J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by LOTA

The Hoheneck is an eccentric yet friendly place. It is at the end of the pedestrianised main drag, but close to the bus route for the Titlis and Brunni lifts. They had problems with the heating and hot water when we were there, but the staff had a good attitude to sorting out the problems. Engelberg itself is a steep and deep paradise. Even the blue pistes are steeper than in most resorts. Great place for a short break or a long weekend.

Done it loads of times; found making independent arrangements to be the best value - either direct with hotels or through resort websites. Austria and Switzerland appear to have more 'single room' options than France. The odd day with a ski host or the SCGB can help - and I have generally found someone to have a chat/beer with at some point during the week.

Smashing! I very much enjoyed my visit to Murren a couple of seasons ago.

My intention is always to ski two easy runs as a warm-up and usually I achieve this. However, on a recent trip, straight on the big lift, out at the first stage, into an area of steepish blacks. It focussed the mind, a little!

I believe Crystal holidays are doing something similar to what Mr Hull describes in their French resorts.

andyhull wrote:I used to have a ski lock, one of those with a wire and a combination lock. Ok until it went wrong and we couldn't open it. Solution was to cut the wire which was ridiculously easy. Zero security beyond the deterrent really.

I use one of those as well and I appreciate the determined, professional would not be deterred, but I think the opportunist would look elsewhere. It also prevents the taken wrong skis scenario. I also like those heavy-duty ski racks at lift stations that cost a Euro; they seem an excellent solution.

Went on Sunday and spent four enjoyable hours there hunting holiday ideas and chatting to the holiday firms and tourist offices. Came away with some real possibilities for the 2014 holiday.

However, we were also in the market for a new helmet/goggles combination and could only find one stand with the comfort/price balance about right. However, the sales assistant was so totally off-hand, rude and aloof, that we didn't bother. I appreciate it was Sunday afternoon and he'd probably had a guts-full of the show by then, but there's no excuse for such poor customer service!

Very noticeable that Snow and Rock had only a token presence alongside a large Ellis Brigahm stand but the shop doing the most business was Sports Direct/Skiwear4less; despite an untidy mess of a display that would have shamed a jumble sale, there was a constant queue at the till and a battle to buy ski boots for £50!

I like TripAdvisor - but you have to use it sensibly, filtering out the rogue reviews and the downright unreasonable or unrealistic appraisals. However, if you see a theme developing over a number of reviews, then perhaps it is wise to to take heed.