J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Gaz C

Not sure if I should go there. I caused enough trouble the other night -)

OK. The intention wasn't to get under peoples' skin so let's try a slightly less contentious title. here goes;

1: Pas de la Casa: My second ski-trip (after Borovets). For a so-called party-town, we found the nightlife totally underwhelming. Skiing was good for me as a 'second weeker'. Ski-school excellent (as was Borovets).The most annoying thing was the price of the drinks. Beer was 'for nowt' in the shops, but wasn't much cheaper than home in the bars. For a duty-free town, I reckon the bar owners were having our pants down.

2: Livigno: Better apres and nightlife and miles cheaper than Pas. Just found the skiing a bit 'same-ish.' Some old, slow chairs and more out-of control, 'flying herberts' than I have encountered in any other resort. On the plus side, we stayed in a cracking little penzione with a superb restaurant that was used by lots of non-residents. Opened my eyes to the delights of Italian hospitality.

3: Courmayeur: Lovely, classy town. Just not enough skiing. Bus-ride to and from the cable-car was a ball-ache, even though it was laid on free by the hotel. Free trip to La Thuile/La Rosiere was a 'lifesaver'. Mont Blanc tunnel was closed after that dreadful fire, scotching our hopes of going to Chamonix.

There, I've played nicely -) . Anyone else?

+1 for the Nevica gear. I know the proprietor isn't everybody's cup of tea and the SD shops look like a cross between a chimps' tea party and a jumble sale, but some of that Nevica gear looks cracking value. With a football-mad 8 year-old boy, I can't afford to be too precious or principled about being spotted in there:-)

Take a look at my ramblings about Canazei in the 'Dolomiti Superski, where to stay?' thread. The 'Armentarola (Hidden Valley)' trip is a good one for socializing as it includes a lunch stop at 'Scotoni's' (ace food, even by Italian standards) and a bit of 'ski-boot bopping' in a hotel bar in Corvara before the coach picks you up. Top tip: if you've had a beer, make sure you and especially your girlfriend 'take a leak' before you get back on the coach. Otherwise it's an undignified 'point and squirt' or crouch behind a snowbank on top of the Passo Sella! -)

We skied with the SCGB rep when we were in Sauze d'Oulx. We payed a nominal fee and signed up as day members so as to meet the terms of their insurance. Well worth it! Don't know if SCGB has a rep in the Dolomites: check the web-site. Can't recommend a specific hotel; both of those that I have stayed in were friendly enough, but obviously the clientele can vary from one week to the next. I think if you are reasonably outgoing you will have no problem making ski- and apres-ski-buddies.
Hope you find some of this useful and have a good one. :thumbup:

Unless you have a particular reason for not doing so (flying with a budget airline with no hold luggage?), wouldn't it be easier to hire in the UK? I think you can hire jacket and salopettes for about £40. As Ade says, you would get sorted in TK Maxx (and probably for well under £100!) Go twice and you've got your money back. :) Alternatively, take a look on the Surfanic website. Perfectly serviceable gear if you're not fussed about what the 'brand snobs' think.

Howzabout an alternative thread called, 'Resorts you've been to but wish you hadn't really bothered.' :twisted: Or is that a little bit too inflammatory? -)

OK Tony, for what they are worth, here are my thoughts on your List 1.

Dolomites: Awesome. Do it soon!

Bad Gastein: Yes please!

Ischgl: Must do it soon (before I'm the 'oldest swinger in town'). :lol:

Solden: See Ischgl.

Cervinia: Possibly a way to ski Zermatt 'on the cheap'. Fraught with danger if the lifts aren't open, although I can think of plenty worse places to be 'stuck' for a week. :-)

Crans Montana: Must read up. :oops:

Val d'Isere: Depends on how much more it's gonna cost than Tignes. -)

Schladming: Yes please! shares the same space on my wishlist as Bad Gastein.

A mere 'sprog'. :D I think I was 40 when I visited. 40 going-on 23!!! :lol: