Somerset Snowsports Servicing

WINTER 22/23 is on it’s way and hopefully will be completely unrestricted and back to normal. I’m guessing it’s going to be busy so don’t leave it too late to book your equipment in! All prices held for another year - you won’t hear that very often these days.

Season 21/22 Looking Good?
Well it couldn't look much worse could it?

At time of writing in early November, the signs are looking positive, at least for those of us fully vaccinated and heading for European snow. I believe North America will become more accessible as soon well. And the really good news is that it is snowing quite heavily right across the Alps.
For those who are not fully jabbed though it will be much tougher, both entering your destination country and returning home so it seems a fairly simple message, get yourself jabbed! and get your NHS App downloaded to get your Covid Pass (proof of vaccination). Sorting this app was not straightforward for me so don't leave it until too late!
This winter is also going to be a test of how well you store your equipment. If you haven't looked at them since you put them away after your last trip you may be in for a bit of a shock! There isn't much that we can't sort out but it may take longer so don't leave it too late.

Season 20/21 Coming soon?

At best, an uncertain and unpredictable season awaits. Maybe, just maybe the hot off the press news about a potential vaccine will help salvage something? Everything crossed!
But whatever happens, i will be here to help you make the most of it. And if you are not going this year, it is critical that you check your skis or boards. Most people will do more damage storing their skis than on the slope. Make sure they are in a perfectly dry place, if possible resting flat but on their side. Under the bed is often the best place in the house! And if there is any sign of rust on the edges, get them to me quick because it will be much more destructive by next year!
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It would seem that nowhere snowy has avoided the chaos, and now as we await the developments for a new season, one thing is for sure, there will be an entirely new "normal". Depending on the levels of state aid available in each country I am sure there will be bars and restaurants, hotels and apartments that will struggle to make it through to next season and resorts could look very different. One thing is for sure though, when travel is eventually possible they are going to need us more than ever! Just hoping that will be in 2021.

Here comes Winter! 19/20
After one of the snowiest Novembers on record in both the Alps and Pyrenees most resorts look likely to open in near perfect conditions. Indeed many resorts are already open and many others contemplating bringing forward their opening if they can get staff in ahead of schedule. Last season was an epic snow season, and in my nearly 50 years experience of Alpine weather suggests that these conditions often come in patterns ie. after a run of bad winters with thin unreliable snow we often get a number of consecutive years of good snow. So fingers crossed for another bumper European season!
The great snow conditions are bound to create an early rush so get your equipment booked in quick!!

Looks like the long hot summer has broken in the Alps! The first Snow has fallen at altitude this weekend with around 40cm at 3,000 Mtrs and settling Snow as far down as 2,000 mtrs in some places! Winter is on its way, time to think about getting your equipment ready!

On top of very worthwhile falls this week, Over a meter of snow expected across the Alps and Tyrol in the next 5 days! Looks like March is going to be the best snow month of the season so far! Enjoy, all you folks heading out soon and if you've got the flexibility, scour the internet looking for last minute bargains - there are still plenty out there!

After such a great November, December turned out to be a Snowdrought! But fortunately Mid January has seen better fortune and most European resorts now have a good cover and with more forecast! whoopee, because I am off Sat 21st so will be unavailable for servicing until 29th January. Normal service after then.

Still only early November and already most Alpine resorts have 50cms on the ground right down to village level and another 50cms forecast in the next few days. Can't wait to get my skis on it!

Winter is only just around the corner! Much of the Alps have already received their first snowfall. This is Livigno in the Italian Alps,11th October

http://www.onthesnow.co.uk/gallery/p/photo/3745/val-thorens-jan-4-2016-id372875

Powder piles up in French Alps Jan. 4, 2016 - Val Thorens Jan. 4, 2016 - OnTheSnow Val Thorens Jan. 4, 2016

Winter can't be far away, i've had my first customers of the season! Thing's get a bit hectic come December so now is always a good time to get prepared for the snow!!

I guess that's another season done, though bizarrely most high level alpine resorts have had a snowier (is that even a word!) May than December and most are still open now on 20th May!! So a season that started so badly has caught up brilliantly!