J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by skidaddle

tino_11 wrote:This is the only reasonable photo taken of me in the last 18 months.



Virtual prize for anyone who can tell exactly where I am?

I'm probably wrong, but it looks a lot like the Kitsteinhorn Glacier @ Kaprun.

I am definitely going around the 15th to the 24th and will be alone for a few days (pending the arrival of Tony_H and a couple of family members.)

If anyone fancies meeting up for a good ski and a couple of beers please let me know.

I'm very clean and don't bite.

Tony_H wrote:

Rossfra8 wrote:Disney on snow.

What exactly do you mean by that?

Possibly a reference to the architecture??

DermoHiggs wrote:Thanks for the info - looks dodgy then. What about Zell Am Zee-Kaprun (would really like to go to Austria as first preference)?

Edited to add: After some hasty research I'm also very interested in Obergurgl.

I don't know about Obergurgl first hand, but its a resort where one of the UK tour operators offers "white weeks" due to its excellent early-snow record, so definitely worth a look.

I've been to Kaprun at the very beginning of December and whilst there was loads of snow on the glacier, the lowest slopes were shut. However Schuttdorf, which is along the road towards Zell was open and this provided several reds (one quite testy one down to the village) and a couple of blues for warming up on.

I think the rest of the area was opened up a day-or-so after we left.

I think you should be ok with any of the resorts you mention, but would like to add that not all of the bars and restaurants in Kaprun were open when we were there, although I would have thought they would be very soon after we left, probably around the 10th of December.

Finally, Kaprun glacier can be a bit bleak, but taking the rough with the smooth, at least you will be quaranteed snow!!

My Father and his partner go there every year around mid December and ALWAYS have good snow, coupled with quiet pistes.

Its true that the Ahorn Abfahrt will almost certainly not be open, but that really doesn't detract at all. Its a pity if you can't ski a very long and in places quite challenging run, but not hte end of the world.

Obviously though there are no guarantees and one year they will get caught out - quite proably this year as I'm going at the same time!!

Hintertux is an obvious fail-safe though and as glaciers go its pretty extensive and whilst inevitably cold has fabuolous snow.

You should be ok.

ellistine wrote:When I see you Tony.

Not if I see you first.

Welcome.

I haven't been to Alpe d'Huez, but its a popular choice with Brits and from what I gather the snow shouldn't be a problem at that time of year. Indeed, there is a school of thought that due to climate change, the better conditions are to be had later on in the season. You should be fine.

A course at MK to get yourself started is not a bad idea at all. You will get the feel of boots on your feet and skis under them, which will be an advantage when you hit the slopes. Be prepared for some strange exercises!
Also, if you are planning on having lessons in resort (and I certainly would, as although you are prepared to practice you will inevitably develop bad habits) they will proabaly be very different to those you have at the Snowdome.

I wouldn't worry about "carving" or "paralleling" as you need the basics first, such as how to get up when you fall down!!

Goggles should be comfortable first and foremost. Get a pair that is "anti-fog" and I would suggest a yellow/orange lens which is something of an all-rounder. Will cut out glare and also improve flat light visibility. I wear them all the time to stop my eyes watering too.

Have fun!!

I'm getting Tony a pint in ST Anton, when I see him.

Keith...

















(enough now.)