J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Mekka

Thanks KevinC. It sounds like we'll have a good time :D

Hi,

I'm leaving for a week in Bardonecchia on Jan 31st. Has anyone been yet this season? Can anyone recommend any good bars and restaurants. Is it expensive this year due to the weak Pound? Any tips on the skiing. I've not been here before so a little advice would be gratefully received.

Mary

Thanks Bandit. I'd never heard of a beginners pass before.

I think I'll be booking my skis with Ski Set. It seems the best and clearest option. I'll check lift pass prices and see which seems cheapest.

Hi,

Our ski group has booked this year's trip with Crystal. We were given the 'ski-pack' price as an option, as usual a cheap offer. Now the travel agent has informed us that this pack only contains a restricted lift pass, suitable for beginners. I have never heard of such a pass before. Is this a new thing? Has anyone any experience of such a pass? Has anyone any knowledge of how many slopes such a pass would cover in Bardonecchia?

I am considering just getting skis, pass, etc in resort. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Mary

We've visited Sauze twice. I loved it. The first time we stayed in the Hermitage. It was a lovely hotel, right on the base of the slope as it comes back into town. Our room had a massive balcony overlooking the slope. It's also right next to one of the chairlifts. The staff were nice and friendly and drinks were a decent price. The food was lovely. I can't fault it really. The ski bus stopped outside if you didn't want to climb the hill to the other chairlift. We booked with one of the tour companies as a group. Sorry, I'm not sure which one. We did stay there 3 years ago so things may have changed. If I was going to Sauze again I'd definitely stay there. the place we stayed the next year wasn't anywhere near as nice :-(

http://www.sauzedoulx.org/360_hermitage_en.htm

I'm pretty much the same as everyone else.

The beauty of the mountains.
The crispnessof the air, how it feels so clean.
The silence whilst on a chairlift.
Seeing the animal tracks from a lift. Wondering what made them, even better if my instructor can tell me what made them.
The feeling I get when I improve a little, even though I'll never be a great skiier.
The cosiness of the bars/restaurants after a hard day.
The smell of woodsmoke drifting through a village.
The slight ache that means I've had a great workout. At home I'd never spend hours exercising.
The complete difference to my everyday life.
As we have always gone skiing as part of a group I enjoy the camaraderie. Mixing with people separate to my usual friends. Getting to know people over a course of a few years only seeing them for a week per year. It's strange because I'd hate to be 'stuck in a group' on a sun holiday or city break.
Oh, don't forget - Fondue and Mulled Wine!

In-Line skating looks really fun. There are no places to learn amongst others nearby though. Mr Mekka doesn't seem interested either. I don't want to shell out on the kit and then find it gathers dust as I have no impetus. This has been known to happen before! Balance and athleticism are not my strong points. Is it easy to pick up?

IceGhost - I love your avatar.

I have just bought a book 'Fit for Ski & Snowboard' from Amazon. To my dismay just buying the book isn't enough, I have to do the exercises described within :shock:

It has two 10-week plans in it, one for the gym and an at-home plan. I'm planning on starting the at-home plan this week. It seems very thorough. Some days are strength work outs, others flexibility, etc. It seems pretty thorough I'll let you know how I go on.

Every year I'm the one promising myself to be fitter next year. This year I've been lax up to now so I really need to discipline myself. Hopefully this added to regular gym visits will help me improve.