J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dave Mac

Several good points there, ultan. On the sleeve lift pass pocket, although anywhere on the left hand side will do, from knees to shoulder, a benefit of using a lift pass pocket is that it will never be opened, and so the lift pass will not get lost. I use a chipped Swatch, but carry the pass as a back-up.

zobo wrote:Hi Dave,

Are you in Niederau at the moment? What are the conditions like?
I am coming out on the 30th and very excited, wish it was tomorrow!

Arrived by train yesterday from St Anton, was on the Gondola before noon, season pass in pocket. Conditions much better than St Anton, on a par with Lech. A great strength of Niederau is the quality of the pisting. So at the moment, piste conditions are great from 9.00am, when I start, until about 2.30 pm ish, when the piste starts to hard pack. However, I still managed to keep the turns going until the lift closed. :P

Skiing was much curtailed today, catching up with old friends, trying not to have a drink on each occasion. Only managed 17 runs, should be a minimum of 20 to justify eating!. Mel, my prime ski buddy, arrived today. He doesn't have great health, but maxes out in spirit.

Some new snow tonight. I will be back for the first 2 weeks in March, so just keep the faith. Niederau has cold North facing slopes, and hence retains good snow quality.

For the best snow, ski right beside the trees, drink only Zipfer, stay away from loose women.

Sm, when it comes to clothing quality, maybe just apply common sense with regard to quality. One practical suggestion, and the reason why I reject 90% of jackets, is the adequate supply of pockets. Minimum two inners two outers.

Waterproof, windproof, breathable. Packaway hood. Forget the badge.

If you are an absolute beginner, the Austria, Simmelwirt or Alpenland are all close to the ski school. The Sonnschein is a good quality and good value hotel, but a bit further to walk to the Gondola.

If you can use a T-bar, the Harfenwirt is good, and together with the Bichlwirt, you are entering some of the local culture. The Tenladen T-bar is close, and this gives access to the main lift.

I was skiing with people today who are staying at the Austria, and they reported good food. Although I am friendly with the owners, my personal experience there was not particularly good. That would not prevent me from staying there again should the occasion arise, although, for the last nine seasons, I have stayed in an apartment 200m up from the Harfenwirt.

Halfway down the Marbachjoch today, and I received a text from No 2 son, he is in Glenshee today, great skiing, big queues.

For sure, Cairngorm has to be the place to be, once they sort out the access.

Congratulations Badbark!

Was skiing in Scotland at New Year with my No 2 Ski-buddy, and he proposed to his lovely lady. My frau and I are the only non family members invited. Intend to give the Apache wedding poem, plus a painting of the Matterhorn!

TheSkiingGolfer wrote:

billip wrote:Not having skied since a school trip very many long years ago, I regard myself as a complete beginner. I've booked a week in Niederau with a ski school package, and flight to Innsbruck.

Hi Billip, I've just booked a week in Niederau leaving on the 23rd Jan. The wife and i are complete beginners like yourself and have booked the learn to ski package through Crystalski. it includes ski/boot hire, lessons and a 'beginners' lift pass (The other option was 'whole area' lift pass which i imagine allows you to go over to Oberau or Auffach and ski there). Just wondering if you could tell me where your lift pass covered you for, and whether it was in any way limited? Would it only allow you access to some of the lifts?

Nice to read that you had a great time also....getting us all excited! :mrgreen:

Complete beginners do not need to book a lift pass. You may not need a pass until day 2 or 3, and you might just need to buy points instead. Your instructor will advise you.

basketcase wrote:

billip wrote:Dear all
Having got back from Niederau yesterday I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone on this board for all the useful info, tips and encouragement. The Sonnschein hotel was superb and the red ski school got this oldie beginner to come safely down a red by the end of the week with no damage to ego or body ;) Wanna go again! Soon !

Glad you had a great time, only 6 more sleeps and then we're off there :)

Hi Basketcase, where are you staying? Might catch up with you.