J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Hoolio

Just a quick thank you to those of you who took the time to give me your thoughts on where to ski in Italy. I asked the question in spring last year and we decided on Cervinia as my wife and I are intermediate skiiers who like cruising runs. The piste bashers were doing a great job out there considering it hadn't snowed for weeks but can't complain as it was brilliant sunshine every day. The Matterhorn and Grivola restaurants were very good and our hotel Da Compagnoni was spot on. We really enjoyed our first trip to Italy and next time we will hopefully be going to Sauze or Sestriere as you recommended them too.

Once again thanks :)

I think you need to have a look at last minute.com then think again what is VFM

Just got back from Banff on Sunday. I found it to be quite expensive this year particularly the bars and restaurants on Banff Avenue. What you have to be aware of is that everything is subect to 5% tax and then a tip between 15% - 20% is the norm but some people say 10% is acceptable. If you go with Inghams you can buy a discount card for 10 dollars on the bus and this entitles you to 10% - 15% off your food bill at about 20 different eateries. The weather was the mildest i've ever experienced it, it was above freezing by midday most days. The snow was best at Sunshine but Norquay and Lake Louise were in need of some snow as it was icy on the busy runs but the bowls at the back of Lake Louise were skiing well due to direction of the wind blowing in some fresh snow.

Hope this helps.

Cheers Tony sounds like it's definately worth a visit. Funny you should say the queues in France can be more aggressive, that's one of the things that has concerned me about Europe, particularly when you have a wife who's a red head!!

Hi there, looking for some advice.

I've been lucky enough over the past 7 years to do all my skiing in Canada and the USA but am now looking to start coming over to europe and in particular Italy and the Milky Way area.I just don't really know what to expect with regards to crowds and lift and gondola queues as its something I've never experienced before and also snow conditions. We generally ski the last week in January so is this a good time?

Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.