J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by msej449

New Telecabine in 4 Valleys
Siviez to Plan du Fou

Staying in La Tzoumaz this week, some dynamiting at Plan du Fou drew our attention to this new telecabine being built for this winter.

http://www.nendaz.ch/tourism/luxury-facilities-siviez-heart-vallees.html

The big problem with getting to Plan du Fou was the ancient chairlift and long drag lift. Doubly annoying for people staying in Nendaz and wanting to get back from Verbier/Veysonnaz/Thyon. So this replacement will be a great improvement.

Ideally, the next step will be to replace the ancient drag and telecabine link from Nendaz to PdF with something like a fast 6/8-man chairlift.

On this evening's SE News the point was made that if he was French working for a French ski school, with the qualifications he has he would not be arrested. It's protectionism plain and simple.

In the long run, the French ski industry will suffer more than it gains. Ski companies wanting to offer domaine familiarisation to clients will go to to oher countries. It's just not good publicity generally.

Sadly, par for the course, and why I refuse to ski in France any more. That and the obnoxious queuing behaviour, congestion, and inflated prices. Brits should go elsewhere in the Alps or N.America. Despite its defendants, this is a cartel that wouldn't be tolerated anywhere else in the EU.

I suggest we start writing to the French Ambassador in the UK, demanding the instructor's release and stating that we will stop holidaying in France and encourage others to do likewise.

My woes claiming through Drakefield, the claims arm of AA Travel Insurance, are described at length on another thread on this site. I recommend against using them. I'm now with Direct Travel.

Also be aware that Switzerland has reciprocal health arrangements with the EU but this won't cover transfer off the mountain nor repatriation. The main effect is to accelerate insurer's payouts as they can claim any medical expenses back via the reciprocal arrangement. So this places CH on a par with the rest of the EU in terms of what you're looking for from your insurance.

I am not arguing against qualification of Instructors and even of Guides. I'm arguing that this is is only an issue in France, where qualification is used as a restrictive practice to stop people - and imprison them, regularly - who are just showing a group of people 'round a resort.

When someone guides you 'round the resort, you know what you're getting. You're not getting instruction. They are just helping you to orient yourself and minimise wasted time.

This is nothing to do with ensuring a high standard of instruction. It's a restrictive practice that should be illegal under EU law. I no longer ski in France: restrictive practices like this; queues; congestion everywhere. I spend my money elsewhere in the Alps or in the USA: locations that welcome and among other things, provide for guides.

A friend of ours, an ESF-qualified instructor, spent the night in a French cell because she dared to take a group of experienced British skiers out on a tour of the resort. This is the reality. It's all to do with the French operating an illegal, restrictive employment regime. It's nothing to do with the quality of teaching.

It doesn't have to be a hotel, with the problem of a single supplement: There should be loads of local agencies with small studios that overall might be cheaper, or no more expensive. If you don't mind or even prefer self-catering or eating out then could be an option.