J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by KevinC

ise wrote:

Dave Mac wrote:WE have discussed this on a previous thread, and I recall the conclusions were that during the winter months winter tyres are mandatary in Austria, (probably Switzerland also?), but not in Germany.

:-) :-) quite possibly, that's the internet for you. Winter tyres are not mandatory in Switzerland. In Germany and Austria they're not mandatory either but they are recommended. The only European country that makes winter tyres compulsory is Finland I believe.

I think the confusion here relates to hire cars - a lot of the countries mentioned require cars hired between October to April to be fitted with winter tyres. I know Switzerland certainly does.

I'm going DIY this year because for a little less money I can get a much nicer self-catering apartment. The only downside is that I'm going to have to drive a hire car up a mountain (hope it's not snowing that day!). Then again I get the chance to load up with supplies in a proper supermarket on route.

Swings and roundabouts really - the main thing to consider is the transfer from the airport because the transfers can be very expensive.

I am also hoping to pick up a package at the end of the season - this might be a year for a bargain if the doom and gloom mongers are to be believed in the papers.

My god! Well at least I know to avoid anywhere with German influence so can cross Austria and Switzerland off the list of places to go lest I hear this again.

that's what i was talking about, but you need qualifications, you can't just tip up and start taking people onto the mountain :) although I've no idea what if anything you need to take people cycling on the road. These qualifications are rather harder to get than most ski ones I'd suggest.

Whilst I agree making a good living is going to be really difficult (assuming you don't have a boat-load of money to muy a chalet and run a holiday apartment) there are other jobs in mountains for the warmer months.

Walking, climbing and especially biking are popular when there's no snow - whether it be mountain biking or serious cyclists having a bash at one of the Tour de France stages etc.

Presumably some of the activity companies will have career paths but for this,and has already been said, second and third languages will be essential.

I'd suggest giving it serious thought before giving up and selling the stuff! Dry ski sleeps are a lot more difficult and dangerous than the real thing!

Give it some time and she might feel differently - maybe give it a go in a real snow environment. My girlfirend had no lessone before going and although she fell over a lot she didn't hurt herself once.

Richard

A relative novice myself but I've been a few times. I went to La Plagne last year with my girlfriend who has never skied before - was excellent for us but be warned - it's more family orientated than hedonistic wild apres-ski.

I've also been to Serre Chevalier and Saalbach with the school years ago and enjoyed both but couldn't comment about the facilities etc. as more than 10 years on.

If you look at the Ski Europe thread at the top all the resorts are listed and given a rating for beginners, experts etc. so probably worth a look.

I'm sure others will be more knowledgeable about the sun but I've read many times that Alpe d'Huez has a high ratio of sunny days. In general the benefits are having nice weather however I do believe when it gets a bit warmer this can have an adverse affect on the quality of snow meaning it can turn a little slushy in the afternoon (and presumably icy the next morning?!). And if it was sunny all the time there'd be nothing producing snow so no resort used for skiing will be cloud-free.

Saloon bar in Belle Plagne eminates awful noise - but was certainly lively. I think it's open till 4 - make sure you've had a few before you venture in though!