Snow Blades / Bigfeet

[chassis 33]

After a few weeks here in Canada I've got into the snow blading thing, (its good fun IMO), to the point i've bought a pair of blades to bring back to the UK. However the slopes i've been on here in Ontario are pretty local affairs small compared to, say, whats in the Rockies or Alps so i havent seen many other bladers about.

Does anyone know what the "correct" kit is to wear for blading? Ski gear or boarding gear?

I get the impression that skiers look down on bladers as selling out to a fad, not proper ski-ing yadda yadda yadda, while the 'boarders look at blades as wannabe cool skiers. Anyone any thoughts?

Also has anyone been blading at either Tamworth or MK snow domes, how welcoming are they to bladers?

Regards
Iain

[Beaconbouy]

chassis 33 said:

After a few weeks here in Canada I've got into the snow blading thing, (its good fun IMO), to the point i've bought a pair of blades to bring back to the UK. However the slopes i've been on here in Ontario are pretty local affairs small compared to, say, whats in the Rockies or Alps so i havent seen many other bladers about. Does anyone know what the "correct" kit is to wear for blading? Ski gear or boarding gear? I get the impression that skiers look down on bladers as selling out to a fad, not proper ski-ing yadda yadda yadda, while the 'boarders look at blades as wannabe cool skiers. Anyone any thoughts? Also has anyone been blading at either Tamworth or MK snow domes, how welcoming are they to bladers? Regards Iain

A death race to the bottom through trees, and the trailer follows the leader should sort everything out.

[markda]

Well you wear ski boots, so that probably answers your question about what gear you should wear.

I don't personally blade, but 3-4 of my friends do and they haven't been laughed out of the dome at milton keynes on our visits!

[fish]

I own blades for the old day here and there, I do make sure I ski properly for a few days as blading teaches bad habits. I think either clothing is fine as blading does sit uncomfortably between the two disciplines.

Have fun

[NickD]

chassis 33 said:

Also has anyone been blading at either Tamworth or MK snow domes, how welcoming are they to bladers?

I've been boarding at MK snow dome a coiuple of times but never seen any bladers. However, the shops in the dome do sell them so I would have thought they will become more popular.

[mybrainhurts]

DRESS CODE?.....

for pratting about in the snow??

Good grief, some people need a head rework.......

[Steve-o]

As a blader and a regular at Milton Keynes, I can safely say that they have no problems with you using them there.

Also, used them in various ski resorts over the last couple of years - they don't look out of place on the slopes of either Andorra or Chamonix!

[S Works]

chassis 33 said:

Does anyone know what the "correct" kit is to wear for blading? Ski gear or boarding gear?

I think the generally accepted rule amongst the snowboarding community is a pink leotard and a frilly tutu.

Failing that you could try some skiier orientated "wannabe cool like the boarders" gear and a long fleece hat with bells on it.


Sorry, couldn't resist.

[cptsideways]

I have a pair of fat off piste shorty type blades & they are fab.

I find blades are an excellent way to introduce lots of cold wet snow into ones nether regions, much like snowboarding.

Carving laydowns gone wrong are especially good for face first down the slope stoppies & off piste the sudden stops from drop offs tends to force the snow up your trouser legs.

I can see why they invented one piece ski suits but you won't see me in one



>> Edited by cptsideways on Friday 31st December 12:13

[chassis 33]

mybrainhurts said:

DRESS CODE?..... for pratting about in the snow?? Good grief, some people need a head rework.......

I’m still trying to work out if you’re a small time comedian or just plain ignorant.

[mounts soap box] While blading in the Northern Rockies where it will quite happily not get any warmer than -40oCfor a month or so in early spring, and that's before you take into account the wind chill, try taking off your gloves to get some snow out the bottom of your trouser legs cos you've worn the wrong clothing ad its let in snow. Before you put you're gloves back on you'll have frostbitten hands, not to mention the leg that will be sodden (hence cold) until you manage to get into a change of clothes.

It’s not a case of what’s better to be seen in FFS, it’s the practicalities of staying alive in a hostile environment.

[dismount soap box]

Ok blades use ski boots so ski trousers are the way to go, except that if you tumble, the base of the spine will get (potentially) caked in snow, so ear salopettes, but I’ve found they restrict movement more than boarding specific salopettes, but they’re not great at the ankle end......maybe I should try my all-in-one skidoo kit, but I have a feeling the big leg zips on them will hurt inside my ski boots...

Any thoughts, thanks for all the sensible posts, and I may see you at MK sometime, it’s a bit far from Cheshire though.

Regards
Iain

[Badapple]

Snowdome is fine for blades, it even hires them out.

[andy4200]

I board but most of my friends blade.
They are either ex-skiers who just wanted to have a bit of fun (and less to carry) or have never tried skis but didn't want to spend time learning so jumped on blades instead. You see plenty of them in the Alps.
Never had a problem at Castleford (they rent them out) so can't imagine a problem at Tam or MK.

[mybrainhurts]

chassis 33 said:

mybrainhurts said: DRESS CODE?..... for pratting about in the snow?? Good grief, some people need a head rework....... I’m still trying to work out if you’re a small time comedian or just plain ignorant.

Small time comedian, and easily confused, but confident I'll make it one day..........

chassis 33 said:

[mounts soap box] While blading in the Northern Rockies where it will quite happily not get any warmer than -40oCfor a month or so in early spring, and that's before you take into account the wind chill, try taking off your gloves to get some snow out the bottom of your trouser legs cos you've worn the wrong clothing ad its let in snow. Before you put you're gloves back on you'll have frostbitten hands, not to mention the leg that will be sodden (hence cold) until you manage to get into a change of clothes. [dismount soap box]

Err, yes, thanks....whilst easily confused, I do understand cold....no need to explain.

chassis 33 said:

It’s not a case of what’s better to be seen in FFS, it’s the practicalities of staying alive in a hostile environment.

Quite so, young man......but that was inferred and that's what I responded to.....

Sorry to offend you.......

[chassis 33]

mybrainhurts said:

Sorry to offend you.......

No worries mate, i think that was the jet lag talking!
Sorry for the over reaction

Regards
Iain

[mybrainhurts]