J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by LOTA

You can use the Aosta Express transfer service from Geneva airport to Courmayeur, La Thuile etc. Only 80 Euros return.

RichardBenc wrote:

LOTA wrote:There's a simple solution to your problem; don't wear a balaclava!

But what about windchill?

What about it? Never had a problem with a frozen face in 40+ years of skiing in all conditions. A helmet, goggles, a good jacket with high collar and one of those things that go round your neck and can be pulled up like a cowboy mask is more than enough.

As they say on the Dragons' Den - you're creating a solution to a problem that doesn't exist!

I did my achilles tendon and was anxious about skiing again. On day 1, run 1, I misread the piste map and ended up on black runs (my intention had been to have a go at something easier to build confidence!) Anyway, I survived in reasonable style and went from strength to strength. I would offer the advice of having a private lesson so a professional can help you rebuild your confidence which I am sure will come flooding back with the right help.

There's a simple solution to your problem; don't wear a balaclava!

First of all, it would appear you're at the right end of town for the best access to the mountain. The Gaislachkogl (correct spelling!) has fewer queues than the Giggijoch access lift - and the skiing is much more rewarding - steepish reds and blacks as opposed to cruisy blues. If you are staying near the piste, it would appear you're likely to be close to the Innerwald nursery area or perhaps at Ausserwald or Unterwald. The main piste through these areas can be a bit like the M25 at rush hour, or the happy valley at St Anton, at peak periods. As a high mileage man, you will enjoy the Big 3 Rally - a special round-the-mountain route that takes in all three peaks over 3,000 metres. The glacier is really snowsure but the long, long run back home from there can also be busy (not even slightly demanding, though). As for mountain restaurants, I liked both the Gampe Alm and the Gampe Thaya on piste 11. Atmospheric traditional huts. The self-service at Giggijoch is massive and ok, but has all the atmosphere of a motorway service station. The Heidealm above Gaislachalm came recommended; I thought it overpriced and over-rated; the itinerary to reach it was a bit of a nuisance, too, and not to everyone's taste.

A day in Obergurgl is worthwhile for a variety and to confirm to yourself that it would not be suitable for a week's holiday. Having a car means Kuhtai and Hochoetz are in easy striking distance.

Innsbruck airport is just an hour away so Munich, I'm afraid, is not the best travel option.

As for prices, difficult to say as I last went three seasons ago.

Overall, though, I liked it very much and would definitely return.

My thoughts, on immediate return from Soelden are here: https://www.j2ski.com/ski-chat-forum/posts/list/12325.page

I like skiing in Switzerland and I'm going there twice this season.

Tony, you can add Les Deux Alpes to your list...always deals to be had there - I wonder why?!!!!!!

Tone, just seen your post. I'll be along a bit later with a detailed response!

Would you be so kind as to add me: Engelberg on April 20. Thank you.