deep snow as you just sink!!

It's like ice skating but down hill!

Also, I was warned that if I hire them out for the afternoon I am very likely to be tempted to buy a pair of them as they even fit in your case (if you've got a large suitcase). So be prepared to spend money!!

I haven't tried them yet but some ski package holidays include an afternoon hire and group lesson on these and they say you'll be able to do jumps and tricks by the end of the afternoon. The year I was going to do this, we had virtually no snow at the resort and the same day there was a trip to another resort that had snow - so opted for that instead!

jmarko

I think I'll *have* to give them a go now! And I can blame you both!

thanks!

jmarko

wdyw

We spend about 1/2 our time on blades and half on normal skis. Really easy to pick up how to use to a certain level but takes a bit of practice to avoid high speed "chatter". So easy to stop and turn on them even the nastiest black run is possible within a short time. Until a year or so ago they all came with fixed bindings but newer ones have ski type bindings. Missus is going to buy a new pair this year with ski bindings. Very tough on the thighs compared to skiing and to be honest attaching the leash is the biggest pain. So easy to carry around and great for messing around.

As said above crap on powder unless you like face plants, crap on flats but tons beeter than being on a board as you can use them like ice skates.

As for getting them home, we put two normal sets of skis plus poles etc along with 2 sets of blades in the same ski bag.

ianeverton

I tried them for an afternoon. After many years on standard skis. It was good to try but i was bored in a couple of hours. They are very slow unless you are on a decent incline.

If you are on shallow inclines you end up walking. Also i had no trouble keeping my speed down on steep slopes.

So untimately worth an afternoons hire but thats it imo.

jmarko

Hello all! Well, the answer is ski blades are brilliant! :j

Jmarko's Wifey even managed a red after only a day's lesson and two blues (and it wasn't even a mistake! and she didn't even fall over!)

Anyway, DW is here right now and she's saying that we should buy some - so you were right newlywed! :T Does anyone know how much they should cost - we can get a pair for about £100 but is that a good deal? Also, presuming that we can get them in a case (which we will be able to cos we need new cases! ) how much would we be looking at to transport a pair of boots? So many questions, so little time!

Thankings!

:rudolf: jmarko :rudolf:

Scooby_Drew

Don't mean to be a ski-snob, but snow blades are dangerous.

You can't stop properly on them and tend to go faster than you can really handle. Blades should be banned on all but slopes specifically for blades.

Plus people who can ski properly or board laugh at you... for the simple reason that you look stupid and will probably end up breaking a bone sooner or later.

I know this is a money saving board, but the best money you will ever spend skiing or boarding is on lessons to ski or board properly. You'll see more of the mountain and have a skill that will last the rest of your active life.

If you're wondering whether I'm qualified to say this... I have been skiing for 15 years, have worked as a professional ski instructor and have several mountain qualifications.

cuttlefish_2

i have been skiing a couple of times and have always snowbladed apart from the very first time... snowblade is much dangerous, my boyfriend has always been okish good on it and 2 years ago he twisted his knee veryyy badly on the mountain and had to get a helicopter to pick him up at the end.

so my advice is to go for the ski first, then maybe half and half like someone has mentioned above.

arghh i miss skiing now, yet i think its a very dangerous sport since im not good at it, just gona stick with shopping!

hodders

Scooby_Drew wrote:

Don't mean to be a ski-snob, but snow blades are dangerous.

You can't stop properly on them and tend to go faster than you can really handle. Blades should be banned on all but slopes specifically for blades.

Plus people who can ski properly or board laugh at you... for the simple reason that you look stupid and will probably end up breaking a bone sooner or later.

I know this is a money saving board, but the best money you will ever spend skiing or boarding is on lessons to ski or board properly. You'll see more of the mountain and have a skill that will last the rest of your active life.

If you're wondering whether I'm qualified to say this... I have been skiing for 15 years, have worked as a professional ski instructor and have several mountain qualifications.

I have to say I thoroughly agree with you. You do not have so much surface area to stop with.

Arkwright007

Blades are great fun for an afternoon when the snow is well packed. I find that 3-4 hours on blades improves my carving technique (making me more agressive in turns) and puts a smile on my face.
Also quite handy when you hit the lift queues and don't have much for others to sqeeze you out with - and no poles either.
Not real skiing - but fun (and that's what skiing should be about).