J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by verbier_ski_bum

Many times. We have been skiing lot of off-piste lately and in places you can forget that civilization exists. No sign of lifts or people and very quiet. First time this year we had to put in a fresh bootback because the old one got completely snowed in and despite hard work involved in walking up the hill in snow above knees it was amazing feeling knowing that we will be the first ones up there.

It depends on a season of course but if you are planning now look for a higher resort with at least some north- facing slopes. Also for this time a quiet resort is probably not the best idea because if skiing is too limited due to conditions you might get bored. Early Easter next year is good news but it can still be too warm. Zermatt is a very good option - lot of slopes to ski including on shady aspects and a lively village. Or maybe somewhere like Tignes.

I've started wearing a helmet when I started skiing off-piste a few years back. I got used to it very quickly, but I ski very often so it wasn't difficult. If I was to have a piste-only day I probably wouldn't bother.

You need to look for resorts with runs that never get groomed and itineraries. They all turn into bump fields, but they would normally be steep blacks or steeper (for itineraries). Bumps that form on groomed runs by the end of the day will get bashed every evening.

Well these people passed all the required tests at the time of their qualifications and they've gone through the French training system and fulfilled all requirements to obtain these qualifications. They've also gone through all subsequent training. I can't see how it is a double standard. Just because many older French instructors won't run through the gates in time required to pass the test now, doesn't mean they should be retired. Many race coaches are also too old to ski as fast as many of their students but they can still coach. I am not required to write a new MS thesis every three years to keep my employment and "maintain standard". If you were admitted to University when the pass grade was lower does it mean that you have to re-enter in the future when the pass grade is higher? This is not how it works. But just because there are no re-sitting of any exams that were already passed it doesn't mean that they should be abolished.


As for driving licenses example. To get a driving license you don't need to be driving at Vettel's standards:) But having a driving license alone and even some driving experience doesn't allow you to teach others how to drive, you need to pass through an approved driving instructors' training program.

Maybe, though I can't see how it helps SB case. He was knowingly breaking the law and now trying to drag his case through all the courts - seemingly to gain time and publicity. I read what was said about doing business in France - easier to do it under the table etc. But if you are doing your business under the table and get caught there is no need to play innocent victim.

A skier also is not required to pass Eurotest. A ski instructor if he wants to teach in France is.
The French statement illustrates that it's good to read details of the case before starting flag-waving exercises. And it's not tourists who decide what the appropriate teaching standards in a foreign country should be. French system is viable and they design it to suit their needs, to make sure that the standards are high enough to prevent every man(not just British)and his dog obtaining qualifications easily (like you can get BASI 2 for example) but only those who invested considerable time and effort would get them, to ensure that supply meets demand and prices stay competitive and wages at the level that allows people to make a living out of their profession. The plank won't be lowered. This is not how it works, it might be lowered when there is a massive shortage of instructors but there isn't. And the standard of a French recreational skier is very high so it's not surprising that training for instructors is so intense.

Oh well, for 40-pound difference it's a good deal - it's only little bit more than a supplement you would need to pay if you had a Zermatt-only pass and wanted to go over the Italian side. I am sure unless you are there during a big storm week you will get an opportunity to ski to Italy at least once during your stay.