J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by jastem

According to my East Anglian Daily Times yesterday, a key legal document has finally been submitted to Mid Suffolk District Council. Now that the S106 paperwork has been received by the council, officers will soon be in a position to rubber stamp a new five-year planning permission for SnOasis. This crucial document outlines the level of investment that developer Godfrey Spanner's company Onslow Suffolk and his investors will make into the transport network and infrastructure areas during the construction process at Great Blakenham near Ipswich.

Even when he gets the revised planning permission in writing, Mr. Spanner must then submit the detailed plans for the first phase of work, which is an ecological survey and archeological assessment of the former quarry site. Then, before that work can begin, he must apply for a licence from Natural England. Once that is complete, he can submit more detailed plans and start the building process.

We went to Lech for the pre-Christmas week three years in a row and lack of snow was certainly not a problem!

Good choice - you do know about dancing on the tables in the Nederhutte don't you :D

The few diy trips we have done have not cost less than packages - mainly due to the transfer-to-resort costs I would say. We also tend to book last minute bargain deals with package companies - no longer having to worry about school hols/work etc. Also enjoy the ski hosting if we go on our own. I personally like handing over the responsibilities to someone else so I can enjoy the holiday more. Last December we got stuck in Geneva overnight due to snow conditions at Gatwick - so we were put up in a hotel courtesy of Monarch.

Have had two trips with Crystal recently after several years gap and was quite impressed with them.

I can highly recommend Ski Miquel with whom we have had some fantastic holidays and would also suggest you take a look at Ski Total.

I am wondering if buttons used on ski wear would be different to ordinary buttons - ie having to withstand colder temperatures?

We are also fans of Serre Chevalier and have stayed once in Chantmerle, twice in Villeneuve and twice in Monetier which is our favourite. We have taken beginners and boarders with us and everyone has a great time. The mountain restaurants are good value - the one at the mid-station above Briancon is excellent but our favourite is the Peyra Juana on the way down to Monetier.

Really enjoyed the photos Alistair, particularly of Oberbgurgl and Zug. How different without all the cold white stuff!

Can I make a non ski related tip re Zermatt? Take a few minutes to wander around the graveyard to see all the headstones dedicated to those who have died trying to conquer the Matterhorn.