J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by smartski

Don't listen to music when skiing but if I did then may be
"collide" Leona Lewis "I'll pick you up when you're down" he he :lol: , (just happened to be on radio at the moment)


Edit for Chorus "crash into me, at full speed"

Discodee wrote:smartski did you learn in Borovets?

yep, must have been 1983.

my memories are that it was green grass when we arrived but snowed after a couple of days. Then every time I fell or put pressure on the bindings my boot popped out and the binding slid wider; so the instructor had to force them back closed with a screwdriver...I learnt a few Bulgarian swear words from him... I guess it was a good incentive not to fall over.

Also remember there was only one shop to be seen and it didn't open even once while we were there.

glad it didn't put me off skiing for life...

[edit: actually I first learnt on the dry slope at Hillingdon but that doesn't really count!)

I'm like you PaulBryanBill, my preconception is that it would be horrible... but I have a friend that does it for four-day breaks and says it's great...it arrives early on day 1 and you can ski on departure day too.

Think he goes "Snowcoach", worth seeing if there are any reviews on them, but I'm sure there are plenty of others.

Discodee wrote:smartski, you are obviously a good skier!

That is my mantra, say three times every morning :lol:

Discodee wrote:I did say advanced skiers would probabkly think differently.

You did. I should have added that there are some very pretty runs, "ours" ?? I think it was... beautiful gentle slope through the trees. And a challenging black at the other end of the resport (can't remember the name)

Discodee wrote: we go self catering, i cook everything.

you've lost me now...do not understand...! :shock:

Interesting to read different opinions, because Chamrousse for me was very limited.

In fairness I prefer the really large linked resorts, i.e. 3-valleys, and Chamrousse is more 'local' and so would be a great confidence building resort if you like to find a favourite run and go round & round.

I don't do much night life myself, but there was a nightclub/bar in the main shopping centre, think prices were alleged to be £7.50 a pint. And I do remember paying £25 each for melted cheese & dried bread [they called it "fondue" which justified it of course. :thumbdown: ] Needed to book restaurants 'cause they filled up very quickly.

At 1700 there was a buffet restaurant associated with the apartments where you could buy vouchers for the week. Basic food but the staff were friendly (family run as I recall).

But late March? Chamrousse in not that high. 2000m max? Check the snow history. I know it rained on us one day!

What about over the Auris side? I remember a little cabin near the bottom of the main slopes heading back (near the 'scary' lift). Nice deck-chairs if the weather's good...

Or the other one I remember is right at the bottom valley after Sarenne. By Chalvet chair (just had to look that up). Just remember needing to tuck and let it run fast before the bridge (way back up the valley) to make it without poleing the last section.

("reasonably priced" is relative of course for Alpe d'Huez)

Tony_H wrote:How rude!!!!

'twas me! But I didn't know they were sat on the tables next to me for dinner.

User names should clearly be labelled on our helmets :idea: (ok, or wollies,...behave, we don't need that debate again).

Who's in 3V first week in March?

Which one was you OldAndy? I was there with the family last week too. They were super keen and we skied for 2 1/2 hrs on arrival day using the FREE! lifts at the bottom of the resort.

I would echo the Mark Warner arrangements, fantastic, I used them first last year without family (Tignes) and didn't hesitate to book L2A. (Also booked for 3V later this season). Food in hotel was excellent. Skied to door of boot room everyday.

More generally I was disappointed with the 'blue' runs especially over at Valley Blanche. OH is a returning skier (of 10 yr absence) and the kids were first timers on the mountain. Although we did cover every single blue during the week they all seemed really tough for kids transferring from greens to blues.

On the positive, it was fantastic being able to ski from Glacier to Hotel door, non-stop (no lifts required). About 20-25 minutes fast, free running (without kids) or 120 very leisurely minutes (with kids!)

And for the first time ever, did not queue at one single lift, not even once all week. Straight through ticket gate, no one at chair or button so straight on - lovely.