J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by andymol2

I've been a couple of times - really Like Morzine itself.
Not overly convinced at the skiing: it's quite low lying so weather can be an issue and, for me it seems overcrowded. Naturally the two can be linked - if there's not too much snow everyone is squeezed into the higher areas.

They still seem to be building in Avoriaz which will make things worse.

Looks interesting - visited Gulmarg in September (not to ski) back the 80s and always fancied returning.

I take it that that area of Kashmir is safe to visit these days?

Are you sure it's your sciatica?
Could some of it be boot related? I know getting custom fitted boots might be extravagant for a first skiing holiday but may make a huge difference if you already have problems.

Lots of exercise in preparation - particularly core work will minimise the risk of your back playing up. If your technique is good skiing should not be seen as a back exercise at recreational level. Naturally your back will do some work but I doubt you'll be racing, fun parking or mogul bashing on your first holiday!

Make sure you take a good combination of your pain killers with you just in case. (They will come in handy for general aches & pains too).

In other words most of it's shut!

I'd be tempted with Sauze d'Oulx if you want entertaining at night.
I think the Sauze/Sestriere ski pass gives you 1 day in Montegenevre - not sure what the Montegenevre one gives you in terms of the Italian side.

A friend who was staying in Sestriere was having coffee in Montegenevre by 10:30 am just over an hour after setting off.
I'm not sure how reliable the snow on the linking runs is.

Andorra - Soldeu/El Tarter/ Pas De La Casa (Gran Vallira)- more extensive than the other Andorran ski areas, good ski schools, plenty of blues (as well as reds and blacks if you are in a party of mixed abilities)

Not sure Bulgaria would be top of the list but I confess I've never been however a friend who's opinion I trust has and says he'd rather not ski than ski in Bulgaria. (He's no snob - I've spent a night in a Norwegian cow shed with him)

I nearly got castrated by my elder daughter - did a hockey stick stop , managed to fall & poked her ski through the crotch of my salopettes.

Needless to say the salopettes were never the same again and an inch higher and the same could have been said of me!

For some French & Swiss resorts in particular this was a poor snow year. Started well & simply stopped & then spring arrived early melting the remaining snow.

For some of the Austrian & Italian resorts it wasn't too bad at all. However it wasn't a vintage snow year for most European destinations.

The key thing with going later in the season is to watch the snow reposts & book late. (I guess this may not be an option for the peak demand of Easter and this year Easter is so late it's going past the season for many destinations.) It may be sensible to check snow reports (treat with caution as the snow depths can be optimistic) and look at as many webcams to see how much brown there is! Sites like this are also a good place to find out the current conditions from skiers who are out there or just returned.

I'd also be a little cautions about booking too early in the season - whilst December may be cold it can be dry - it's a relatively recent phenomena of ski resorts opening much before Xmas - I guess snow cannons have allowed earlier opening. So again leave booking until almost last minute if you can.