Sorry but I won't be able to come on Monday next week. Plumber is coming to fit new radiator in bathroom and we've been waiting for a while so my initiation to cross country skiing will have to wait I'm afraid.
Odile: Skating can be harder on the knees than classic skiing, because the motion puts more lateral pressure on the knee. The motion is very similar to roller-blading or real skating, except there is a lot more resistance. One of my loved ones who competitively skied for a number of years, gave up skate skiing after a knee injury. Probably worth trying someday though, and seeing how it feels for yourself.
I'd love to come Monday, but am not sure how to get there - is anyone else coming from Neuchatel area?
I used to be a great skater, both figure and ice-hockey/speed as a kid- but sadly my car accident which crippled me for 2 years after that has done untold damage to my right knee. I can still skate and rollerblade, and can skate on normal downhill skis quite well- but not on cross country skis as there is not enough support. Might try it again when we have soft snow.
It is now snowing heavily up here - so will keep you updated on conditions Sunday night or even Monday morning. Would you be able to take the train to and from Fleurier, and I could pick you up? If so, tell me when you would be arriving- as we both have own own equipment, timing is unimportant.
Cross country skiing outing to La Brévine for tommorow cancelled due to rain and poor weather forecast. Let's re schedule for Monday after -and hope for the best.
No worries - it will be my first time on skis this year, and I only started xcountry last year- so defo no expert. The fab thing about xcountry, is that it is like walking, you do it entirely at your own pace. If faster more experienced people join us, they can race ahead and come back for us. The terrain has been chosen to avoid any inclines, perfect for beginners. If you take to it- we will go to Les Rasses near St Croix, above Yverdon the Monday after.
The Siberia shop owners have agreed for us to have the half day rate from 11.40 (45 if there are several of us)- fantastic value at CHF15 for skis, boots and poles (half day rate normally starts at 14.00). Do you have tracksuit bottoms- in which case that will be fine with warm tights underneath - I will bring some gaiters (blue or green?). A huge ski jacket just gets in the way- better to have a few layers, including a polo neck and a thin weather proof jacket on top. I have a spare if you want. Do you need gloves, hat? I have more or less lots of everything, just ask. Have a good pair of socks on, not too thick though and not ribbed either. And don't forget your sunglasses, just in case. The reflection of any sun on the white snow really does hurt your eyes.
We had an instructor for an hour to help us with the technique (skating) which I'd recommend for a beginner. It is very tiring and I was exhausted after 1.5 hours - including the training. You'll get a great workout when you skate!
No skating this time Zymogen. Will take it nice and easy in the 'classical' style. But any skaters welcome to join us and show off. Must say it is entertaining to watch the very perk and tight derrières of the local (male) lycra skating brigade whizzing past
I might try and say hello on Monday. Was thinking of skiing the Franco-Suisse loop to see what its like - not long till the Transjurassienne so I thought it might be some nice training.
Hans - some nice places near Lausanne are Mollendruz and Marchairuz in the Jura and Les Mosses further down the valley. They all have some nice beginner loops. Happy skiing.
Zimmo beat me to it - same suggestions from me. You can also go on the motorway directions Yverdon and then follow signs for Besançon and head up to the FRench border in Ballaigues, near Vallorbe, then up and through the ski resort of Metabief/Jougne continue towards Pontarlier then right and up to the ski resort of Les Fourgs, where you can pick up the Franco-Swiss trails. Or via St Croix to Les Rasses, and pick up the trail to Les Cluds- there is a restaurant at each end for a drink and snack/meal. This piste is also lit at night till quite late- and has fabulous views of the whole of the Romand plateau and the Alps on a good day.
Zimmo- if you are practising for the Transjurasienne, I don't think BelgianMum (a total beginner) and me will be much fun as company. But come and join us for about 10 metres, lol.
Our local pistes are Les Cernets, but too much up and down for a beginners group.
thanks for the suggestions! I just hope there are not too many steep slopes on those trails. That's ok with carve ski's, but no so ok with those narrow, and imho unstable XC ski's..
Agreed - I have absolutely NO confidence in snow ploughing with cross country skis at all, and it is so painful! Been downhill skiing all my life and have great carve skis- but as you say, this is a totally different kettle of fish.
Most of the time if there is no bend at the bottom and it tapers off, you can just bend ze knees and let go- but around here at Grand Taureau there is a sharp down bit, which then goes to a stone wall with a 2 m wide gap and a very very sharp bend. Not for me- last time I was there I just took my skis off and walked down! Which is what I do anytime there is a downhill bit- I'd rather outlive the shame then the pain or injury! LOL.
Fleeting glances, sadly as they are pretty fast around here. The area is famous for excellent xcountry competitors, and they take it very seriously. Their legs are sooooooooooo long too, similar to speed skaters. Impressive.
So anymore for Monday? Kristanez- hope you can join us, If you do could you bring the book back please, merci.
Our first outing, in poor weather at la Brévine went well. A couple of falls and a sore bottom for our beginner friend, but she bravely got over her fears and did very well. Bravo.
Next Monday we will meet at my house at 11am and go to Les Cernets on the Swiss/French border nearby. PM for details if you'd like to join us. Equipment can be hired at Les Cernets Restaurant - owned by an ex Swiss champion.
It is possible for you to come by public transport and be picked up at the local train station (Fleurier).