J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by ryanh1418

Hi all,
New season fast approaching and the knee ligaments are all repaired so the sensible thing is to take it easy and spend a week cruising blues and reds. But sod that, this is the year I need to nail a trick or two.

Has anyone got any experience or reviews of the UK dome based freestyle courses? Most seem geared towards snowboarding unfortunately. I'd like to do the Maverix day course between now and January but wondered if the rookie clinics run at Hemel every week are worth a go for learning the basics.

Any info appreciated. Cheers.

I've just got back (from Vallnord not Grandvallira) and there were some awesome offers on. Boots from 150eu and skis from about 180eu. Lots of end of season deals around.

What he said ^ Arcalis = AWESOME!

And arinsal.co.uk is still very much alive and kicking and a good place to check.

Haven't been to the other ski area so can only speak for Valnord but that lift pass covers Arinsal, Pal and Arcalis and it got me through the intermediate stage without ever getting bored. If the cable car is running from Arinsal to Pal it opens up a load more intermediate level runs. Have to agree Arinsal itself is more for beginner levels so take advantage of your lift pass!

Katie, I've emailed Mum your website so hopefully she'll take a look - cheers!
I'm pretty sure the plan is to have more dry slope lessons over the next few months and probably some more in resort. Fingers crossed.


I bought the Inner Skier book for her as well and I know a good chapter or two were read immediately so maybe that's got a few little gems in it as well.

Fingers crossed!!

BMA wrote:oh ok thanks ... Have u ever been to arinsal - any tips re the good spots for food and beer!!

Going back to Arinsal for 4th season in January (13 of us). Love the place! Skiing's a bit limited once you reach a certain standard but nothing a trip on the cable car to Pal or a drive/bus to [the superb] Arcalis won't sort. If you're anything more than a novice then Arcalis is well worth the trip.

Personally we favour El Cau for apres ski beer and free toasties. Always something going on there to keep you entertained. Quo Vadis is also good though, both are pretty lively. If you prefer a quiet beer then the Black Bull is good for a chilled out beverage. Generally the night life is great with something for everyone.

Check out arinsal.co.uk for loads more info on the individual bars/restaurants. They did some vouchers last year for free drinks and stuff.

When are you going? You'll love it!

Ryan

Oh I know we'll have a great time, fourth season in a row out there! No doubt this one will be as blurry as the last three as well!!

I'm stuck at home recuperating for two weeks after a minor op on Monday, I'm bored and wish it was ski season so thought I'd ask if anyone else has already booked or is planning their season in Arinsal (or anywhere else in Andorra)! No reason, just bored!

We're going 15th-22nd, group of 12 of us, based in Arinsal but hoping to hit Pal and Arcalis more than before.

Ryan :)

But, do these ladies enjoy there skiing?

I should point out that my other half has only been the once. Unfortunately it looks like it's going to stay that way as she definitely isn't coming this year.
Mum however is coming again, which will be equivilent to her 5th week. In all honesty I don't know if she does enjoy it! She enjoys the holidays but the last couple of seasons she's ended the week disappointed that she didn't push herself further and give things more of a go.

Your mother is going to be older than many new skiiers and will probably progress slower than you

This isn't the point I'm trying to make. I know she'll progress slower than me! I'm not after her joining me on the blacks or anything, I just want her to have a go and enjoy the skiing. My first week, as I'm sure it is for many, was all snow plough, slow speeds and falling over - what it wasn't was one go down the green then sitting out for a couple of hours stressing about it - that's the issue - how does someone overcome that fear. It probably doesn't help in Mum's case that Dad, who started at the same time as her, DOES join us on the blacks, which is why I don't think it's an age/physical thing but a psycological issue.

From the replies so far it would seem one way or another lessons is what has/will bring about self-belief and confidence and the will to keep trying.

Thanks to everyone who has replied and put up a suggestion or two. I knew it was going to be a thread where opinions differed in places but it's handy to have a bit of an insight into other people's experiences.

Once January rolls around I'll let you know how it went - if I remember!


Cheers all, Ryan