J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dave Mac

Ski planning has moved on, so as ever, Austria for January, Colorado for a couple of weeks in March, and ~~~~ and ADH for February. However, we are fitting in with friends, so the exact dates will be up to others, but I guess it will be a one in three chance of meeting up.

I have a feeling that my lift pass costs are likely to quadruple this season.....

If he wishes to teach in Tirol, he will be required to pass his Anwoeter, and be required to do this in German. Similarly in France, although it seems there is a lot of legal debate. In Italy, the requirements vary by region.

A good start point is to get on to the BASI FB site, and ask for advice.

Wasley, if you have only plucked Tignes out of the air, and obviously from your post, cost is a concern, why not start from Portsmouth ~ Cherborg? Would that work?

Mike, top of this page, click "chalets", and fill your boots.

I disagree with the stated views on Bulgaria, we enjoyed our skiing there. If Sauze is of interest, then from the chalet page above:
https://www.j2ski.com/ski_chalets/Italy/Sauze_d_Oulx/Jouvenceaux.html

During my season times and for many years afterwards, my fitness was carried by 25 ~ 50 mile fell runs/races. As the years passed by, I dropped down to running marathons, and I ran my last sub 3 hour marathon at the age of 52.

Over the past few years, I have worked on strength & mobility routines, and these have maintained the requirements for skiing.

Unfortunately, last year, I suffered a long illness, and consequently lost muscle and fitness. Fortunately, I was still able to ski, albeit not quite at the same Mac rate. I am now getting back to some level, by hill walking, plus other efforts. (Managed Skiddaw two weeks ago, but it hurt)

Putting this into perspective, a good friend, the head instructor in Niederau, does not put his MTB on the Gondola. He cycles up the mountain several times a week.

Darryl the most difficult aspect here is the New Year factor. It is likely to override the location choice.

The east coast can be a bit iffy for snow. The west coast adds more time,with no additional ski benefit. I would focus on Colorado.

My previous Colorado trips have focused on Breckenridge as a base, and this is likely to be our preferred option for next season. The EPIC pass covers Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, and maybe Copper.

For that number of folk, I would open the enquiry wide. Google the tourist boards for all of these resorts, and if they are smart, they will circulate your query. Also, go through the Tour Ops.

If you end up booking direct, flights will be a big problem, so I would be seeking advice from the flight companies.

Once these two main issues have been addressed you can drop a level to vehicle hire. I would suggest that it is unlikely that all your group will want to go to an alternative day out together, so 3/4 minibuses might be a solution. On the other hand, you might see if you can hire a bus/driver for the week.

You need to start your queries early.

If you have been doing this for years, can you piggy back on to some of the T/Os you have used before?

The symptoms of FP are usually clear. A good clue is if you have sharp heel pain when you wake up, and stretch ~ this is repairing cells, breaking apart again. Painful to walk for extended distances. My feet succumbed after 20,000+ miles of competitive running, and several seasons skiing.

I had a pair of custom made innersoles made on the NHS. I also use a standard pair, bought from Boots.

These are what I have used in my ski boots and day shoes for the past 20+ years. I suffer no pain from that area. (Lots from elsewhere...)

I mentioned this on J2ski in early 2010. I could guess, but not ascertain, why, no matter which hire shop you looked at on line, (including going through skiset), the bottom line price always ended up at exactly the same bottom line price. Top line prices and discount elements varied, but every shop ended up with the same price.

As is my norm, I found out the pub most frequently used by locals, and quickly made friends with a lift man, Bernie. After a couple of nights, I asked the question. as to the reason.

The answer was that one extended family had, over the years, bought up all the ski hire shops in the area.