J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by lilywhite

I have a cheap and cheerful down gilet from ALDI, really toasty warm and packs down to nothing. The heat pads you get for back pain in all the pound shops are awesome for having the effect of adding a layer of clothing with minimal bulk.

Your daughter will have a ball wherever you go. I'd suggest not going anywhere too cold or maybe waiting until march/April for the warmer spring skiing. You would be advised to get her used to wearing sun glasses or goggles before you go, a lot of toddlers need to learn to like them...
Somewhere with a kids club that has some indoor activities as well as snow play of course. Almost every resort will have a pool, a lot will have ice rinks, toboggan runs, maybe even husky sleighs.
My partners daughter loved the husky sleigh ride and moose kissing in Are Sweden.
The Italian resorts and Italian people in general seem to adore small children and make them very welcome.
I have limited exp of France/Austria.

A week skiing in Borovets is better than a week raining in Brighton mate. The smaller Borosport shop at the bottom of the chair opposite the Rila hotel had the better equipment the last time I was there but you will probably still need to inspect the edges and bases before you part with the cash.

barneyted wrote:Hi anyone staying in La Thuile could you tell me how far are the Spar baths from Hotel Planibel, the weather is looking alot better

Can't remember the distance in KM but was only a short bus trip. Worth checking if the PSD spa still does a discount for the evening session after skiing.
If you're in La thuile for Feb 14th avoid going on that day, it will be mobbed and the opposite of relaxing!

Heels lifting is very bad in a boot and won't help with being in the back seat as she's likely trying to stomp down in them rather than sloshing about. I know nothing about the shop you mention but new well fitting boots will make a big difference to her enjoyment and confidence.

This year the snow has been slow to come in the lower Italian resorts, this will be a big trip for you so I'd be looking at the higher more snow sure r5esorts if I were you. If you look in the top left of your screen you'll see the SNOW page, take a look and see where currently has most snow to get an idea to start from.
The Italians generally grade their slopes higher than a lot of countries so don't be too put off if a lot of slopes are graded red and black, most of the reds will be a lot easier than you anticipate for the less confident skier. Tuition is usually of a decent standard for kids.
I've mainly skied La Thuile and the milky way resorts in Italy which are not yet fully open so hesitate to suggest for an early season trip. Italy is a lovelt place to ski and the food is lovely.... You'll have a great time wherever you decide.
Perhaps someone who has more experience of Livigno or maybe Cervinia will see this and be able to steer you in the right direction.

I used Oxygene, had an Italian instructor who spoke perfect English. Was very happy with the standard of both group and private lessons.

Andorra, Austria or Italy all offer good value for money. You might try looking at looking at resorts like Sauze d'oulx or Sestriere where you get slopes suitable for all and an opportunity to ski in to France on the same liftpass. La Thuile also is worth considering for the same reason.
I've not been to Andorra and I've only been to minor areas in Austria which whilst fitting your budget won't give you the party you want off slope.

You might not need to restrict yourself too much, a large group gives you good buying power, when organising a trip to Sweden (not known for being cheap) I managed to get everything - flights,transfers,4 star apartment, liftpasses, equipment and ski school for under £700 a head during February. The website I used was www.skistar.com We flew into Trondheim in Norway. It would have been cheaper in March and cheaper still if we'd gone Thursday-thurs.

Top tip, clear your computers cookies before you search for flight prices if you want the most up to date cheaper fares.