J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dorset Boy

Meribel -centre of the largest ski area in the world, with (probably) the best lift system in the world (you used to get c.30% more skiing in a day in the 3V than Espace Killy due to the quality of the lift system). Always alternative routes around if main lifts are busy, but queues usually move pretty quick. Great variety of skiing, great choice of chalets.

Val D'Isere much nicer to stay in than Tignes, one of the best ski areas in the world. Do it, but VdI rather than Tignes.

Zermatt - stunning resort, stunning scenery, some great skiing, but mega expensive lift pass! Do it.

Morzine - although fairly impressed by the PdS, I think Morzine is just too low for skiing in France. Take your waterproofs, or bite the bullet and stay up in Avoriaz.

Obergurgl - not been, but would suggest this could be your pre-Christmas warm up break. Seems to get good early snow.

Dolomites - been tempted, look great in summer, but something has always held me back. Probably an inconsistent snow record.

Never liked Cham myself...

I don't think it's a Brit thing anymore. In Avoriaz this year I think over 50% were wearing lids, including one or two instructors (never seen that before).

In a collision with another skier, it is your legs, knees and ribs that are likely to come off worse than your head.

I wore a lid for the first time this year, only because Ski Republic include them for free. I think your hearing is slightly restricted, and sometimes peripheral vision too (though that may be down to the goggles). :shock:

My biggest concern is that any increase in injuries on the slopes is down to people not taking lessons for long enough, modern equipment being 'too easy' and then safety equipment making lower intermediates think they are Franz Klammer. :evil:

As someone else has said, kids that have grown up wearing lids are now becoming adults and having always worn helmets, will continue to do so.

That's been standard practice for donkey's years Andy. It's all part of a free market economy.

Had the intention of skiing it last Thursday but it was closed. :evil:
Have to say looking from the chairlift that goes up alongside I don't see what the fuss is about, but do recognize that looking down it may seem a bit different. I've skied far narrower and seemingly steeper runs elsewhere. :wink:

Couldn't you do it on vertical metres skied - far easier to measure.
75kms in a day if excluding lifts is unlikely IMHO, but very possible / likely including lifts.
Had the Garmin in Avoriaz this week and had to ski around son's lessons, but average distance has been about 10km/hour including lifts, and although not hooning, we're not slow either.

Done

You can't get to the French resorts by train from GVA. You need the public bus or a shared or private minibus transfer. Just google gva to the resort transfers and you'll get lots of info.

Try the following:-
http://www.merinet.com/accommodation/chalets.html for Meribel
http://www.valthonet.com/accommodation/chalets.htmlfor Val Thorens

The resortnet.com websites cover most of the main French resorts and list independent accommodation.

Good luck!