J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by andyhull

johnski96 wrote:I once (and never again) skied in Avoriaz, seduced by the 'size' of the ski area, efficient lift system and all that. Yes it was big, but I was staggered by the numbers of people, both getting on and off lifts but more importantly, on the pistes. And I didn't like it much.

Avoriaz is not a good example, I skiied there a few years ago and found it light years behind the other big ski areas I'd visited. Slow lifts and long queues. The Morzine Express was a joke. I'm not sure if it's improved much since but I have no plans to return.

The lift systems in Espace Killy, Paradiski, Alpe D'Huez, Sella Ronda, 3 Valleys, St Anton were all much better invested and queues not a problem.

I keep an old pair of skis for the dryslope, wouldn't dream of taking my main skis on there. The heat caused by the friction will remove ptex from any repairs in an hour ski session. Base repairs for dry slope skis is better done with araldite.
Ebay is a good call, last time I looked you could get a decent pair of salomon 1080s for a few quid.

tspill wrote:I think the Sache would be beyony out ability! I understand it is probably the most difficult run in the Espace Killy region.

It's nowhere near the most difficult, though it can get quite icy in freeze/thaw conditions.
The blue can get a bit busy and worn. The red is often in better condition.
Just bare in mind that they are low down so be ready for changing conditions.

Les Brevieres is a great place to head when the vis is less than perfect as the trees give you a bit on contrast.

You missed out not doing the Tunnel, best conditions I've skiied it in. Did it on the Monday, entry was very interesting, first few turns difficult, but once on the run proper the snow was soft and forgiving, very rewarding.
A few of the group had plucked up the courage by the end of the week, so we went up again on the Friday. This time we found the entrance much easier as they's cut out a big traverse. I even rescued a ski for someone, the look of relief on his face when he realised he didn't need to do a 30m climb! The run itself even easier than at the beginning of the week, soft soft snow all the way down.

Stewart Dowling wrote:I didnt go on the Scare Chair.
There was plenty to around ADH without going on it.
With only 4 days skiing and such great conditions I completely bottled it!!!

:shock: You missed the best snow in the resort then! The powder over there was incredible.

Did you do the Sarenne and the Tunnel?

In a word, it's perfect for your group. You'll have a great holiday, it has loads of varied skiing for intermediates. We had a mixed group there this week and all had a great time.

What a week, I have to say one of the best. Though so sorry to hear all of the problems others have had. Only one we had was the chalet's advertised wi-fi connection didn't work so I was unable to log on.
Firstly Sami, so sorry to hear about your break up. Great to meet you at the airport, if I'd read the contents of this thread before getting home today, I'd have invited you to ski with us. Hope all works out for the best in the end.

The only forum member I met up with in resort was Snowb4ndit, great to meet you and Tim. Hope next time it's on the slopes. Sorry about the text mix up, phone playing up stopped me saving numbers.

So, the holiday. Firstly we were incredibly lucky, we got to resort with only a small delay. We sat in the aircraft at Stansted for an hour and a half while they waited for a slot. Not an issue when you hear about the problems others had. Chambery closed as soon as we landed.

The snow conditions were some of the best I've skied in, three clears days with perfect snow, then a powder day (chest high in places), one of poor vis then another clear one to finish.

Here are a few photos:

See you in Alpe D'Huez!