J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Hudman

I think this thread is crepe....

Well....yes...and no! There is a very nasty lump in the weather models based on Geneva that seem to suggest a jump to +6 or more at the end of this week which then at least drops back to sesonal averages by the 29th (ish).

However with over 4 m of snow at altitude in Chamonix I'm not getting overly worried for the 3rd March....I'd be happier if there was a massive dump on the 1st but I can't be too fussy!

Cactus bar close to the Chaudanne is a good choice for straight off the piste beer + happy hours!

Can suggest others in Meribel Village or Mottaret depending where you are staying.

Chamonix.....22

I shouldn't worry as that was my experience too! It is a bit unnerving I will admit that you go though a lot of the process before you start talking prices but I think it's probably the best way to go. I went with the idea that I needed a pair of boots that were comfortable and fitted me and which would be used for a good few trips and accepted that most boots were £200/300 + the cost of a footbed. Over the time you are going to use them saving 50 quid by buying a cheaper model doesn't seem that important!

Hi Tin Pot,

I think the lack of other replies might be a reflection on your tone in the post! I know forum messages are always prone to misinterpretation so my apologies if I've also fallen into that trap.

Anyway I will say that I had a good experience with Snow and Rock in Sheffield when I bought my boots. There are good fitters out there but it's worth knowing what to look out for.

1) Does the fitter measure your feet first or just ask your size and whether there are any boots you like the look of?

2) Once he measures your foot, does he get a pair of boots he thinks will fit, take the inner boot out and ask you to try the shell on for size?

3) Does he ask what level of skiier you are/number of weeks skiing?

4) Does he suggest footbeds rather than the insoles the boots are supplied with?

I would respectfully suggest that if you answer NO to any of the above I would either ask for another fitter or go somewhere else. If you really are pushed for time and you think they are being a bit rubbish you could always try in resort as you might get a more qualified ski tech there!

Regarding the skis Bandit is right to say have a good read about the skis before you part with your cash. What kind of skiing do you do? If you're mostly on piste a waist of 102mm is huge! If you want a ski to progress from piste to off piste there are a number of "all-mountain" skis which are a compromise so won't be as snappy as a piste ski on the hardpack and won't float as well as a fat ski in powder but should be OK in both conditions. Again, a good ski tech, when he asks about your experience and how you want to progress should be able to recommend some good examples!

Equally, let us know how much you have been skiing, what you like to do and what you want to become better at and I'm sure the recommendations will come!

Happy Shopping!

How about Paradiski? I've stayed in really good chalets in Peisey Nancroix and Monchavin Les Coches which should be available at a decent price but have the benifit of a huge ski area and high altitude skiing.

This season is very unusual in terms of snowfall and you may be lucky that the conditions stay good all the way into April but I'd like to have a high altitude "banker" just to be sure!

Anywhere (with the exception maybe of Brevant and Flegere) will involve a bit of travel but that's a given in Chamonix and is more than made up for by the amount and variety of skiing on offer! The bus system is very good (if a bit crowded at times) and as I said above I think the train comes into play if you are up in Le Tour/La Balme area!

When are you going?