J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Lynn_D

My boots also felt comfortable but pretty snug from the start and I've now skied 10 weeks on them with no problems. If you find boots difficult to walk in you can always undo them, which most people seem to do (personally I find mine easier fastened.)

I know NOTHING about boot fitting but is one a higher flex rating than the other or is it just the way they are cut? If so this may explain the difference. With regards to improving I guess you want something that you're happy you can flex sufficiently and will still suit you as you progress but not so stiff as to hinder progress.

I bought mine after 1 weeks' skiing and they are an 80 flex. The boot I have was marketed as an intermediate – advanced boot (which surprised me as I thought 80 was quite low?) however I've loved them from the start and they are still perfect even as I've progressed.

Depending on where you live I'm sure someone can recommend a good boot fitter so you end up with the perfect boots for you. Good luck :D

Sounds expensive :D

Which ones if you don't mind me asking? And how did you narrow it down? Just reviews and knowing your requirements?

Appreciate your dilemma but as others have said the Milky Way is very unpredictable for snow ('though this year looks good) and unless you're very lucky not going to be good that late in April.

If you need to bus to other resorts does that not defeat the object of a slope side hotel? Could be wrong but didn't think LDA, ADH or Serre C were on the same lift pass, other than perhaps for a day visit? Could add to costs if you need to pay for extra transport and lift passes if the snow is bad.
Also need to consider if the links between resorts will be open as you'll be very restricted runs wise if they aren't (or need transport to travel between them).

Would they not let you go the week before Christmas? Although it's term time surely they aren't going to be doing that much, it's cheap early season and likely to have better snow than late April?

Good luck with this one – sounds like you're going to need it! :shock:

Unfortunately yes. Same area SC accommodation and lift pass cost ~£550 pp in January so massive jump even allowing for food. I've a feeling it's a combination of factors. The trip is 'guided' in the mountain sense of the word (meaning qualified guide or instructor I assume?) which = expensive. This is actually the one thing that puts me off. I'd rather save a few hundred pounds and either have a generic ski guide to point out the days' route or just use a map. If I want lessons I'll book private ones.

Also whenever I've looked to book accommodation by the night it can never compete versus a week in the same place which I guess adds to the cost?

It's a shame the cost is ~double what we'd normally pay as the general idea does sound amazing and something I'd love to try.

Arabba/Dolomites

Hot chocolate € 2.5-3, coffee not sure

No idea of alcohol prices on slopes as leave drinking 'till I'm home in one piece.

Small beer (village)€ 2-3, Large beer € 4
Half litre of house wine (village) €4.50, Prosecco (glass) €2

Lunch
Pizza or pasta dish €6-10

Collett's are also offering something similar in mid March, travelling from Arabba. I think their option also works out slightly cheaper as it includes your lift pass and airport transfers. They also transport your luggage from hut to hut for you by skidoo.

Seriously considering for next season :D

Another vote for braces if you can get away with them (though agree they don't look great). My husband bought a pair last year which work brilliantly and have smooth fastenings so don't damage ski trousers.

Personally hated mine and took them off before ever wearing my last set of ski trousers. Current models don't have any but do need a belt – short thin version which came free with a pair of jeans does the job perfectly. May be different for men though as these sit on my waist not my hips.

Thanks all, more very useful comments.

I'd read quite a few reviews on Ski Diva and not come across too many problems on hard packed snow, in fact a few people mentioned they were pretty good and very forgiving? There was one link to a 'European' skier who hadn't got on with them but I couldn't get it to work. Maybe I'm missing something? It was also interesting to note that many of the women who liked them were quite light/petite. I'm neither of these but am used to a soft ish ski (including the men's ones I demoed) so thought the BPs may work well for me. They also seem to improve the more you put into them.

It's always tricky to gauge your own skiing ability and I don't want something I can't handle or is difficult on piste, as that's where I'll be most of the time. This is why I'd provisionally ruled out the Volkl range as they seem quite unforgiving unless you're pretty good (although I'll probably end up buying a pair now I've said that, have a habit of saying 'no way' to a particular product and then buying it...) Also most reviews seem to come from good skiers so although they love a particular model doesn't mean it's for everyone.

With regards to finishing turns as Verbier mentioned, yes I do, at least when the piste isn't a total mess. I think my technique on piste is pretty solid (and my instructor agreed during a lesson last year) though I struggle carving turns properly in one direction due to a hip problem. Generally happiest skiing short ish turns on steeper slopes, longer when it's safe to ski faster. Unlike most people I actually enjoy skiing hard packed pistes and on my current skis at least, don't find it difficult. My technique in powder is almost certainly appalling. I tend to unweight one of my skis a lot to help me turn but no idea if this is correct – it does, sort of, work. I will be getting lessons to improve.

It's amazing how much difference a 'helpful' pair of skis can make though. Like Gaz (different conditions) I went from enthusiastic but not overly good to feeling amazing with different skis. Great to know that sometimes you can blame your equipment!

I've looked at the Fischers (think they, or similar, were also recommended by Bandit when I was looking a few years ago (2010?) but obviously models have moved on since). Also look a good option (as does the Scott range). As if I didn't have enough choice already...
:cry:

Ian, interesting point about dodgy knees. Mine are borderline being in this category. Used to ski with a support till it vanished into thin air (an on-going mystery as I'm SURE it came home from our first Arabba trip, husband thinks otherwise....) Have managed fine without since 2009 and hoping to stay that way as long as possible. Also interesting to have another vote for twin tips despite not (I assume) being used to ski switch. Out of interest what does Mrs W ski on?

My current skis are 65, short and are hopeless on anything but smooth (preferably concrete) pistes so definitely want to go wider, even if not for powder then to get me home through end of day moguls and crud with less pain. 80mm felt great and most of the options are around this (or at least sub 90 mm) so should be OK in this respect?

Agree that decent skiers can manage on anything but for us mere mortals that ski a couple of weeks a season we need all the help we can get! -)

I guess I'm going to get marketing and sales hype whenever I buy which is why I'm looking at independent reviews as much as possible. At least this way I'm not walking in blind and susceptible to it.
Definitely going to have to last me a few years, especially if I go with the BPs which = expensive. Current models have done 10 weeks for £275 so not bad at all. However can't waste too much valuable ski trip cash on equipment - It's my 30th next year and my plan is 4 weeks on snow (unless I win the lottery in which case I'll be there all season.)
:D

Tony – happy ski hunting, it's a mine field out there!