Dear Dr Ski

I enclose a video clip of myself and a few friends preparing to go on a short ski tour, along with some notes I made about various aspects relating to skiing off piste. In the video you will see that the guide decided to abandon the idea and advised us to seek a better understanding of what is required, hence my enquiry with your good self.

Tally Ho

A Twerp  

Ahhh.....Twerp

Before we begin I think we need to establish a few things, having viewed the video clip I called in the rest of the technical team here at PIS, I know it's not very professional but I think it's fair to say we fell about laughing, I feel bound to ask 'Are you taking the PIS?'

Let's assume this is a serious enquiry, as I said to the team here 'to be honest you couldn't make it up' here are the key points:

1 Would you consider taking your life in your hands with someone who couldn't find their avalanche transciever in their back pack, let alone find you in a slide?

2 Would you consider climbing a mountain with a 'buddy' who clearly isn't familiar with the required equipment, can you imagine standing below a steep face and your friend saying 'what's with the rope and cleats?' If your video is to be believed at least half the group couldn't work out how the skis, bindings and skins worked?

3 Would you consider undertaking a multiple climb with a colleague who tosses their protective headgear away at the first opportunity?

4 You might accuse us of 'nitpicking' here but would you really consider embarking on a climb with skis and skins with, not one, but 3 members of the team who can't make an effective turn to either left or right?

5 Finally, as someone who is considered to be a world renowned expert on all things skiing, I would expect everyone I take to the slopes with to have equipment that meets the highest safety standards. A backpack that contains a minimum of shovel and probe, in your case a paperback book and some sarnies just won't do. Last but by no means least and, pertinent to your proposed tour, it might sound obvious that the skins should fit the skis you are skiing on not the skis in your locker - always worth remembering.

I don't think you or any of your friends would consider crossing a busy motorway blindfolded, think carefully before you venture off piste again........please.

Flabbergasted

 

Dr Ski