J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Lynn_D

andyhull wrote:I've just spent an hour or so training hard for the next ski holiday, at The Norwich Beer Festival. :D

That sounds like my kind of 'training' :D

Assuming that the 'under 28' rule is waived and I can convince OH that it's a good idea to go on a ski trip with a bunch of people we've never met before, then Zermatt in January 2011 sounds like a great plan. :thumbup: It would be great to finally meet everyone and put names to faces. :D Both the chalets look good, though I think I prefer the slightly more expensive one given a choice (Chalet Genepy). We'd also be fine with a hotel if that suited people better and would happily go with any of the other resorts mentioned if that was the consensus.

Dates wise, with this much notice we can do anytime throughout the season. Flights, ideally from Newcastle but Leeds Bradford, Sheffield or Manchester are easily do-able. Are the flights included in the price from London or is there the option to specify (within reason) when you book?

Sounds like a great plan :D

How about this for an idea – firstly pick a week and a resort that suits the majority (Zermatt sounds great and you're never going to please everyone)….

Those that want to go with a T/O can group together and book a catered chalet or hotel for 7 days. Those that can only do a short break can arrange to be there for part of the week and meet up on the slopes. This would also give the flexibility for anyone who wants to arrange their own transport and accommodation to do so and it means everyone can cater to their own tastes and budgets. It also limits the logistics problems as it's up to the individual to get themselves there.

I guess there's no reason why everyone would have to stay in the same accommodation and arrive at exactly the same time – meet up on the slopes and for a beer afterwards…… :D

steverandomno wrote:
Though I guess the real point is to find a way of legitimately spending your research grant money on lift tickets?

I can think of worse things to spend a research grant on :D

1,3,11,17,19
2 and 4

Hope you all have a great time - enjoy :D

Could you arrange a day trip from Serre Chevalier, or is it not worth it with all the skiing available there?

If you can put up with a five minute walk (or bus ride) to the lift, then I can thoroughly recommend the Hotel Gran Baita in Sauze. Excellent food, friendly staff and a great location just off the main square. There is the option to stay up at Sportinia (which is ski to door), however you are limited for nightlife as getting back to the hotel when the lifts are closed would be pricey (and probably not easy to arrange.)

With regard to drag lifts, the ones in the bowl (needed on the link back from Sestriere) are being replaced with a chair for this coming season (I think) and the only others I used were in the Moncrons area (which was fabulous, but deserted when I was there and often closed so probably not worth their while to replace them.)

The only downsides to stopping in Sauze are the erratic snow record (last year being a notable exception) and the fact that the piste map and signposting are useless. However, if you are intermediates then even if you do get lost, I'd be surprised if you end up on anything that is beyond you (in Sauze at least) as I don't remember many of the runs (mostly reds) being particularly taxing (and I'd only had 1 week of lessons prior to my last trip.)

I'm seriously considering going back myself in March, however as my garage roof has developed a major leak that needs fixing pronto, I'm going to have to see how much that costs before making a decision. :(

Have fun wherever you decide to go :D