J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by andyhull

One of the 'best kept secrets' piste skiing is limited but the off piste is seriously good. Haven't been there myself but I know a man that has (and he keeps going back).

Several interesting points being made, firstly tour operators, I've had bad experiences arranged big trips with both Crystal and Neilson. The big companies don't seem to value the customer either during the booking stage or out in resort. It's really pot luck whether the staff in resort are capable.
We've booked with Skiworld for the last 5 or 6 years and have to say we've had very few issues.

Sunny slopes are just ones which face South and therefore are in sun for most of the day. These also tend to be the ones which are icy in the mornings and slushy pm. North facing slopes tend to have better snow, but will be in the shade.

Geography impacts the prevailing weather, Alpe D'Huez is a good example. Bad weather comes in and dumps plenty of snow but clears quickly. The resort has one of the highest number of sunny days while still having a great snow record.

As to where to go, as suggested look through the Ski Europe and pick out the beginners resorts. You don't need to visit a huge ski area because you won't get value from the pass.

I won't be going back, I prefer to remember it as the place I had that eureka moment as a 15 year old on skis for the first time. That week in the mountains was a life changing experience for me, even if it was another 9 years before I could afford to go again.
Now I think I would get bored fairly quickly, I could probably ski the whole area in a morning. That's not knocking the resort, they all have a niche.

There are pros and cons to both, but for the level you are at, I'd edge toward 2 or 3 half-day private lessons. You'll get an instructor who's watching you ski and suggesting where improvements can be made, rather than with a group where you might spend time practising things you are already good at.
You should progress faster with private lessons because there is far more focus on you.
The rest of the time you can get the miles under your skis, practise, practise, practise.

Helmets are a good idea for all.

I don't care about lists, on powder days head to Rendl :wink:

You may have to purchase from the US as few UK stores stock them.

http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/39/Helmets.html

I see there's a fondue in an igloo available there, romantic evening for two or a bit naff, that one could go either way.

http://www.adelboden.ch/en/navpage.cfm?category=WinterAB&subcat=AdventureAB&id=293045