J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dave Mac

I prefer non-rail bindings, on my skis. Again it is the weight issue, my wife shouldn't have to carry all that extra weight! -)

Leaving 11 December:
Choice of four catered chalets in Zermatt, £443 ~ £478, along with a 2 for 1 ski/boot hire. Flghts from Gatwick. France, Tignes £478. Austria, St Anton, £424.

Hi SC, welcome to J2ski.
I have some skis dated 1790 K2 Obsolescents 210cm.

Would they do? You would have to go to Niederau to collect them. -)

I didn't pay much for a HB deal in Zermatt, but I agree in general it is on the higher side of the norm.
Equally, I would not suggest resorts, just because they are high. Going high in the early season can bring disadvantages. You can get some dodgy high mountain weather, resulting in featureless whiteout, or getting trapped on the wrong side of the mountain OTOH, I would go to Zermatt at any time! After 2.45pm, the temperature often drops to unpleasant levels.
The OP made it clear that cost is an issue, hence, if, by the start of December, there are dumps of snow all round the Alps, (short pause for a quick skier's prayer) there will be lots of choice of good value places to go, with resort height not being an issue.

I had no probs at Breckonridge. but it was evident that plenty of people do, there is a medical centre locatedd next to the bottom of one of the main runs, and most of their business was AS.
I have suffered once, only slightly, at 10.000 ft, but skied at 13,050ft at Arapahoe Basin without bother, but my OH was seriously affected. She was OK, once she started skiing ~ attagirl!
In, Breckenridge, 9.500 ft, they advise 3 days without alchohol, yeah, right......

For that early, you can leave your choice until about a week before, even a couple of days before.
Assuming normal temperatures, most of the Alps will be prepared with machine snow at the start of December. Real snow builds on this base.

So around the last week in November, look on J2ski snow reports to give an idea of conditions and forecast.
It would help if you have some preferences, in terms of easiest airports for you to get to, easy ongoing transport, preferred areas.

bandit wrote:Dave Mac, Tino struggled over a mountain pass with a van full of beer for our benefit. The least we could do is pay homage to his endeavours by drinking it :D

This is commitment to fellow skiers way and above the call of duty. The thought is making me feel quite emotional, in fact, I'm filling up.
You are right Bandit, I think we should all make an extra effort to visit the Duke of Zermatt, and assist him on his mission ~ to reduce the size of his beer store!

Hell of a size chopsticks, Bandit!