Loadpot Hill | Wainwright's Far Eastern Fells
Loadpot Hill
Loadpot Hill in the Far Eastern Fells stands at 672 metres high. The Far Eastern Fells encompasses Alfred Wainwright’s second book with 35 fells to walk in this area. Wainwright remarked that although Loadpot Hill did not offer exceptional views, it did offer a home to much wildlife. Obviously, Loadpot Hill is home to roaming sheep as is the norm in this area, but more interesting is the amount of birdlife. There is a Trig point at the top of Loadpot Hill to mark the summit. Lots of people combine a walk to Loadpot Hill with nearby Wether Hill, , Bonscale Pike and Arthur’s Pike, for views over Ullswater.
Wether Hill Information
HEIGHT IN METRES 672m
HEIGHT IN FEET 2205ft
RANGE Far Eastern Fells
GRID REFERENCE NY 456 174
Have you walked Loadpot Hill? Let me know below…
Loadpot Hill Related Posts
APPROPIATE MAP
WAINWRIGHT’S GUIDES
Wether Hill Video
Loadpot Hill Map
Loadpot Hill Gallery
Similar Pinterest Post
Far Eastern Fells Posts
What Is Merino Wool? And Should You Use It?
Finding the appropriate material for your outdoor clothing is really important. The use of cotton in high output activities has been thought of as archaic for a while now. Cotton holds moisture and odour meaning you can feel wet and smelly pretty soon into a hike. Another option has been synthetic clothing that has improved the wicking performance of garments but odour has still be an issue. Step in Merino wool. Merino wool garments can offer exceptional performance in the mountains and below I outline why.
WHAT IS MERINO WOOL?
Merino Wool is a natural fibre that is grown on Merino sheep from New Zealand and Australia. Merino fibre benefits from being incredibly fine, making it softer than other types of wool. What makes Merino sheep, and in essence their wool, special is their ability to live in varying temperatures. Merino sheep are used to dealing with fluctuations from -20ºC upwards of 30ºC. This makes Merino a versatile material to use in the construction of outdoor garments as they can be utilised in many different environments.
WHY USE MERINO WOOL CLOTHES?
Do you enjoy getting outside? Do you like to get outside regardless of the weather? Do you take part in a range of winter and summer sports? Well if that sounds like you then merino could be the material you are looking for, as Merino wool lends itself to every adventure in every season. Naturally regulating your body temperature and wicking pesky moisture away from your skin, you can feel comfortable in Merino wool clothing from the first minute to the last. Even better, Merino wool is naturally odour resistant! Yes, you will sweat but smell less! Finally, and not to be forgotten, Merino wool is soft and incredibly comfortable against the skin.
ADVANTAGES OF MERINO WOOL
RENEWABLE
Merino wool is a natural fibre grown on sheep so it is also renewable. Merino sheep can group up to five lbs of wool per year and what’s even better? Merino sheep have lived in harsh environments and their wool is well naturally adapted to handle these climates.
Comparing Merino to synthetic or cotton equivalents shows that these alternatives need large amounts of processing before they are used in garments. Merino is a natural fibre and as such has less impact on the environment.
MERINO WOOL ODOUR RESISTANCE
A massive selling point for me is the odour resistance of Merino wool. I first came across Merino wool before a trekking trip in India, where I wanted to only pack a finite amount of clothing. Taking two t-shirts for a one month trip may seem daunting to many, especially in a hot country like India, but it worked a treat. Merino garments are capable of absorbing odour, preventing them from developing into that awful post-hike stench.
Dubious at first, years later I am still amazed at how Merino clothing remains odour resistant for way longer than synthetic equivalents.
TEMPERATURE REGULATION
Merino sheep need to survive in both hot and cold temperatures, meaning their wool is well adapted to both situations. A Merino garment will trap air for insulation in the cold but when it’s hot wick moisture away from the skin. This prevents that awful feeling when a cotton t-shirt gets wet due to excess sweat. A Merino t-shirt moves this moisture away from the skin and releases it as vapour. Synthetic fabrics also wick moisture away from the skin but they require an extra stage to do so, this can mean that synthetic garments are not as effective in cold climates.
MAKE A MERINO LAYERING SYSTEM
Layering systems are great for ensuring that you are just the right temperature at all stages of an activity. With the success of merino companies like Icebreaker and Smartwool more Merino clothing is finding its way into the market. What is great is now these companies are not just focused on base layers but full outfits. Layering a Merino jumper and jacket over a Merino t-shirt ensures that vapour can be wicked away efficiently.
MERINO WOOL IS COMFORTABLE
One reason many people avoid wool clothing is that they say it is itchy or uncomfortable. Well, Merino could just be the answer here as well. Merino wool is much finer than other wools meaning it is softer against the skin. In my experience, Merino doesn’t itch and I regularly use Merino t-shirts, hoodies and socks.
MERINO IS BIODEGRADABLE
It has already been mentioned the Merino has renewable qualities… well here is another reason that Merino is great for the environment. Being a natural fibre, Merino will decompose when put in a landfill. This means you can dispose of any old Merino garments without worrying about the future impact on the environment.
MERINO OFFERS UV PROTECTION
Those Merino sheep really have done all the hard work for us. Another benefit of Merino sheep’s evolution whilst living in hot temperatures is that Merino wool offers a natural UV barrier. This barrier to UV radiation protects the skin meaning you have less to worry about on those sunny days.
MERINO WOOL WARMTH TO WEIGHT
Merino wool offers an impressive warmth to weight ratio. Similar to down, Merino traps air between its fibres which helps create warmth. Merino’s natural loft ensures that it offers a very efficient temperature regulation.
MERINO WOOL IS STRONGER THAN COTTON
Merino wool fibres are stronger than cotton fibres. That’s right not only does your Merino t-shirt benefit from all of the above but it also is more durable than cotton.
DISADVANTAGES OF MERINO
There aren’t many… but here we go.
MERINO WOOL IS EXPENSIVE
Merino garments are more expensive than their cotton or synthetic equivalents, in the same way that a Ferrari is more expensive than a Fiat. Luckily there are companies trying to make Merino more affordable, check out ISOBAA who regularly have offers on SportPursuit.
DURABILITY ISSUES
Merino comes in different grades and the lighter garments (180 or lower) can be subject to holes. With lighter Merino garments pay particular attention to how you wash them. Avoid using fabric softener and do not overwash as this can leads to holes forming in the material. Remember Merino garments require less washing as they are naturally odour resistant.
IS MERINO FOR YOU?
Merino isn’t going to be worth the investment for everyone and that is ok. If however, you are a regular in the outdoors and you want the best performance from your garments then you should consider buying Merino wool clothing. I use a lot of my Merino garments in both summer and winter making the outlay worth it for me. I still search for deals and you can always pick up items in the sale making Merino more affordable.
IS MERINO ETHICAL?
Ethical concerns are becoming more prevalent across society and the outdoor community is no exception. It is worth noting that if you choose your Merino wool provider carefully, they will have sustainability and care for their animals at the core of what they do.
Merino is a natural fibre that has evolved over years of Merino sheep living in the harshest environments. The benefits of Merino in the outdoors are substantial and the effect on the environment little. Merino is a natural resource, it grows on sheep! No sooner have farmers sheered their sheep than the next coat of Merino wool begins to develop. Furthermore, Merino’s biodegradable properties ensure its environmental impact is negligible when discarded.
QUESTIONS ABOUT MERINO WOOL
WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT MERINO?
Merino wool is an amazing natural material that has many benefits. From odour resistance to temperature regulation, Merino wool can be beneficial in a range of activities.
WHY IS MERINO WOOL CONSIDERED SOFT?
Merino wool has elastic properties that ensure the fibres can retain their shape over time. This is one of the reasons that Merino garments do not need to be ironed… just hang them after washing. This natural resistance to wrinkling ensures that the garment remains smooth and soft against the skin with no itchiness.
IS CASHMERE BETTER THAN MERINO WOOL?
Cashmere has a higher loft than Merino ensuring it is softer. Durability wise, Merino is stronger so makes a better fabric for use in the outdoors.
WHY IS MERINO WOOL EXPENSIVE?
There are a number of reasons why Merino wool garments are expensive. Firstly, wool is a natural product and therefore requires time to grow. The process of farming Merino sheep is one that costs time and money. So sadly that price needs to be passed onto the consumer. Merino is super fine and therefore more merino wool is needed to complete one item in comparison to other wool products. More wool means a higher cost.
PIN THIS POST
MERINO PRODUCTS
Steel Knotts | Wainwright's Far Eastern Fells
Steel Knotts
Steel Knotts Summit Views
Steel Knotts stands at 432 metres and offers views of the Martindale Horseshoe. The rather striking summit at Pikeawassa makes for an interesting highpoint with a jagged and rocky outcrop. Easily accessed from Martindale check out Steel Knotts walking routes below. Steel Knotts is a Wainwright and is found in Book Two - The Far Eastern Fells. Lots of people combine a walk to Steel Knotts with nearby Hallin Fell for views over Ullswater.
Steel Knotts Information
HEIGHT IN METRES 432m
HEIGHT IN FEET 1417ft
RANGE Far Eastern Fells
GRID REFERENCE NY 440 181
Have you walked Steel Knotts? Let me know below…
STEEL KNOTTS RELATED POSTS
APPROPIATE MAP
WAINWRIGHT’S GUIDES
STEEL KNOTTS VIDEO
STEEL KNOTTS MAP
STEEL KNOTTS GALLERY
PIN THIS POST
Far Eastern Fells Posts
Arthur's Pike | Wainwright's Far Eastern Fells
ARTHURS PIKE
Arthur's Pike is a delightful summit that offers an excellent introduction to the Far Eastern Fells. The ascent is relatively gentle, making it suitable for hikers of all levels. Starting from Pooley Bridge, the route takes you through lush pastures and open moorland. As you climb higher, the views expand dramatically, revealing the shimmering waters of Ullswater below. Arthur’s Pike is a less frequented gem, providing a peaceful escape from the busier fells. The summit itself is marked by a modest cairn, but the true reward lies in the expansive vistas. On a clear day, you can see across the Eden Valley to the Pennines, with the dramatic Helvellyn range forming a stunning backdrop. Arthur's Pike may not be the highest fell, but its charm lies in its accessibility and the sense of tranquility it offers. It's an ideal spot for a relaxing hike with rewarding views.
Arthur’s Pike summit overlooks Ullswater in the Far Eastern Fells of the English Lake District. At 533m Arthur’s Pike is not tall enough to be recognised as a Nuttall however, it does make Arthur Wainwright’s list of 214 Lakeland Fells. The views from Arthur’s Pike are stunning on a clear day, with views across the lake and of surrounding Fells. Arthur’s Pike is a child summit of High Street. Arthur’s Pike is both a Wainwright and a Birkett.
ARTHUR’S PIKE INFORMATION
HEIGHT IN METRES 533m
HEIGHT IN FEET 1749ft
RANGE Far Eastern Fells
GRID REFERENCE NY 461 204
Have you walked Arthur’s Pike? Let me know below…
ARTHUR’S PIKE VIDEO
ARTHUR’S PIKE MAP
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions about Arthur's Pike in the Far Eastern Fells
What is Arthur's Pike?
Arthur's Pike is a captivating fell located in the Far Eastern Fells of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. It stands at a modest height of 533 meters (1,749 feet) and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
How do I reach Arthur's Pike?
The most popular starting point to access Arthur's Pike is from the village of Pooley Bridge. There are several walking routes available, all offering different levels of difficulty. One of the most commonly used paths starts from Roehead car park, situated a short distance from Pooley Bridge.
How long does it take to hike Arthur's Pike?
The duration of the hike largely depends on your fitness level and the route you choose. On average, it takes between 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit from Pooley Bridge. This estimate includes time for breaks and enjoying the panoramic view from the top.
What can I expect to see from Arthur's Pike?
The summit of Arthur's Pike rewards hikers with magnificent views over Ullswater, one of England's most beautiful lakes. On a clear day, you can also catch sight of the surrounding Fells, including Helvellyn and the Eastern Fells. The incredible scenery makes it an ideal spot for photography.
Are there any noteworthy landmarks near Arthur's Pike?
Yes, there are a few notable landmarks in the vicinity of Arthur's Pike. Nearby, you will find Bonscale Tower, an intriguing fortified tower dating back to the 15th century. Additionally, Heughscar Hill Fort, a well-preserved Iron Age fort, is located a short distance away.
Is Arthur's Pike suitable for beginners?
Yes, Arthur's Pike is a great choice for beginners and families looking to enjoy a scenic hike in the Lake District. The ascent is generally gentle, and there are no technical difficulties involved. However, it is always advisable to wear appropriate footwear and carry essentials like water, snacks, and a map.
Can I bring my dog along on the hike to Arthur's Pike?
Absolutely! Arthur's Pike is dog-friendly, so you are more than welcome to bring your furry friend along for the adventure. It is important to keep your dog under control and clean up after them to maintain the park's cleanliness and respect other.
Is Arthur’s Pike a Wainwright?
Yes, Arthur’s Pike is a Wainwright. Alfred Wainwright documented Arthur’s Pike in his second volume of The Pictorial Guides To The Lakeland Fells, The Far Eastern Fells.
RELATED POSTS
Anon M4 | Ski Goggle Review
The opinions expressed in this review are my own and I am not paid by the brand. If this review helps you decide that the Anon M4 is the goggle for you, consider using the affiliate links to support the website. These links will provide a small commission to me at no extra cost to you.
Burton owned, Anon have been making quality ski and snowboard goggles for a number of years now. Their factory in Burlington Vermont is clearly a home of innovation and the M4 is the pinnacle of that process. The M4 is the top of the line goggle from Anon featuring, all the tech but still remaining good value.
ANON M4 OVERVIEW
Ok, you read it, I said that the Anon M4 remains good value. It is hard to justify that sentence for a £260 goggle but let me try. In the box you get; one goggle frame, two Perceive lenses and an MFI facemask, which is life-changing! The Anon M4 has everything you would expect from a top-end goggle.
The Anon M4 is unique in that the frame fits two lens shapes; Toric and Cylindrical. Anon M4 Toric lenses offer the widest field of view with that wrap around look that has become so popular. The Anon M4 Cylindrical lenses still offer a great field of view but with a more classic throwback style. The great thing about the Anon M4 ski goggles design is that you can mix and match the lens styles and swap out both Toric and Cylindrical lenses.
As you’d expect from a top end goggle, the Anon M4 has been designed to fit well with helmets. Anon make helmets as well, however I feel this goggle has fitted well with my Giro Combyn helmet over the last few seasons. The large frame design may not be to everyones taste, but if you like big frames the Anon M4 is a solid choice.
The key selling point for the Anon M4 goggle has to revolve around the intuitive MAGNA-TECH technology. Anon use magnets in both the lenses and their facemasks to ensure a seamless integration with the goggle frame. Changing the lens on an Anon M4 is this simple.
ANON M4 KEY FEATURES
Unisex frame
Thinner face foam used to ensure a close fit and optimising the field of view.
Triple-layer face foam incorporates a fleece layer that acts to wick moisture away from the skin and provide comfort, whilst adding two layers of foam for a snug seal and comfortable fit.
Light yet sturdy frame holds shape well ensuring a consistent and comfortable fit. There is some play in the frame allowing for slight movements and added comfort.
Ideally suited to medium and large face shapes.
Compatible with helmets (Best to try with yours before you buy).
MFI allows for facemasks to seamlessly attach to the goggle creating a full barrier to the elements. MFI is quick and easy with one hand movement.
Included MFI facemasks allow for ventilation and I have had no fogging issues.
The large frame is OTG compatible, so glasses wearers should be able to wear their frames underneath without discomfort. (Side note: I wear an insert with my prescription inside the goggle and this works great).
Price is all inclusive of MFI face mask, two lenses, goggle bag, and lens protective case.
MAGNA-TECH utilises 9 magnets to hold the lens in place. Strong enough to hold the lens in but still easy to change!
SONAR or PERCEIVE Lenses provide high-contrast and clarity.
ANON M4 goggle comes with hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings. These help the lenses avoid scratches and finger prints.
ANON Warranty - I have used the Warranty system in the past and they resolved my issue quickly and effectively. I have had no issues with my M4 goggles.
ANON M4 FIRST IMPRESSIONS
From initial look the Anon M4 is a great goggle. The first thing I normally check on goggles is the lens change. I want this to be easy so that I don’t have to faff on a mountain. Remember, that if its taking you time to do it indoors it will probably take you longer on the hill. Fair to say that the M4 has the best lens change out of any goggle I have previously tried.
Looking at the frame it is sturdy with a little bit of give. The foam closest to your face is fleece lined which adds another level of comfort. Sticking with the foam theme, there is what Anon call the ‘Full perimeter vent channel’ which allows air to circulate through the goggle preventing fogging. As expected the strap is backed with silicone to stop slip off helmets.
Another nice touch is the spare lens comes in a sturdy case to give you a bit more confidence if you are riding around with your spare lens in your pocket.
HOW GOOD ARE THE ANON M4 SKI GOGGLES
I have ridden with the Anon M4 ski goggle for a number of seasons now and it’s fair to say it’s my favourite goggle. There are plenty of reasons to like the Anon M4 but i’ll break down some of my favourites below.
ANON M4 FIELD OF VISION
The wide field of view on the Anon M4 gives you plenty of peripheral vision. The close to face design of the goggle frame ensures their are no blind spots or obstructions. The larger design does help in this regard and the Toric lenses will offer a greater field of view than the Cylindrical lenses.
ANON M4 LENSES
A while back I compared the Anon M4 Sonar lenses to Prism and Chromapop in this video. I was impressed by how the Sonar lenses performed in low light conditions, although I did say the Chromapop Lenses used on the Smith IO MAG outperformed Sonar, Anon have since upgraded their lenses.
Anon introduced PERCEIVE LENSES which has stepped up the performance in contrast lenses. Whereas contrast lenses traditionally target the Blue section of the colour spectrum (enhancing snow definition) Anon argued that although making the appearance of snow clearer, this approach compromised the natural appearance of the rest of the picture (trees, sky, buildings etc). PERCEIVE Lenses reduce the effect of 3 sections of the visual light spectrum resulting in a more neutral appearance, whilst still enhancing snow definition.
PERCEIVE LENSES ANON
Looking at the above chart the areas where you see a depression represent colour enhancement. This picture shows that PERCEIVE LENSES not only target the blue light but also green and red light.
PERCEIVE lenses also have the following protective coatings:
Hydrophobic - The hydrophobic coating works to repel moisture from the surface of the lens allowing it to run off and be channeled away easily.
Orleophobic - The Orleophobic coating prevents finger prints or smudges from forming on the lens.
HOW EASY IS THE LENS TO CHANGE
The easiest on the market. Nothing more really needs to be said.
ANON M4 FOGGING
I was initially worried that the integrated face mask would cause fogging, it doesn’t. The whole system works really well and aided by the full perimeter ventilation you can be sure of fog free days.
ANON M4 COMFORT
The Anon M4 has a larger nose bridge which for me makes a more comfortable goggle. Despite having a larger bridge there are no gaps in the goggle with foam preventing unnecessary wind access. Added fleece makes for a comfortable layer against your skin with a firmer foam keeping the goggles shape. One of the best comfort features on the Anon M4 is the MFI face mask. Whether its a; neck tube, balaclava or a hood, the MFI ensures a seamless fit and a complete barrier to the elements.
ANON M4 DURABILITY
I have ridden with the Anon ski goggle regularly since 2019. In that time, they have been well looked after but accidents do happen. Having crashed or fallen on many an occasion whilst wearing the Anon M4 goggle I can attest that they have stood the test of time. The frame is firm enough to prevent it from being easily damaged and the strap is in good condition having been worn under a helmet.
The main concern that people seem to have with magnetic lens ski goggles is whether they hold the lens when you fall. I can honestly say that the lens has not come out of my Anon M4 on impact. Furthermore, if it were to come out I am pretty sure you may have bigger worries. With that in mind, the lenses have also proved durable taking impact whilst resisting any major scratches.
ANON M4 STYLE
There is plenty of choice with the Anon M4 ski goggle. Available not just in a range of colourways but also with a choice of lenses. Like the alien from another planet look then opt for M4 Toric Lenses. Alternatively, choose the M4 Cylindrical Lenses for that old school look. Can’t make up your mind, well no worries, just mix and match the lenses as they will both fit the same frame.
I like the larger frame goggle look so these are perfect for me.
If you wear the Anon M4, let me know what you think below in the comments.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE ANON M4
Magna-tech lens changes are by far the fastest and easiest I have ever tried. I would struggle to go back to another system.
MFI face mask is also a game-changer. Seamless integration with the goggle to create a barrier to the elements.
The Anon M4 comes with two lenses as standard. This means you should be sorted for all conditions.
The lens case that comes with the Anon M4 ski goggle is a nice touch.
WHAT I DISLIKE ABOUT THE ANON M4
The price. This is a top-end goggle and as such you are looking a spending a few pennies to pay for them. Now they have been out a few years, it is possible to find old colourways for slightly cheaper.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Anon M4 is a fantastic goggle that firmly sits as my favourite out of the goggles I have tried. Having previously been disappointed with the performance of the Anon M3 goggle this is certainly a step up. The money is worth spending if you are a regular skier or snowboarder and will get use out of them. Otherwise there are cheaper alternatives like the Anon Sync that you could consider.
Affiliate Links
These are all retailers that I have used for a number of years and in the case of some have worked for. The service is great and they stock incredible products. Purchasing through these links provides a small commission to support the site at no extra cost to you.
Ellis Brigham: https://tinyurl.com/y5h5efam
The Snowboard Asylum: https://tinyurl.com/y429d29h
SHOP ANON M4 SKI GOGGLE
SHOP ALTERNATIVES
Raise Ski Resort Guide
When I first heard about Raise I thought it was a joke. Being from the south of England and growing up wishing for just one white Christmas I just hadn’t considered that further north the conditions would be in place to run a ski tow. Older and wiser Raise, now my local ski resort, is the home to the Lake District Ski Club who operate the tow at Raise.
RAISE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The ski tow at Raise is a good one hour walk from the car park. I arrived on the Glennridding side and parked up by YHA Helvellyn. From the moment I parked up I began to get a feel for Raise. Welcomed by another enthusiastic skier, I was getting my first impressions of the community feel. We began the walk in the sun with snow a distant sight, but gradually ascended towards the snow line. It dawned on me that there will be no apres crowd here. Everyone at Raise is there for the skiing, this left me even more excited to meet other like minded souls.
As we reached the snow line, the members hut and the tow lift became visible and everything was feeling more real!
RAISE SKI AREA
The ski area at Raise is small but offers 9 ungroomed runs. Snow fences are used to trap the majority of the snow and ensure that the Cumbria’s windy conditions don’t spoil all the fun! The ski area offers opportunity to explore further with backcountry routes possible on The Dodds and Helvellyn. The longest run at Raise is nearly a mile long, which pails in comparison to the 16km offering at Bansko but I know where I had more fun.
Two runs of note are Savages Gully and Presidents Run. Savages Gully was the original run at Raise dating back to the use of a tractor tow whereas Presidents Run is the easy route back down to the base, named after a former ski club president who wasn’t very capable.
The views from the ski area are impressive with views across Ullswater and Thirlmere. From the top of Raise you can see across to Helvellyn which is impressive covered in snow.
LIFTS AT RAISE
There is one lift at Raise ski resort. A simple button tow lift that runs 360m up to the top of Raise. The Lake District Ski Club was founded in 1936 and has run a tow maintained by the club members ever since. The lift operates around 60 days during a good winter with maintenance meetings taking place during the summer to ensure everything is in working condition.
RAISE SNOW RECORD
Unlike skiing and snowboarding in the Alps the annual snowfall at Raise is unlikely to be massive. But a little bit of snow can offer up some fantastic conditions. Depending on the year the amount of days Raise is open can vary greatly but good years offer the potential for 40-60 days of lift assisted snowboarding in the Lakes!
SEASON DATES
Although never consistent it is possible for the season to start at Raise in November. There will be periods throughout the winter without enough snow to run but as the video above shows… good years can offer snow in May!
RAISE LIFT TICKETS
MEMBER LIFT TICKETS
Member season passes are £50 and allow for unlimited use of the lift tow on Raise.
DAY PASSES
A day of skiing at Raise will cost £30 for non members although depending on conditions and time of arrival discounts are offered.
TRAVEL TO RAISE
WHERE IS RAISE?
The easiest route up to Raise is from the village of Glenridding. There is a car park at the end of a long road between Glenridding and the YHA Helvellyn. This road is more gravel then road and when covered in snow would require winter tyres and snow chains for non 4x4 vehicles. The car park is reserved for hostel guests and ski club members so if you are neither of these things you will need to walk the track from Glenridding.
HOW TO GET TO RAISE
Getting to Raise will require a one hour walk up hill to the tow. The route follows a winding track up to raise. You should be well equipped with correct footwear and if you can carry your ski’s/board on a rucksack you will be happier. I walked up day one in snowboard boots which was fine, but day two I opted for walking shoes and was much more comfortable.
Depending on the amount of snow it is possible to skin up from the snow line. If you have touring gear this will make your ascent much quicker.
RAISE PROS
Ski resort in England
Really nice community run ski resort
Ski all winter as a member for £50
Spectacular setting with awesome views of the Lake District Fells
RAISE CONS
Unreliable snow.
GET IN TOUCH
Thanks for reading this Raise ski resort review and I hope it has answered many of your questions. I’ve given my opinion but I’d love to hear from you in the comments or via the socials. Have you been to Raise ski resort? What were your opinions? Are there better ski resorts in the UK?
CARE TO SHARE?
IF YOU FOUND THIS POST USEFUL AND YOU THINK IT MAY ALSO HELP OTHERS, PLEASE LIKE, SHARE AND COMMENT TO PROMOTE IT TO OTHERS
RELATED SNOWBOARDING POSTS
Mt Hutt Ski Area By Ability
Mt Hutt ski resort is consistently voted New Zealand’s best ski resort. Receiving more snow than other resorts and offering an incredible level of customer service, my trip to Mt Hutt was one to remember. Its location in the Southern Alps with scenic views across Canterbury is special and its rugged terrain makes it a fantastic resort to explore. Let’s look a little deeper into the terrain at Mt Hutt and have a look at what is available for each ability level.
Mt Hutt Ski Resort
MT HUTT OVERVIEW
Mt Hutt ski resort has a good range of terrain with interesting off-piste, terrain parks and well-maintained groomers. Mt Hutt is a large bowl with the majority of runs leading back down to the base lodge, although some do run lower. This makes it a great place for families or groups travelling with different ability levels. Mt Hutt receives around 4m of snow each winter and supplements this with extensive snow cannon coverage. When the conditions are good at Mt Hutt, everything is a go with chutes and steeps to keep the most hardened snowboarders entertained. In lean snow years, there may be a lack of coverage on the off-piste terrain but the resort does a great job of keeping the pistes covered and building terrain parks. There is a total of 40km of pistes at Mt Hutt with the majority of trails aimed towards intermediate riders. There are no trees at Mt Hutt which can leave you feeling exposed on those bad weather days.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT MT HUTT
Not known for its beginner terrain Mt Hutt may not be the first choice for New Zealand ski-lessons. Uniquely, Mt Hutt offers free skiing to anyone under 10 which makes it a fantastic option for families. In regards to terrain, there is a beginner area ‘Skiwiland’ at the base which is serviced by a slow magic carpet. This is a pretty decent gradient for those first-turns and not too intimidating. When the confidence is flowing beginners can head to the Quad Chair and enjoy two winding greens; Inside Leg and Highway 72 that lead back to the base. The more adventurous can head to the Summit Six where you will be met with stunning views and Morning Glory, a mellow blue that leads to Lower Fascination.
Mt Hutt has its own ski school that offers ski and snowboard lessons to groups and privates.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT MT HUTT
Mt Hutt is a mountain that can really grow confidence in intermediate riders. There really is nowhere inbounds that you couldn’t explore and there are plenty of runs to keep you interested. Mt Hutt has some great groomed terrain where it is possible to push those speeds and enjoy the views. Intermediates will want to head straight to the Summit Six chair where Upper Fascination is popular. Those with a sense of adventure will want to take Virgin Mile. Virgin Mile not only offers panoramic views across Canterbury but there are a number of opportunities to drop into interesting black runs; Platter Splatter, Hydro Slide and High and Low Dive.
If freestyle is more your thing then intermediates will enjoy the progression park and the features alongside Highway 72. Both parks have a nice flow and provide incremental difficulty that will have you shredding the large park in no time.
MT HUTT PISTE MAP
Mt Hutt Ski Resort Piste Map
ADVANCED TERRAIN MT HUTT
Mt Hutt has a high proportion of black graded terrain and its South Face area is home to some challenging Black Diamonds. This makes Mt Hutt a great resort to visit as an advanced skier or snowboarder. Some of the best terrain requires a hike or a long traverse but this is ok as it means these areas are less crowded. The Towers was our favourite area at Mt Hutt as there are a number of interesting chutes and routes back down into the resort. Advanced skiers and snowboarders may also like the terrain at The Bluffs and out of the resort down Rakaia Saddle Chutes.
Mt Hutt offers some great off-piste terrain but that isn’t all it has to offer. Mt Hutt has a pretty good terrain park set up with a really nice progression throughout the different parks. There is a large park under the quad chair that advanced freestyle snowboarders will enjoy.
GET IN TOUCH
As always, thanks for reading this post but now it is time to hear from you! Have you visited Mt Hutt? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments… Which run was your favourite? Do you think the resort is best suited to advanced or intermediate skiers and snowboarders?
PIN IT FOR LATER
Everything You Need To Know About Heavenly Ski Resorts California Side | Video
Looking at the Heavenly ski resort map you will see that the resort is split across two US states; California and Nevada. It is possible to ski between the two sides however having an understanding about what each side has to offer can help save you time and potentially effort traversing. This post is all about Heavenly ski resorts California side but if you want to take a tour of the California side be sure to watch the video below.
HEAVENLY VILLAGE
Heavenly has a purpose-built resort village with; restaurants, accommodation and shops. For a full overview of the Heavenly Village Map look here. For visitors staying in the village, the Heavenly gondola is probably the route they will choose to access the mountain. The heavenly village provides the most direct route into the centre of Heavenly ski resort via the gondola. Unloading at Tamarack Lodge, the Heavenly gondola takes 15 minutes from the village to reach the top. The views from the gondola are worth the journey alone with an open panorama looking back at Lake Tahoe. If you need to park, then consider avoiding the gondola and instead head to California Lodge. Parking at the Heavenly gondola costs around $25 per day, whereas parking at California Lodge is free.
CALIFORNIA LODGE
A short drive from the Heavenly Village and you will be at California Lodge. California lodge offers two routes of uplifting onto the mountain, The Tram and Gunbarrel Express. The Heavenly Tram uplifts around 650 people per hour from the California Lodge car park to the top of Patsys run. The Tram is a popular method of getting onto the mountain but personally, I prefer the Gunbarrel Express chair. Gunbarrel Express runs parallel to the Heavenly Tram and uplifts to a very similar drop off point, the top of Paty’s run. A four-person quad chair, I prefer to ride Gunbarrel as you can ski off away from the lift with your gear already on. Just makes for a faster start to the day.
From the top of Gunbarrel or The Tram, you will find yourself at the top of Patsy’s run with two options… one take Patsy’s run or head down The Face, where you will find a number of Double Black Diamond graded trails and the perfectly groomed blue, World Cup.
Patsy’s is a mellow green and with its own chairlift, this is a popular place for people to learn. The area can get busy as it is an access point to the mountain but this clears outside of peak times. At the bottom of Patsy’s run, you will find two further chairlifts.
GROOVE CHAIR
The Groove runs parallel to Patsy’s chair and accesses the first of two terrain parks on the California side. The Groove Park is great with a beginners line that features small jumps and ride on box features. There is are also some larger jumps, two medium and two large, at the top of the Groove Park with a rail garden following both these lines. The rail garden allows for progression from the ride on boxes found in the small line. The Groove Park laps back down to the Groove Chair meaning you can just lap until your legs are done. The Groove chair is a slow 2 person chair but it gives a great view of the features as you ride back up.
POWDERBOWL EXPRESS
If you want to access further Heavenly ski resort terrain, you will want to take the Powderbowl Express chair. This fast 6 person lift takes you to the top of Powderbowl Woods. This area has a few Black Diamond graded trails, with bumps found on Powder Line and Waterfall. One of the most fun trails here is Mombo, a blue groomer that just feels great to bomb first thing in the morning.
If you want to head further into the resort, take the bottom of Ridge Run towards the Sky Deck.
SKY DECK
Sky Deck offers some really cool outside dining and access to two of the most popular chairs on the California side; Canyon Express and Sky Express. On the weekends this area can become hectic so potentially it is best to avoid it.
CANYON EXPRESS
Canyon Express Chair is one of my favourites on the California side. Shorter and less crowded than the Sky Express it accesses my favourite groomed run High Five. High Five is one of a few really nice groomed runs off the Canyon Express that are perfect to explore first thing in the morning.
SKY EXPRESS
Sky Express gives you some fantastic options with it possible to ride down Ridge Run back towards Canyon or Powderbowl Express chairs. My favourite option from here however is to take the Skyline trail and then find a spot to drop into the Ski Ways Glades or Pinnacles. These two areas have some really fun tree skiing and allow you to get away from the crowded groomers.
Skyline trail will also take you all the way over to Milky Way and the Nevada Side, but as this post is about California I’ll save that for another day.
Interested in Nevada Side Click Here.
From Skyline Trail you can take California Trail and Cascade, two fun Blues that will take you to the Tamarack Lodge and the top of Heavenly Gondola. Perfect if you want to head into the village for some lunch. Staying on the mountain? Well, the area around Tamarack Lodge is a base for ski school, with Easy Street and Big Easy perfect learner trails. There is also a Tubing Hill and Mountain Coaster found here in the Adventure Peak area.
The Tamarack Express is a fast 6 person chair that will give you access to California trail for the traverse back to California Lodge. The trails off the Tamarack Express are shorter than off Sky Express but are perfectly suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
CALIFORNIA SIDE BEST FOR…
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
The ski school is based at Bear Cave near Tamarack Lodge with good access to Easy Street. This is a pretty good place to learn as the lodge is nearby if you need some rest. There is also progression close by with the opportunity to take the Tamarack Express to access some blue terrain.
Similarly, there is beginners terrain at California Lodge with Green runs Puma Trail and Enchanted Forest of the First Ride chairlift. There is another ski school base at California Lodge.
BEST FOR INTERMEDIATES
For me, its a choice of two places on the California side, either the Powderbowl Express or Canyon Express chairs. I am excluding the Tamarack Express as the runs there are quite short and could become boring very quickly. The runs off the Powderbowl Express chair are really fun having already mentioning Mombo. The Powderbowl Woods are a great place for intermediates to get their first experiences of glade skiing or snowboarding. Similarly, High Five and Ridge Run, accessed from the Canyon Express chair are great for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Nice long groomed trails, leading back to the chairlift for another lap.
BEST FOR ADVANCED
It is hard to look past The Face for challenging terrain on the California side. The runs back down Gunbarrel and East Bowl are legendary and the moguls here are some of the largest on the mountain.
High Roller Park
High Roller Park has features much larger than I feel comfortable riding so would offer those with a freestyle focus more challenge than the Groove Park.
BEST FOOD WITH A VIEW
The best views from a restaurant on the California side at Heavenly has to be Booyah’s, Lakeview Lodge. The Lakeview Lodge has an outside terrace with uninterrupted views of Lake Tahoe. The Lodge can be found adjacent to the Heavenly Tram, near California Lodge.
BEST DRINK STOP
If you are looking for a place to celebrate your last run, or just have a cold one at lunchtime then Steins is a pretty good place to do it. Steins can be found next to Patsy’s and have lots of outdoor seating with deck chairs. If you have weary legs this is the best place to reboot.
BEST VIEW CALIFORNIA SIDE
At the top of Sky Express, there is a ski patrol station. Directly opposite, near the ski area boundary line, there is a scenic photo spot. Take off your ski’s and your board and head through the trees where it will open up to views across to Nevada. Stunning!
In terms of views from a run, the views from The Face or Gunbarrel looking back over Lake Tahoe are also pretty epic.
LOOKING FOR MORE HEAVENLY INSPIRATION? CHECK OUT THESE RELATED POSTS
GET IN TOUCH
You’ve heard from me, now it’s your turn to get involved! Have you visited Heavenly Ski Resort? What is your favourite run on the California side? Do you prefer skiing at Heavenly California or Heavenly Nevada? Let me know in the comments or via socials.
PIN IT FOR LATER
Best Snowboard Shops Heavenly
When heading out on your ski trip finding the right equipment or place to tune your gear can be really important. Regardless of age or ability, you will want to find the best equipment at the lowest prices but most importantly get top advice. Well, South Lake Tahoe has a ton of ski and snowboard shops and I visited them all before breaking them down into this list. The ski shops on this list will guarantee to have you heading out the door with high-quality gear so you can make the most of your day on the snow.
THE VILLAGE BOARD SHOP
Hands down the best service I received whilst in Heavenly was at The Village Board Shop. The team at VBS was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful but not in a pushy kind of way. VBS is split across two floors with the downstairs being the location for their rental gear. You will also find your accessories downstairs with displays for; goggles, gloves, socks etc. Upstairs is where it gets interesting for me as this is where the hard goods are found. VBS had a good selection of snowboards with brands like; Jones, Salomon, and Nitro available. Even better they had a couple of last year’s boards available at pretty decent prices. When it comes to bindings and boots VBS had a decent selection of beginner through advanced gear with Union Bindings and a good selection of boot brands including; Thirty Two and Vans.
VBS can also take care of your tuning needs and I used their workshop for a full tune on my board. I was pretty happy with the finish and would use them again.
Probably worth mentioning if you are looking for ski gear then VBS isn’t going to be the store for you.
The Village Board Shop is a short drive from Heavenly Village and the main hub of accommodations but it is worth it. At VBS they do get less foot traffic due to their location but this means you get a better service as there are fewer customers in the store at one time.
FINDING VBS
If you are driving there is space for one car in front of the store, but there is parking around the back. To get to the store you will need to head along Route 50 towards the Bijou golf course. You should see the big VBS sign from the road.
SHORELINE OF TAHOE
If you are looking for a ski shop on the Nevada side then look no further than Shoreline. Shoreline probably had the best selection of equipment and outerwear out of all the ski stores at Heavenly. The vibe at Shoreline was pretty relaxed which is really nice for an American shopping experience with staff giving you the time to browse without being hassled.
Shoreline had a good selection of snowboards and splitboards, as well as probably one of the larger boot collections out of the various South Lake Tahoe stores. Shoreline does have a rental department and a tuning workshop so you can ensure your gear is in perfect condition.
I visited Shoreline in search of snowboard boots and I was really impressed with the knowledge of the staff and how un-pushy they were when it came to making a sale. I was a much more relaxed shopper in this environment and it made for a really nice experience.
Check out the shoreline website
FINDING SHORELINE
Getting to Shoreline is fairly simple although you will have to leave the Heavenly village area and cross the Stateline. There is ample parking outside the store and if you are hungry after all that shopping you can grab a decent burger next door.
SPORTS LTD
Possibly the biggest shop for outdoor gear at Heavenly is Tahoe Sports Ltd. Sports Ltd is basically a one-stop-shop for; skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers, walkers, campers, and fishermen. In terms of ski and snowboard gear Sports Ltd has a good selection of hardware and soft-goods from big-name brands; Salomon, Jones, Armada, Black Diamond, and Capita but also makes room in its line up for the likes of Academy.
Sports LTD South Lake Tahoe
Sports Ltd is ideally located for those based in Heavenly Village and is one of the stores accessible without the need for a car. Because of its location, it gets a lot of custom and you can spend time waiting to be served at the peak periods. I was pretty happy with the service I received in Sports Ltd who helped me to deal with a warranty replacement, although it did seem like they didn’t really want to help initially.
If you are looking for one store that has all your needs covered then Tahoe Sports Ltd could be the best option for you. Check out their website here.
FINDING SPORTS LTD
Head towards the Heavenly gondola and in the retail park next door, you will find two Sports Ltd stores. One store is specifically for rentals and the main store has all the gear that’s for sale.
THE BOARDINGHOUSE LAKE TAHOE
The Boardinghouse Lake Tahoe gets an honorable mention on this list. The boardinghouse isn’t the largest store in Tahoe and it doesn’t have the greatest range of equipment but it is a great snowboard store. There is a refined list of brands and equipment for retail at The Boardinghouse and they have narrowed their offering to the brands they clearly trust. The friendly retail staff is on hand to assist with any questions and they are clearly knowledgeable about the products they sell. If you are not looking for a massive collection but instead want to find the most trusted brands in snowboarding, head to The Boardinghouse.
The BoardingHouse South Lake Tahoe
GET IN TOUCH
I have had my say, now it’s time to have yours… What is your favourite ski shop at Heavenly ski resort? Where has the best deals? And who provides the best service? Let me know in the comments or via the socials.
CARE TO SHARE?
IF YOU FOUND THIS POST USEFUL AND YOU THINK IT MAY ALSO HELP OTHERS, PLEASE LIKE, SHARE AND COMMENT TO PROMOTE IT TO OTHERS
PIN IT FOR LATER
Tips For Skiing and Snowboarding In Early Season
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING IN EARLY SEASON CONDITIONS ISN’T ALWAYS EASY OR NICE. WHETHER THERE IS POOR SNOW COVERAGE OR ICY RUNS, THE FOLLOWING TIPS SHOULD HELP YOU HAVE FUN AND STAY SAFE WHILST OUT ON THE SLOPES.
SNOWBOARD TO YOUR ABILITY
The early season is not the time to be pushing yourself. For most of us, early ski season is exciting as it will represent our first laps on snow for a period of months. These early days are a great opportunity to get on snow and get your body warmed up for the months ahead. So during this time keep to trails that you feel comfortable on and make sure to warm up before hitting the hill.
MAKE CONTROLLED TURNS
When adding together your first turns in months with the potential for poor snow conditions, accidents could happen. With this in mind, it’s better to slow things down and make controlled turns. By slowing down your riding in the early season you will better understand what is happening beneath your feet and prevent unwanted early-season injuries.
Photo Credit: @koudy1
LOOK AHEAD DOWN THE PISTES
Looking ahead and down the piste will help you spot any dangers or obstacles in your way. Early season snow is prone to rocks or icy patches and by keeping your eyes on your path you will be able to see them sooner meaning you can avoid them or react accordingly.
Photo Credit: @fr3nks
BEND THOSE KNEES
Flexibility at the knees is important for your stability on your skis or snowboard. By having some movement and less rigidity in your lower body you will be able to absorb any bumps in the snow and ride it out over those icy patches. Your knees will act to absorb the impact caused by bumpy snow or those pesky rocks peaking through the early season coverage.
Photo Credit: @maarten_jpg
STICK TO THE SIDES OF THE RUNS
In the early season with limited open terrain, ski resorts can get busy! Most people will ride down the centre of the runs meaning the snow quality can become sketchy with poor coverage. Try snowboarding at the side of the run where theoretically there is less traffic. At the sides, you should find better snow which will help give you confidence in your edge hold.
SCOPE YOUR RUN FROM THE CHAIRLIFT
Chairlifts are not just for a chat. Riding the chair is a great chance to see the pistes from a new perspective allowing you to make out any runs with poor conditions so they can be avoided. Scoping pistes from the chair will also help you avoid those runs that are overcrowded.
Photo Credit: @pamsaunders
FIND YOUR SPACE
There are not many things more annoying than setting yourself up for a turn only to realise your about to get cut up by someone who has snaked your run. In the early season when the pistes can become overcrowded, take your time and wait until you have enough clear space to make the turns you want. Anyway, its the perfect time to stop and enjoy the view!
I hope the above tips help you to start the season in a positive way and make the most of your days on snow. Avoiding injury early and building up your ‘ski legs’ will hopefully help you have a longer and more enjoyable season.
GET IN TOUCH
I’d love to hear from you in the comments or via socials... How do you look after yourself during the early season? Do you take any precautions or do you just do your normal thing?
PIN IT FOR LATER
CARE TO SHARE?
If you enjoy the content on this site, please like, share and comment to promote it to others.
Snowboard Camber Profiles Explained
When shopping for a snowboard you will come across a number of terms for a snowboard profile. Essentially the profile of a snowboard is whether the board curves up from the snow, down towards the snow or a combination of the two. You can see this shape clearly by looking from the side or placing the board on a flat surface. Terminology like camber, rocker, or hybrid camber describes this profile. This post attempts to go through all the available snowboard profiles and discuss the pros and cons of each profile.
WHAT IS A SNOWBOARD PROFILE
A snowboard or camber profile describes how a snowboard looks when it is laid on a flat surface. This profile will affect how the snowboard performs and feels across various terrain. Traditionally snowboards have a camber that raises in the middle of the board causing an arch. Over time this has been adapted and refined to produce a variety of snowboard camber shapes that will help improve board feel and can be matched to riding style.
Learning about snowboard profiles will help you choose a snowboard that matches your riding style or the type of terrain you wish to ride. An example would be the use of rocker in the nose of your snowboard to improve performance in deeper snow or a flat camber profile to make your board stable at speed. Below the most popular camber profiles are discussed.
TYPES OF CAMBER PROFILE
CAMBER
A full or traditional camber snowboard is the original snowboard profile. At the beginning of the sport, this is how boards were made and that was your choice. Although there have been many developments in snowboard profile there is a hardcore of snowboarders who would still maintain that a traditional camber snowboard is the best snowboard profile.
A traditional camber snowboard arc’s up in the middle of the board and returns to the snow at the contact points. This arc or camber allows the rider to build up pop for jumps and ollies and will increase the snowboards edge hold when carving. Camber snowboards feel stable and reliable and they handle speed with ease. Camber profiles are found in advanced carving or jump focussed snowboards as they are stable and have lots of pop.
Camber profiles can be ridden by beginners and in powder however, both of these tasks are made harder by using a full camber snowboard. In powder, the camber will not help you to keep the nose of the board above the snow and you may be more prone to back leg burn in deeper conditions. As a beginner learning on a cambered snowboard could set you up as if you can ride a camber you can ride it all… but be wary of catching an edge. Camber snowboards keep the contact points close to the snow so it is more likely you may catch an edge regularly until you are confident.
FLAT CAMBER
Flat camber snowboards have no arc meaning that they remain flat from the tip to the tail. Flat camber snowboards are a less aggressive version of a cambered snowboard. They will remain stable at speed and will be nice to carve and in addition, will be better in powder than a traditional camber snowboard. This is because a flat camber snowboard has more surface area in contact with the snow, making it harder to sink.
Flat camber boards can feel a bit lifeless and lack the pop of traditional camber boards and they also lack the forgivingness of a rocker snowboard for beginners.
REVERSE CAMBER
Reverse camber or rocker snowboard profiles are essentially the opposite of a camber profile. The arc of a reverse camber board is away from the snow, lifting the contact points in the process. This results in a banana shape that is easier to ride for beginners as you are extremely unlikely to catch an edge. Reverse camber snowboards also are great fun to ride in powder as the reverse camber lifts the nose and tail above the snow. Reverse camber snowboards are also easier to press but there are the following downsides.
Because of the nature of the rocker lifting the contact points away from the snow reverse camber boards can be unstable when ridden at faster speeds. If you are into ripping up groomers, then avoid a rocker as it will feel loose. As the contact points are lifted from the snow a rocker snowboard will struggle more for edge hold in icy conditions. This is sometimes counteracted by increasing the number of contact points along the edge.
CAMROCK
CamRock is a hybrid snowboard profile that combines the best characteristics of camber and reverse camber to make a truly versatile shape. Camrock snowboards have camber under the feet but add rocker to the nose and tail. This profile allows for the snowboard to be stable at speed and have great edge hold but be less catchy when initiating turns. Other benefits of a camrock snowboard are that they will float better in powder than their traditional camber counterparts and have more pop than a reverse camber board.
ROCK OUT CAMBER
Rock Out Camber is a hybrid camber profile found on some Salomon Snowboards. The rock out camber profile is similar to a camrock board but adds a flat section between the bindings. This combination of rocker, camber and flat sections provides versatile performance benefits. A rock out camber snowboard will float well in powder, have lots of pop and be stable at speed. This profile is found in some of Salomon’s most popular boards including the Assassin and Villain.
POW ROCKER
Powder boards often have the most interesting designs and the use of a pow rocker profile will help the boards performance in deeper snow. Pow Rocker is essentially a long elongated rockered nose section alongside either a flat or camber section towards the tail of the board. This design will lift the nose of the snowboard out of the snowmaking it perfect for powder days. The camber towards the tail of the board will allow you to carve and power yourself out of turns whilst riding on the piste.
3BT
3BT or TBT is found on Bataleon, Lobster and Whitegold snowboards. 3BT is different from the other profiles discussed as it affects the base not just the profile of the snowboard. 3BT boards are all traditional camber snowboards however the base of a 3BT snowboard is split into three sections. A flat section in the middle and two bevelled sections on the sides. By bevelling the base upwards from the snow Bataleon have created a rocker on the base which makes their snowboards more forgiving. 3BT boards have become really popular as they have shown to improve powder performance and prevent edge catch whilst maintaining a stable ride due to the traditional camber sections.
SNOWBOARD PROFILES BY RIDING STYLE
BEST FOR CARVING
If carving is your main focus then you are going to want some elements of camber in your snowboard profile. As discussed above a camber profile is stable at high speeds and offers great edge hold. By choosing a snowboard that runs a traditional camber from tip to tail you will have the highest level of carving performance. Traditional camber is often found on race/alpine boards designed to go fast and without compromise.
BEST FOR POWDER
If you want to ride in powder effortlessly then you will want some form of rocker added to your snowboard. Any board with a rocker in the nose and tail will help you to stay above the snow. By adding rocker to a longer nose and a directional shape, you will be slashing pow with ease.
BEST FOR JUMPS
If you want to hit big booters than you really want to have a camber underneath your bindings. Having a camber under the centre of your snowboard will allow you to generate extra pop on take-offs and will give you a stable base for landings. Camber boards will also allow you to carve up the take-off to get that spin started.
BEST FOR BUTTERS
To make buttering easy you could opt for a reverse camber snowboard. A full rocker snowboard will allow you to spin your ground tricks without fear of catching an edge. If you didn’t want to sacrifice performance elsewhere consider a camrock profile with rocker on tip/tail. This should still make butters easier but will still give you pop.
BEST FOR RAILS
If you are looking for a catch-free rail board you could consider a flat or reverse camber profile. Both these profiles may feel a bit lifeless on jumps so you may be better served with a hybrid profile. By choosing a hybrid profile you will still generate the pop to jump onto rails but your contact points will be lifted away from the rail. 3BT is another great profile for riding rails as the bevelled base uplifts the contact points.
Personal Preference
Ultimately there is no right or wrong answer for which snowboard profile is right for you. I feel strongly about what is best for me and what I prefer riding in different situations across the mountain. If you are still unsure the best thing you could do is head to your nearest demo shop and try out a number of snowboard profiles.
Get In Touch
As always thanks for reading and if you are still unsure feel free to get in touch via the socials or the comment section. Make sure to check out our Snowboard Buyers Guide where you will find all the information regarding how to buy a snowboard.
PIN IT FOR LATER
CARE TO SHARE?
IF YOU FOUND THIS POST USEFUL AND YOU THINK IT MAY ALSO HELP OTHERS, PLEASE LIKE, SHARE AND COMMENT TO PROMOTE IT TO OTHERS
Verbier Ski Resort Review
SWITZERLAND IS RENOWNED FOR WORLD-CLASS SKI RESORTS, BUT VERBIER AND THE 4 VALLEES COULD BE THE GEM IN SWITZERLAND’S CROWN. WITH AN INCREDIBLE 410KM OF PISTES THE 4 VALLEES IS THE LARGEST COMBINED SKI AREA IN SWITZERLAND. HOST TO THE FREERIDE WORLD TOUR AND WITH SNOWBOARDERS LIKE XAVIER DE LA RUE OFTEN FOUND ON ITS SLOPES, VERBIER IS A BIG MOUNTAIN DESTINATION WITH DIVERSE TERRAIN.
Photo @seabas
VERBIER FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Walking up to the gondola there is a large screen advertising the Freeride World Tour, this is an indication of the terrain on offer at Verbier. Home to a number of professional skiers and snowboarders, Verbier is a kind of pilgrimage for freeride skiers and snowboarders looking to explore the high Swiss Alps. Taking the initial ride on the gondola and assessing the slopes from this vantage point you soon realise that Verbier is vast and its going to take a long time to explore.
Easy to access due to its proximity to Geneva, Verbier attracts a mixed crowd. Close enough for the weekend warriors from Geneva, lavish enough for the high-end market attracting a certain class of clientele but renowned enough to attract the ski bum in hunt of some awesome terrain.
VERBIER SKI AREA
The ski area of Verbier is the premier ski resort in the 4 Vallées combined ski area. Linking the ski resorts of La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Versonnaz, and Thyon with Verbier and Bruson, the area covers 410km of pistes. This makes the ski domain of the 4 Vallées the largest in Switzerland and one of the largest in the world.
Verbier Piste Map
Where Can I Ski-In Verbier?
Having 410km accessible from one lift pass is pretty special but it’s the range of terrain that makes the 4 Vallées stand out. Beginners will feel at home in the Les Esserts area where access to a button lift and two magic carpets can help them find their feet. I really enjoyed the terrain park, which even had an airbag to practice those inverted tricks! That being said a trip to Verbier wouldn’t be a trip to Verbier without completing some itinerary runs (marked yellow on the map) as an introduction to the incredible off-piste. If you want to venture further, there is plenty of scope for some serious freeride runs with a number of guiding operations available to show you the area.
It’s worth noting that when it snows competition for first tracks in Verbier can be substantial so be prepared to get out early to make the most of it. If fighting crowds isn’t for you then head to Bruson. During my visit, we were able to lap tree runs here all day without competition. This may have changed due to the instalment of a new gondola.
Verbier For Experienced Skiers and Snowboarders
Verbier’s terrain is expansive and varied and is European big mountain skiing at its best. If you are an experienced skier or snowboarder you should aim to explore the itineraries. Itineraries are a cross between piste and off-piste skiing. The ski patrol will control these areas for avalanche hazards and mark them with piste poles, but that is the extent of their role. These runs are left unpisted for the whole season, forming natural terrain that varies depending on the conditions and time in the season. This means, after fresh snowfall the itineraries are a great place to explore and grab your fresh tracks. If you are in search of large moguls, the itineraries are fantastic for these as well. Just wait until a few days after fresh snow and you will have your mogul field to enjoy to your knees discontent.
The terrain park in Verbier is pretty good, although queues on the lifts can become frustrating. The terrain park shares chairlifts with the beginner terrain and this can cause a hold-up. When it’s quieter there are plenty of features to keep most freestyle snowboarders or skiers happy.
My favourite area whilst in Verbier was over in Bruson. I visited before the gondola was installed so now it is easier to access. Bruson was great for avoiding the crowds but more importantly, a pretty decent amount of tree-skiing can be found here.
Verbier for Intermeditate Skiers and Snowboarders
Intermediates will want to get exploring and make the most of their trip to Verbier and the 4 Vallees but before you head out aimlessly, be prepared and confident riding a Poma lift. The 4 Vallees area has a number of long drag lifts to contend with but they can be avoided. Staying in Verbier, you will have access to a number of chairlifts, gondolas, and a funicular so moving around the mountain shouldn’t pose a problem. The area of Verbier has lots of nice blues and red pistes to enjoy and the terrain park should offer a further challenge. A popular area is the red runs of the Attelas chair. Verbier even has a speed run so you can clock your top speed!
Is Verbier good for Beginners?
I wouldn’t class Verbier as a beginner’s resort and it is not a resort I would recommend to my friends for this purpose. That being said it doesn’t mean it is not for beginners. There are some nice beginner slopes and you will find a number of good local ski schools in Verbier. I would argue that Verbier lacks a good progression from the entry-level slopes to a nice blue run but that’s not to say you couldn’t learn to ski in Verbier.
Is Verbier Snow Sure?
Verbier has a high altitude with skiing possible to 3300m meaning its higher slopes offer a long season with good snow conditions. The lower slopes get a lot of sun during the late season which can make conditions slushy. The resort of Verbier does a great job of supplementing its natural snowfall with snow guns to ensure quality skiing conditions throughout the season.
4 Vallées Piste Map
VERBIER & 4 VALLEES LIFT PASSES
As with most combined ski area resorts, it is possible to purchase a local pass for Verbier or a 4 Vallees area ski pass. Depending on your ability level and duration of your stay I would recommend getting the 4 Vallees pass. By buying a 4 Vallees ski pass you will be able to explore further the resorts of; La Tzoumas, Veyzonnaz, Nendaz, and Thyon. Lift pass prices across Verbier and the 4 Vallees differ depending on peak and off-peak season with Christmas and February half-term holidays a little pricier.
How Much Is a Verbier Lift Pass?
Day Pass Adult 75CHF, Child or Senior 64CHF peak season.
6 Day Pass Adult 366CHF, Child or Senior 311CHF peak season.
SEASON DATES
Verbier opens for the season around the last weekend of November and runs lifts until April 26th. Some areas of the resort will not open until later with the popular tree skiing area Bruson opening around mid-December.
TRAVEL TO VERBIER
Where Is Verbier?
Verbier is in the Canton of Valais in the southwest of Switzerland. This area of Switzerland speaks French although German and sometimes Italian is spoken locally. English is well spoken in the region also.
How To Get To Verbier?
Due to Verbier’s proximity to Geneva, there are plenty of affordable transfer options available. With regular flights into Geneva, airport transport should be the most affordable aspect of any trip to Verbier. The transfer time is around 2 hours from Geneva and although transfers can also be provided from Zurich and Basel, these are both longer transfers.
The adventurous may wish to take advantage of the efficient railway service Switzerland offers. You can take the train straight from Geneva Airport to Le Chable, where you can take the gondola or bus to Verbier village. The train from Geneva to Verbier is great for a number of reasons. Firstly, the environmental impact will be less if you travel by train and this is equalled by the stunning views you will witness along the way. Another great reason to take the train is that you will not be restricted in terms of luggage meaning you can carry that heavy board bag without extra charges.
Self-drive is an option but ensure your accommodation offers parking as this can be an expensive add-on. There is no real need to have a car in Verbier as the village is well suited to foot travel, even in pesky ski boots. Driving to Verbier is around 9 hours after you have reached Calais, this can put a lot of people off the journey, however, self-drive can be a great way to cut costs with friends. If you are going to be driving to Verbier be aware that toll roads are expensive in Europe and you will need to pay charges in both France and Switzerland. If you plan to drive, ensure you have bought a pack to equip your car for European driving and have snow chains.
How Far Is Verbier From Geneva
Verbier is around 100miles away from Geneva airport.
VERBIER PROS
Verbier is a great resort for families
Verbier and the 4 Vallées is a large ski area with plenty of variety of pistes suiting all abilities
The linked area offers opportunities to explore and a week’s holiday can be split around the various resorts.
The itineraries are a great intro to off-piste skiing in a safer environment.
Verbier has a great village for restaurants and bars and this is a draw to a lot of visitors.
VERBIER CONS
Some resort links can be cumbersome with long button lifts or T-bars.
Verbier lift cues can get frustrating during peak periods.
Weekend warriors from Geneva are common and this can mean the main Gondola can take some time to clear.
Verbier is an expensive resort to visit especially if eating out in the village or on the mountain.
VERBIER ACCOMMODATION
Luckily for me on my trips to Verbier I was staying with friends. Besides from this, affordable Verbier options are few and far between. Aim to stay outside of Verbier and use the connecting ski lifts to access the terrain. By taking the Gondola from Les Chable you can save some £££, Nendaz, and La Tzoumaz would be other great options.
The Luxury Chalet Company have a huge selection of luxury chalets in Verbier and have been sending clients there for years
If staying in Verbier is non-negotiable then opt to stay within walking distance of the lifts. You will want to be in the lines early, especially during peak weeks as the queues can be substantial. If you are staying in a chalet they will likely provide a local shuttle bus to get between your Verbier accommodation and the lifts.
VERBIER APRES
Verbier is much more lively than the average Swiss ski resort and you will want to start early by heading to Pub Mont Fort near the gondola. There is a happy hour at Pub Mont Fort so get the drinks whilst they are cheap! If you want to make the most of Après you will also want to explore the delights of Farinet for live bands before moving onto one of Verbier’s nightclubs. People visit Verbier not just for skiing but for the incredible nightlife so be sure to put at least one night of your trip aside to dance the night away.
Verbier is not cheap so be prepared to pay for your Apres activities. A domestic beer would cost you around 7CHF whereas a meal for two people could cost around 85CHF.
FINAL THOUGHTS
To really appreciate Verbier you should feel comfortable skiing or snowboarding off-piste. Yes, there are areas for beginners but there are certainly better resorts to learn in. Take a trip to the top of Mont Gele where you will find incredible views and ungroomed runs all the way back down.
Salomon Speedway Split Overview
Salomon makes some of the best-value snowboards on the market and this has transferred into their splitboard range. The Speedway has shown itself to be a top performer in solid form winning awards and accolades from various snowboarding publications. As a Splitboard, the Speedway gives you a ride that will love charging on the way down. Its elongated nose and taper allow the Speedway Split to float easily in powder and the backseat camber puts the control under your back binding. Salomon has made the Speedway Split from their top-end materials producing a board that is both durable and lightweight.
ABOUT THE SALOMON SPEEDWAY SPLITBOARD
Board Profile
The Salomon Speedway Splitboard has a backseat camber profile. This is a design where the camber is placed under the back binding and leads into a flat section at the nose. There is rocker added on the nose and tail to help with turn initiation and float in deeper snow. The backseat camber design has been used successfully on Salomon Speedway and Super 8 solids which both ride well on and off-piste.
Flex
The Speedway Split has a stiff flex that helps it to remain responsive and reliable. The Speedway’s responsive flex allows the board to be incredibly stable at higher speeds and aids turn initiation.
Board Shape
The Speedway Splitboard has a tapered directional design. The nose of the Speedway is around 10-15mm wider than the tail allowing the front of the board to stay above the snow as the tail drops back to prevent leg burn. A tapered design improves powder performance without sacrificing edge hold on the piste. The Tapered design is coupled with a Quadratic Sidecut. This is a progressive sidecut which allows for easy turn initiation.
The Insides
Salomon spared no expense when assembling the core of the Salomon Speedway. The Ghost Green Core is utilised in the Speedway Split as a way to drop the weight whilst optimising performance. The Ghost Green Core uses paulownia wood which is extremely light and is found in Salomon’s top-end boards.
In addition to the Ghost Green Core, Salomon have added Damplifier to the Speedway Splitboard. Damplifier is a honeycomb effect used in the nose and tail to drop weight. Using Damplifier means that the Speedway Splitboard is lighter for the way up without negatively effecting performance on the way down.
The Base
A Salomon Sintered EG base is used on the Speedway Splitboard. Sintered bases require more TLC with regular waxing but they run much faster than extruded bases. The Sintered EG is designed for a fast ride, but also strengthens the base by utilising Gallium.
The Edges
Salomon wanted to optimise edge hold without causing those nasty edge catches that are common with camber snowboards. To achieve this the used a 1° bevel at the initiation and exit of the edge with a 2° bevel between the bindings.
The Sidewalls
Salomon uses ABS sidewalls which is the short way to say Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. Basically, these are solid and I have had them on a number of boards. The ABS sidewall dampens vibrations through the board and absorbs impacts on jumps.
Additional Features
The Salomon Speedway Splitboard comes complete with custom cut Pomoca Skins which will save you money and time. This is a really nice addition from Salomon.
The Terrain
The Salomon Speedway Splitboard is designed for use outside of the resort boundary’s where exploration is leading the way. The board can be used in the resort and will perform great on groomers. You are unlikely to find the Speedway Split anywhere near the terrain park.
The Rider
The rider of the Speedway Splitboard should be confident riding a stiffer deck. The Speedway is directional and although it can be ridden switch this is not where it excels so it would suit an omnidirectional rider.
Sizing
The Salomon Speedway is available in three sizes; 155, 160, and 165. Because of the damplifier in the nose and tail Salomon say that you can size up from your regular board length by 3-5cm so consider this when choosing your size.