I received an e-mail with links to a number of Ski Mag articles with American opinions and observations on the Alps (of course, our opinions and observations are more interesting and helpful but still, they're worth reading to see where you agree and disagree). You have to use your Google account to read them. Batter up!
Ski Mag - You receive a certain number of "free" articles per month. It's an Outside Interactive property with strict paywalls. Unfortunately, I am familiar with it, have 10 accounts, and clean cookies once per month.
Why do I do that? I think the offering is priced too high for fluff pieces.
Every business is trying to transition to Subscription (used to just be SaaS -> Everything-as-a-Service). I just feel a lot of 'services' are worth about zero.
I like Trailforks. Great hiking maps for National and State Parks. Can track your hike via GPS when offline.
Warren Miller - Best days are behind it, but great catalog. It's humorous, nostalgic, and comforting.
I thought this article was more interesting than most.
Agreed with this sentiment:
As an American guide living in France, Erin uniquely understands the challenges Americans face when trying to make the most of the Alps: “The Alps are not intuitive if you grew up skiing in North America. The logistics alone—lift systems, valley connections, weather patterns, avalanche forecasting, route finding—can be overwhelming. Much of the best skiing is unmarked and uncontrolled, necessitating decisions that require experience.”
That brings Erin to her conclusion: “Hiring a guide removes that friction. A local guide understands how conditions vary from one aspect or valley to the next, how to move efficiently through big terrain, how to match objectives to a group’s actual skiing ability…Instead of spending your trip figuring out where to go or what’s safe, you get to ski the best possible terrain for that day, with confidence and flow.”
And I am somewhat of a nightmare with the below issue, but I generally suggest a few lines/itineraries/zones I am interested in (using some knowledge of what might be good), to show some interest. I consider it data input for the guide algorithm, so it knows what you like. (I think it's horrible when ski guiding, scuba diving or sailing - to have no preference of runs, dive sites or destinations/islands).
Of course, it’s always prudent to do one’s homework, but guides don’t necessarily want you to show up with a list of potential accomplishments. “The best clients don’t have an itinerary of dream lines or some kind of schedule,” says Joe, “They just trust that I’m going to take them to the good stuff.”
Erin stresses the necessity of experiencing the mountains on their own terms, while Benji is adamant that the Alps have far more on tap than big, steep lines. “I’ve had plenty of American clients finish a day saying “That was one of the best ski days of my life” — and it wasn’t even that steep.”
