J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by LOTA

Kirkwood opening on Saturday, too!

I'd love to win some tickets and get the season underway in fine style!

Saas Fee is vulnerable to mountain closures because of its aspect and altitude. One time, we were having lunch up near Maste 4 and the ski patrol ordered everyone off the mountain due to an impending storm. Saas Fee is one of the less expensive Swiss resorts but that doesn't mean it's not pricey and the lift pass is very expensive. I've stayed there in chalets and hotels and the chalet tends to be the most economic although many are a long, long way from the lifts and slopes. Having said all that, I love the skiing and the fact it is so snowsure (brilliant for April short breaks). And you're missing out if you ignore Saas Grund - a very interesting ski area for a day trip. The fundamental problem, though, is the current exchange rate between sterling and the Swiss Franc!

And is Swiss Frank related to Swiss Tony? -)

Can't think of anywhere better than Engelberg. Lots of hotels that are not governed by Saturday to Saturday bookings. Easy access by rail and road, particularly from Zurich airport (lots of flights with BA and Swiss), more than enough skiing, at high altitude and lots of it tough, to keep you entertained. Only drawback has been the weekend queues at the main gondola. This may be eased by the new lift installed for the coming season.

As a little experiment I went through the booking process for a return flight in January. By the time I'd added skis and baggage, the price was around £575 for a return! That didn't wow me too much...

Excellent; Engelberg is a favourite of mine for short, late-season trips. This will make it even more attractive.

Programmes!

My first ski experiences were on snow in Italy and Austria. Then I worked weekends at a dry slope and had lots of free coaching and tips from the senior instructors. Forty years on, it's difficult to say whether any aspect is stronger as a result of extensive artificial slope experience. However, I'm nearing the end of UK Snowsports Level 1 instructor training and that's definitely sharpening up and smoothing my skiing!