Messages posted by : OldAndy
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I think that both Pavel... and Bandit have the right answer but it does leave the question on how to offer advice and support to skiers while they build up the experience to "know" they have picked a good ski - for them.
This is a similar thread to Snapzzz and advice in the hire shop. Unfortunately I don't have the answer! All I can suggest is to learn a little about the basics of skis and what different skis might do on the snow and then suggest trying out a few models. I do suggest not buying skis too early in a skiing career. New skiers who have caught the bug do tend to progress really quickly in the first few seasons no matter what age and they can end up with a pair of skis that they outgrow before getting value from them. Skied for a week with a mate who came to skiing late in life and who bought some skis to save costs of hiring (or so he said) but ... When we skied the snow was amazing, fresh snow every day, just glorious but he found it so difficult. I persuaded him to hire a pair of skis for the day - epiphany! But a conundrum, he owned a pair of skis with only 2 or 3 weeks use and now wanted something better! This Easter I persuaded my niece to get some better skis than she would usually hire (no problems, Mum was paying!). Her comment - "These are so easy". Within a couple of days she was carving competently and handling the bumps very nicely. She found a pair of skis that whilst technically "harder" to ski on suited her abilities, fitness and the snow conditions. Wish I had a better answer than "It depends" when asked what are the best skis ....... Or what skis should I buy/hire ... Or what skis will improve my skiing .... Oh well :D |
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Have a look at www.booking.com where there seems to be some availability.
BUT - do check directly with the hotel as there have been reports of internet bookings not being honoured/received by hotels. So - this website gives availability but phone or e mail to get clear confirmation. Good luck. (Have used this website myself a couple of times very succesfully but there was something in the press about people turning up to find no rooms for them, hence caution). |
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Full season just a bit too much then? :mrgreen: |
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But is it a skiing break on offer?
:mrgreen: |
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I don't ask for a specific model just what have they got that will suit me this week.
Last year I was given Salomon Xwing Tornado at Christmas. Super on the perfect snow at the start of the week but I found them difficult after a big dump of wet heavy snow. At Easter, different shop, different resort was given dynastar Sultan 85 - stonking ski in spring snow both on hard pack and in the slush and a little new snow as well. My approach has only let me down once and I just went back on the second day and chatted to a different guy in the shop for a swap. |
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In my experience rental skis in main resorts will generally be good bits of kit as Andy says.
Couple of points; Try to go to the shop when it is not too busy. Ask for someone who you can comunicate with (no idea how much of a linguist you are!) and be prepared to wait a bit for them to become free if necessary. Be clear and honest about what you want - say you want to be more adventurous etc. - and how you ski. Ask what they recommend for the snow conditions THIS WEEK, ie. NOW !! Such a difference if it hard packed/icy to lots of fresh snow bubbling around. Be prepared to go back and swap the skis, try something different, longer, shorter etc. Doesn't cost much to swap your rental skis around. :thumbup: |
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Rent skis and let some other b****r do the rust prevention !! :thumbup: |
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I'm with Bandit on this.
Loads of colonials in the alps working legally this way. Mind you - Tony's suggestion may be simpler .... :lol: |
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