J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by steverandomno

I'm thinking of buying some new ski boots from Decathlon (surrey quays, london). They are about 30 quid cheaper than anywhere else (Nordica Speedmachine 12). Is their bootfitting service any good, or is there a reason why they are so cheap?

P.S. I've just remembered the other instructor (we had in 2004/5 i think) was Tom. Do you know them?

We learned with Ryan in 2002/3. We took an intermediate course with another instructor who I can't remember. It is worth pointing out that the quality of the tuition, whilst in general is good, depends heavily on the instructor. I can highly recommend Ryan, especially if you are a beginner.

OK sorry. It is not spam. It's a genuine question.

Also, I'm thinking of buying some new ski boots from Decathlon (surrey quays, london). They are about 30 quid cheaper than anywhere else (Nordica Speedmachine 12). Is their bootfitting service any good, or is there a reason why they are so cheap?

I can highly recommend ClubSki. It also gives you a great preview of the three resorts as each day is at a the three seperate resorts.

Sunshine is my favourite as the snow is always good. The runs are a little short except in the Goatseye area which is generaly more advanced.
It has very open 'ski where you like' terrain.

Lake louise is more extensive and has some good back bowls but it can get very icy on the front sid between dumps.

Norquay is basicaly a small local hill, having steep and fast terrain. It is very good after a major dump but this is rare compared to sunshine and Lake Louise. Otherwise it makes for a great morning of fast groomers.

Be sure to hire a car and check out the Bow valley parkway and the Icefields parkway. Num ti jah lodge on the icefields parkway is great for a stop along the way.

Make sure you pay a visit to Kickinghorse as well. It is a 1-2 hour scenic drive away (better now due to the improved highway) it has some great challenging terrain and a less commercial atmosphere.

Overall you will find that Canada in comparrison to Europe, has a more open approach to skiing with a set ski area boundary rather than pistes. They do mark trails (their version of pistes) but you do not generaly have to keep to them so long as you observe roped off areas and permanent closures.

Whilst from a practical and insurance perspective, off piste in Europe is classified as being anyware outside the piste markers (that's right, if you crash outside the markers you'r insurance company can get out of the deal by claiming that you did not take a guide). The analogy to this in Canada (and US) is backcountry or out of bounds skiing, which is anyware outside the ski area boundary.

Also Check out Melisa's for breakfast and the bar.

Have a blast!

Hi - I posted this before but I think it got deleted because it contained a link.

I am planning on buying some stuff (icebreaker base layers and camelbak) from web togs (no space).

Has anybody got any feedback on both the website/company and icebreaker gear?

Thanks.