J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by skidaddle

Dave Mac wrote:You can just about write the script. Meet them in the pub first night.
"Hi there, been to Niederau before?"
"No, this is my first time skiing."
"Great, are you in class tomorrow then?"
"No, my uncle/dad/brother/ is going to teach me"
"Hmm"

Three days later...
"Hi there, did you enjoy your skiing today?"
"Mmm, I had the day off today, my knee's a bit sore"
"Oh, OK, well you you can get back to it tomorrow"
"Oh well, I've decided to go to Innsbruck tomorrow"

I always suggest... Invest in lessons for three years, so as to become a good skier. Then go free-skiing.

In this context, I am defining "good skiing" as skiing correctly and in control.

Spot on.

However, I have even heard the following reason/excuse for not going in class -

I used to be a good skateboarder, so I'm sure I can ski/board as well. (yes, really.)

Tony_H wrote:There is a guy in InterSport in Mayrhofen, goes by the name of Marcus. I know people who swear by him, and go back on a regular basis to buy from him. I have witnessed him in the shop, and he only advises based on what the customer is looking for and what would be best in terms of the right product. He is not driven by price.
Thoroughly decent chap too.

'tis true.

Any one who skis as well as he does, drinks as much as he does and likes AC/DC into the bargain just HAS to be a geezer.

Tony_H wrote:

skidaddle wrote:Aah yes, the self-appointed champion skier(s) holding court in the bar after a day on the slopes.

The times I've listened to these guys explaining how they conquered the steepest blacks/deepest powder after two weeks on skis and just a couple of lessons...

Not possible and they should fool no-one. There are no short cuts to being able to class yourself an expert or advanced skier. Nothing can substitute weeks on the snow and some good tuition, but sadly many beleive they don't need either before they can say "I am a good skier." I've skied for about 30 years and am only steady through the bumps and cannot ski powder very well at all and I accept both points.


It is the humility that is lacking with these chaps, but it can make for some very entertaining "ear-wigging."

There is a huge difference between being competent and being a good skier. As you rightly point out, its horses for courses too. You, for example, are an excellent piste skier, but I know you arent a fan of powder, off piste or bumps. But that doesnt make you a bad skier. It just means you will ski well what you like to ski. Nowt wrong with that old mate )

Well, thank you kind sir!

I'm actually a bit better than steady through the bumps as long as they're not too cruddy. Do you remember the first day you had in Mayerhofen with me, when the Horberg had got busy on a relatively mild day? Very choppy and for the sake of safety we packed in. Thats what I'm talking about really. Had it been early morning...

Its all about being aware of your limitations. I don't like off-piste powder, so consequently I have done very little of it and am therefore bobbins at it (especially on skis with a 66mm waist!!)

Aah yes, the self-appointed champion skier(s) holding court in the bar after a day on the slopes.

The times I've listened to these guys explaining how they conquered the steepest blacks/deepest powder after two weeks on skis and just a couple of lessons...

Not possible and they should fool no-one. There are no short cuts to being able to class yourself an expert or advanced skier. Nothing can substitute weeks on the snow and some good tuition, but sadly many beleive they don't need either before they can say "I am a good skier." I've skied for about 30 years and am only steady through the bumps and cannot ski powder very well at all and I accept both points.


It is the humility that is lacking with these chaps, but it can make for some very entertaining "ear-wigging."

Tony_H wrote:I think you really need to take a trip over and speak to some local property consultants or estate agents to be honest.

There is a bit of building going on at the minute, so Tony is right - get in touch with them.

If you are planning to live there its relatively easy to find a place, but you have to prove you will be occupying it for the required period per annum, otherwise they won't allow you to take up residence. Apologies if you are already aware of the criteria.

Good luck though - I'd personally love to live there.

I think TonyH has summed it up pretty well - it is good to have your own as you will learn to ski better as you get used to them, rather than handing back a pair each week and starting again. The quality and condition of them is also assured as both are down to you!

Also, I have been led to believe in the past that the cheaper hire shops are exactly that due to them maybe not having the best insurance in place (or any at all.) TonyH will confirm a particular shop (which will remain nameless) hiring out gear in a shocking state and setting up bindings in a way that can be described as negligent at best. I spent half an hour with Tony's daughter and a techician I know getting them sorted out the next morning and the techie was angry and disbeleiving in equal measures.

So, to be properly taken care of you could easily end up laying out about £75 for a week on a pair of skis maybe not ideally suited to you.

Do the maths, as the saying goes.

That guy, I take it, was the one wearing the retro AFC Sunderland shirt and blue tinsel wig. The one we had a beer with at the Clotes bar the following afternoon?


Mentalist.

End of story.

My suggestion is to send Pavelski a private message -
he is incredibly knowledgable and helpful and will doubtless point you in the right direction.