Question about shooting skiing, snowboarding etc.

[martyp]

Hope this isn't a daft question but I would quite like to know in advance. With Winter approaching and the possibility of having a large snow fall again this year I would quite like to take advantage of it but to try something different.

With Glen Shee not that far from me, I would like to go along with the camera and take some shots of people skiing and snowboarding there.

I understand I'll need to pay an entry fee to get in, use of the chairs etc, however will I be turned away for not actually taking part in the sport or arriving with a just a dSLR and to basically take photos?

Sorry if it is a daft question, I'm assuming it probably will be okay but would like to know for sure in advance.

Thanks!

 

[braddersmd]

Not sure about Scotland, to be honest, as they have a lot of drag lifts - but would imagine it's the same as the European resorts - they will only let you on the lifts if they are "return" lifts if you are not skiing or boarding. You are not allowed to travel back down on a chair lift or a drag lift, although the latter could be highly amusing!!

In La Plagne, for example, you are allowed to go to the very top of the resort by gondola, but you are not allowed to travel on a chair lift without snow equipment.

Having said that, I've seen people walking up with snow shoes etc - so that method appears to be OK. You will also not need to pay if walking up, as the payment usually covers just your lift passes.

 

[martyp]

Thanks for the info Mark!

I'm guessing the return lifts are the ones which just go round in a loop? Walking up would be fine too if they don't have any return lifts and I have a decent pair of boots.

Would there be any objection to being there without actually taking part from the venue and would using fill flash (if required) be out of the question?

Sorry if these are silly questions, although I would like to know the essentials before giving it a go and potentially running into a problem.

 

[DemiLion]

I'm not sure if this will help, but it was never a problem at Avie.

Quite a lot of people used to use the lift up to go snow trekking over the back of the hills.

 

[chip]

Walking up would be fine too if they don't have any return lifts and I have a decent pair of boots.

Walking up a mountain covered in snow can be surprisingly tiring and if you are prevented from walking on the piste without ski/boarding equipment, attempting this in soft snow off piste will be very slow progress.

 

[martyp]

I'm not sure if this will help, but it was never a problem at Avie.

Quite a lot of people used to use the lift up to go snow trekking over the back of the hills.

Hopefully, I'll be okay regarding the lifts...

Walking up a mountain covered in snow can be surprisingly tiring and if you are prevented from walking on the piste without ski/boarding equipment, attempting this in soft snow off piste will be very slow progress.

That is a really good point, walking in snow is tiring enough without climbing a mountain at the same time. :bang:


Any info regarding me being there to take photos or using fill flash if necessary?

 

[stokes]

no expert about Scotland, but went up to glen coe and got the chair lift up, walked around by the side of the piste and got some photos no problem, depends how far you wanna walk! I was in boardies,hoody and a beanie, as we were not planning on stopping at the resort! lol. managed to borrow a tea tray too, was fun!

have uploaded amusing picture of myself there!


IMG_3257 by stokes tog, on Flickr

 

[admirable]

Dunno about Glenshee but Aviemore had a pro tog there earlier this year so might be best to check with them first if it's ok. Doubt if there would be a problem though as you're not selling them to Joe public

 

[martyp]

no expert about Scotland, but went up to glen coe and got the chair lift up, walked around by the side of the piste and got some photos no problem, depends how far you wanna walk! I was in boardies,hoody and a beanie, as we were not planning on stopping at the resort! lol. managed to borrow a tea tray too, was fun!

have uploaded amusing picture of myself there!

LOL, looks like you had fun. I may pack a tea tray in the camera bag just for a laugh.

Dunno about Glenshee but Aviemore had a pro tog there earlier this year so might be best to check with them first if it's ok. Doubt if there would be a problem though as you're not selling them to Joe public

Hmm, I will give them a ring nearer the time to make sure it would be okay just to play it safe. As you say though, at the most they will be for my portfolio not for selling on whilst I'm there or online.