J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Brimster

I went to Passo for Easter last year and have to say that apart from at the weekend and bank holiday the lift queues were not bad at all!!!!

As you are first time skiers I would, personally, say it is easier for you to book a package holiday and have it all done for you and then you are not having to worry when you get to resort about how to sort out lift passes, ski school and equipment as it is all done for you.

As for where to go in Italy..... Passo Tonale is a fantastic place for beginners however it is not a picturesque resort by any stretch of the imagination.
Cervinia is a great resort and where I learnt to ski however I was with a group and the majority were great skiers so when I wasn't in ski school they came out with me and this helped me improve loads but I'm not sure this would be such a great resort for a full group of beginners only.

I've never been to La Thuile however have heard good reports about it and know a few people who have learnt to ski there...

I use Insure & Go and whilst I've never had to make a claim they are one of the most comprehensive but competitively priced.

In fact I am using them currently for my season in Canada and they cover me for all the additional activities (including snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice skating...) at no extra cost....!

Amanda n I'd try not to worry. Like Tony H I've never had a problem with putting a double ski bag plus clothes at the airport however I haven't flown with any of the "cheap" airlines.

I've never been asked to open my bag for the check-in staff to see whats inside nor am I aware of any of my friends having to do this. The only people that ever went into my ski bag were American customs and they just left me a kind note to tell me they had had a route around - can't have been thrilling for them but at least they didn't damage my lock which was a first!

As for people taking your skis etc I think this only happens in a minority of situations and to be honest I've known people to walk off with wrong suitcases so I don't think it is just ski equipment related.

As for you worrying about traveling alone and getting your stuff I wouldn't worry. I flew out to Canada a few weeks ago and had a layover in New York where I had to collect all my luggage and re-check it in. I collected my suitcase first and then had to walk to the opposite end of the reclaim hall to collect my skis but they were sat there waiting..... in fact a security guy with gun was kindly guarding them for me (although he didn't ask to ensure they were mine just let me walk off with them!). When I got to Canada I was fortunate that skis came out on the conveyor with suitcases.

dgou wrote:
PS I am English, never had anything pinched - other than my bum! ha ha! didn't see anything offensive in the post myself but each to their own.

I agree I hadn't seen anything offensive or any scaremongering but each to their own. Think people need to take a chill pill. Hey its snowing again out here so thats a reason to smile :lol:

Sorry to hear about your OH but fingers crossed everything will work out well for him.

As for having his operation on Friday the 13th its a lucky day!!!! I had a knee op on Friday the 13th and whilst it didn't cure all my problems I'm still able to spend the full season skiing. (I also passed my driving test and got a new job on Friday 13th hence why its a lucky day!!) :D

I'm with Tony H on this one suitcase every time.

Just put your extra clothes in with your skis - I got out to Canada for the season with one pair of skis, two jackets, two salopettes and a couple of jumpers all in my ski bag it saved me money and it protected my skis from the baggage handlers (though they did manage to put a tear in my new ski bag!! :twisted:

Hi Trav

I have to say that I don't think its a bit arrogant to do a season and not work but then again I was in the same position as you having gone straight through school to uni to work it just took me longer to realise i wanted some time out (I'm 31!) an I'm currently spending the season in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada. The powder is great and on Wednesday night it snowed 26cm so loads of fun on the mountain yesterday!!

I'm afraid I can't help you out with info on Banff however wanted to let you know that there are loads of options available to you out there for doing a season and it really depends on what you want to do and what you want to get out of i. I decided to go down the road of becoming an instructor on the basis that it helped me meet people whilst out here and also helps prevent a large gap in my cv!!