J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by LOTA

What a great afternoon. Arrived on time, on a lift by 12.50 local!

No-one about, no queues anywhere, mild lower down, cold at the top, reasonable snow, no bare patches, odd bit of ice.

I think it'll be a good couple of days. :mrgreen:

Thanks. More fool them tourists that don't; I've had some grand, uncrowded skiing in late April - and off again tomorrow! :)

Ise

Is there enough snow for the lifts to continue (looks like it from that shot!) or is it an economic decision?

When I was in Arosa in March, I was told it was April 19 and that was it - even if there was a great pile of fresh powder. Seems a shame to close if there's still good sport to be enjoyed.

Snow falling in the Engelberg ski area this afternoon - just in time for the season's last blast this week!

Spoke to the tourist office and they say planning for all lifts above Gerschnialp to be open. Looking forward to it as it's a long,long time to next season.

Will report back - with some pix I hope - later this week.

Jon

May I ask what kind of response you get to your regular ad in the Daily Mail Ski Magazine? Not after precise numbers or the like - that's none of my business - but rather a general feeling of its effectiveness as an advertising medium.

I do like the mag's house style of off-beat captions!

The Daily Mail Ski Magazine still looks good, has reasonable news content but too much 'high end' stuff (heli-skiing in Russia, off-piste in the Himalyas etc etc). And its ski/equipment tests are so unbalanced; virtually all the testers are ex-racers, ski school directors or professional 'freeriders' (whatever that is!)

Ski and Snowboard has useful info for SCGB members but its editor seems a bit seduced by spectacular images of Warren Miller-type skiing, that have little relevance to ordinary holidaymakers.

The Good Ski Guide magazine was a useful resource for basic resort facts but I agree with Tony there is a gap in the market for an entry-level, holiday, recreational, intermediate type publication with dos and don'ts for an enjoyable holiday.

Happily, Pablo, mi amigo, plenty of people still buy newspapers of all sorts and magazines (else I wouldn't be able to go on so many ski trips!)

The glacier runs at Engelberg could well be open; Saas Fee is another possibility. Check with the tourist offices.

Boots first and foremost; take your time, try on as many pairs as you like, make a fuss, keep trying them on, don't be afraid to make a nuisance of yourself, ask questions, sit down, walk around, dance about a bit, simulate ski movement, ask about footbeds and have them fitted. Any decent boot fitter worth his salt will expect you to do this. Take hours if you can.

When I worked in a ski shop, I sold this customer a pair of boots that he decided on within three minutes were for him (I think he liked the colour). I pleaded with him to try others, to at least put a pair of ski socks on while trying them (!), to take them out on the artificial slope and have a go in them, etc etc. But no, he was adamant. I hope he enjoyed using them - but somehow I doubt it. It was a grim experience for me, but he was convinced he was right and would take no advice.

As for skis (no apostrophe needed!), maybe try before you buy is the best advice. Rent a pair or two or three or four, see how you go and then decide to make a purchase, or not, as the case maybe.