J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by hymac580

ise wrote:[
There's probably three categories to think of, first, those who have a lifestyle that breaks even which is great while it lasts but no one wants to retire penniless, second, those who did something else for 20 or 30 years and bought their way in with a hotel or business etc, and third, those who've actually made a real career of it. I'd reckon you want to be in the last two groups at least really. You can mix and match obviously.

..

I realise I'm asking the impossible. I agree with Ise about the 3 categories. Category 2 is where i find myself, but unable to untangle my current life to pursue the mountains.

I'd like my lad to fall in category 3.

Very dissappointed to here from Neiltoo, that even at management level, one can't earn enough to 'settle down'.

Bearing in mind the fortunes we fork out for snow hols, surprising that proper livings can't be earned.

Here I am in the UK, on the web, checking out anything to do with skiing and the mountains dozens of times a day, whilst working in an industry being crucified by the downturn, wondering why I made the decisions that got me here, and salivating at the prospect of just 1 week of skiing this year.

Now, I know it's too late for me, with all the responsibilities I'm now encumbered with, but my snowboarding mad 16 year old son, could forego the 'rat race' when he leave school in 2 years time, and wants to do something ( in fact not just something, but a career) that means he gets to live and work in the mountains.

What careers ( not in the 'rat race') can he pursue that means he gets to live and work in the mountains, whilst earning enough to aspire to marriage, children, maybe buying a flat/house.

Anyone currently ' living the dream' - how did you manage it?


Graham

ise wrote:
I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry
Mystic Rhythms - Rush (Mystic rhythms -- capture my thoughts and carry them away)
Sinnerman (Stereo) - Nina Simone (runner-up)
The Unforgiven II - Metallica
Broken - Unkle
The Beginning of the Twist - The Futureheads (winner in the "dropping in" category)
Look To Your Orb For The Warning - Monster Magnet (the mountain screamed three times today)
Everything Is Borrowed - The Streets (winner of the chilling on the chair category)
Kashmir - Led Zeppelin
Nothing Else Matters - Metallica (it really doesn't)
The Escapist - The Streets

Is that Broken-Unkle ? Don't want to listening to that while skiing. Sounds more like a tune for the blood wagon.

The road from Bellecotte to Belle plagne is not a 5 minute stroll, especially with luggage or in snow, and guess what- it's uphill!

Gondala goes from Bellecotte to Belle Plagne and is free for pedestrians, although I don't reckon they'll be too happy if you get on with suitcases.

Is it 55 euro for the week? Doesn't sound too bad to me. Also, the beauty of the underground parking is that many of the hotels/apartments have direct undercover access from the carpark to the accomodation( Lift or stairs). Handy if it's snowing heavily, and you're loading a roof rack or putting on/off snow chains.

Graham

Depends which part of La Plagne you're going to.

None of the villages would be described as 'buzzing', but you're definitely going to get more apres ski in Plagne centre , than Plagne Soleil or Aime La Plagne for example.

Belle Plagne has 3-4 bars (Guiness £5/pint!!), plus disco and several restaurants. From Belle Plagne you can catch the gondala to Bellecotte where there are more bars and restaurants. The Gondala runs until midnight, and is free.

tomski wrote:my weight is 115kg ,or 254 lbs but will be down to 210 lbs after i have been training,

Off thread a bit, but surely the binding settings not the important parts of this thread.

Surely the stand out thing here is, what training plan are you going to use to lose 44lbs before the ski season??

Publish that, and you'll never have to build a house again!!

In a normal year, booking last minute is the only way to do it in my view. Means you get to go where you know the snow conditions are good (assuming you've checked), and you will get a cheaper holiday. However, don't leave it til last minute if you're a party of 4/6/8 or more. Two is ideal. And you may have to compromise on some of your needs, for instance, ski to door/en-suite/catered etc.

I say 'in a normal' year. This season may be different. Due to worldwide economic conditions, and the cost of aircraft fuel, you may find that TO's and airlines will have fewer flghts available. This'll present no problem if you don't mind driving, but may limit your choice if you want to fly. I reckon this season there will be a stack of unused properties in the Alps, especially those that you book direct with owners.

Cervinia in Italy is good. Virtually snow sure. Mostly above tree line, so very open. Resort is dominated by wide blues and reds. However the Italians have been over zealous in their ratings, as most of the reds would be blue if you were in France. This means that a beginner ( and I've taken a beginner snowboarder there) can ski down from the top of the mountain on Blues/Italian (easy)reds. Additionally resort is not spread out, so main gondala and cable car come down from mid-station back to town so a nervous skiier need not ski to the bottom. If you require stiffer test you can nip over the top to Zermatt on your ski pass and get some more challenging skiing in.

Otherwise La plagne is good with plenty of blues (stay in Belle Plagne)