J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by dobby

Cheers, all. Some excellent advice and things to think about. I would prefer to go with a Bash/big group but I am rather stuck with the dates of 14-21 Jan (family restrictions, mostly related to birthdays and GCSEs, though how a middle-aged scientist type can help with analysing poetry [aside from, "what a load of old *****"] is anyone's guess). I am more minded not to go with a chalet on the grounds that it is harder to get away from any people you don't like :).

Trying to pick resort for solo trip in mid-Jan. for middle-aged bloke firmly in the intermediate zone (blues and reds, not fussed with blacks). Looking for some decent skiing, 1/2 board or chalet accom and a few beers in the evening.

Had a look at various things coming up on the TO websites. Passo Tonale is the bargain basement, snow-sure option, but looks a little tame from the piste point of view (except pistes on glacier and those in the little resort next door whose name I have forgotten). Quite a bit on offer in AT - Rauris looks too small. Niederau available thru Inghams, and I have a strange desire to go there for reasons I cannot fathom. Few other AT resorts coming up at not too bad a price - Bad Hofgastein, Kaprun, Zell Am See, for example. Chalet available in La Plagne 1800. Also, some places available in Soldeu (which I skied about 20 years ago).

Anyone had experience of any of these areas, especially from the point of view of a solo trip?

Top stuff Admin!

Certainly does look very good today

Cheers, Bedrock & MattSki. I have added your comments to my rambling list :)

Guilty as charged, m'lud

Just thought I'd start a thread on some beginners' stuff - this one's on clothing. Will come back to edit later.

First thoughts are:

You don't have to spend a fortune
Beg or borrow if you can (and if it fits)
Trousers/salopettes specifically designed for skiing are a must - you will fall over and you don't want to get wet through - jeans are a complete no-no
Shops like Decathlon, Sports Direct, Aldi and TKMAxx sell perfectly serviceable stuff
You can often pick-up bargains at the end of the season or before the start of the season
Go for a layering approach - lots of thinner layers usually better than few thick layers
Get a good pair of gloves and use glove liners to keep you extra warm - don't take off your gloves on a chairlift - if you drop them you may lose them for good
Get some good, proper ski socks (big thick ones look good but aren't really)

Kids generally get colder quicker than adults, so bear that in mind
Kids also seem to get wet quicker than adults - spare gloves are a good idea

Fit is important for some items - if you are buying a helmet, get one that fits well (I have an odd shaped head)
If you are buying some goggles to go with your helmet, then you need to try the goggles on with the helmet in place

Snoods/neckwarmers are good for keeping out the wind.

Don't bother wearing/carrying a backpack/rucksack until you know what you are doing - these can easily get caught on lifts

Please feel free to pile in everyone....

Bedrock - Robotic mower? Fantastic. Name - Mow-bot? Impressed by your knowledge of church roofs, too.