J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Pole Plant

For something a bit different try Big Sky, Montana, USA. Great 'cowboy' atmosphere, pretty easy skiing and near Boseman-a great town. Drove up there from Utah, about 500 miles, but easy on the roads to do in a day.

La Plagne has also got air bags, but not necessarily all that cheap.

Hi Sharon. Le Tour and Les Houches are great places for the valleys best nursery slopes-especially Le Tour. Skiing is fairly easy all round and this area of Chamonix will quickly give you a 'confidence boost' Have fun!

Having gone through the same childrens ski scenario a few times I can strongly recommend (if your budget allows) to take the children to Breckenridge, Colorado. First of all English speaking instructors (NOT always the case in Europe despite promises from the ski school. Being able to interact closely withy children is so important at the beginning of their ski experience and one that will last for ever-remember your best teachers at school when you were young. Also the learning areas give rapid progression because they are so easy and confidence building. If you are going for Europe then there is an English run company with its own English teachers in Champoluc, Italy. I think they are called ski-2.com and they have a first class reputation.

Hi Doug

Great news, new skis.

My honest advice is not to buy a ski bag but buy a ski tube (look on the internet, Snow & Rock etc.). The baggage handlers, most times, just hurl your skis out of the back of the plane and a bag gives very little protection (broken bindings are not that uncommon). The cost of transporting your tube is the same as a bag and they come with wheels and can be secured with a padlock. More expensive than a ski bag but totally effective. Good luck.

Opt for your late booking option (one or two weeks before departure) and, assuming you are skiing in Europe, get onto 'chalet accommodations' and you will probably get an offer for a room occupancy but with no single supplement as the chalet has been unable to sell the room, so better to get something for the room rather than nothing.You won't get this sort of deal over Christmas, half term or Easter. Finally if you finish up in a chalet you will be sure to find other skiers and won't be eating alone in the evenings.

I think you've got it about right-ease yourself in. Alternatively, if you have access to a snow dome or dry slope spend a day there in the week before your ski holiday.

Best bet must be Snow and Rock, Southampton Street, Covent Garden and also stores at Chertsey and Purley. If the boots don't fit after using them they will replace same for free or another make within the same price range as you paid. Alternatively, I believe the Ski Show is on at Earls Court at the moment and that should also be a good place to compare prices and offers. Good luck.