J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Grizwald

I think Boston to Killington as one example is about 120 miles. East coast skiing in the US is OK but the best is out West. San Francisco would be a better option than LA IMO even though Big Bear has the best now in California at the moment flying into SF put you a couple of hours from the various Tahoe resorts, either LA or SF would do for Mammoth mountain. You could also consider flying into Denver, Colorado, or Salt Lake City. The East Coast resorts would be my last choice-how about Vancouver for Whistler?

Toas in New Mexico even……..

Titans are a very well thought of ski but more of an All Mountain. I have the Magnums and they've been my do it all ski-teach, carve, can handle off piste (all down to how good you are-you don't need a wide ski for off piste per se).

There's also the supershape speeds again narrower in the waist and more dedicated for on piste.

A-monk29, if you're cost conscious I'd be very surprised if Mayrhofen isn't the cheapest option even DIY. I usually find Soll or Mayrhofen are the cheapest option with the UK TO's.

You should get good snow in any of those at that time of year. Main drawbacks to my mind (not all applicable to your group) in Mayrhofen is the Gondola up and back down (there is no runs to resort level from Penken), the runs are pretty short, lack of steep runs (although in the Harakiri is meant to be Austrians steepest) and lack of off piste. The night life is varied and as it's a proper town you can immerse yourself in it fully or avoid it. Mayrhofen's main skiing is some distance from the town centre – high on the Penken, which rises way above the town and as mentioned is reached by a large gondola in the centre of town. There's a free bus service to the main lifts, running approximately every 15-20 mins, but the buses can get crowded at busy times. There are links with the village of Finkenberg and Lanersbach, as well as quieter, gentler slopes more suitable for novices on the Ahorn across the valley. The Penken-Horberg slopes are all above the tree line. The Hintertux glacier is worth a visit.

Out of those on your list they will all meet your requirements, Saalbach is one of my old favorites and I've skied in great conditions in May even. You may also want to consider Soll and Kitzbuhel good for intermediates and St Anton and Ischgl-the later will be pricey though.

Any questions give me a shout, as my liver will testify I've drank and also skied in most of the Austrian resorts over the years.

I didn't click on that you were planning on going half term week-don't everthing will inflated price wise (flights accom) And for the love of God March is not too late to go to any of these! These places would not be viable if they had to close in March!!!! I had pretty ropey condition in Tignes January gone and great conditions mid AMrch in Saalbach.

Biggest advantage to buying in Canada is that you can try before you buy whcih si worth it's weight in gold.

The Canadian $ is really strong comapred to when I was last there so this is the only downside I see.

OP you should be fine in any of those although Zell is low altitude but you have the Kaprun glacier if things are a bit sketchy (they really shouldn't be at that time of year) I find it a bit laughable after 20 odd years of skiing some people avoid the lower altitude resorts in Austria like the plague, I've skied in May in Saalbach and had glorious conditions-my love of slush is only bested by my love of deep powder though…..

If you haven't already realised there'll be a bit of a difference price wise unless you plan to book independently. Zurs and Lech will be pricey regardless as they're very upmarket-Lech is a bit nice than Zurs IMO all things being equal. St Anton trumps Ischgl for off piste but vice versa for on piste IMO both have rowdy Apres. Obergurgal and Hochgurgl also a bit more upmarket, quieter and better for families (not sure on your travel group).

Zell is beautiful but the skiing is limited both in size and challenge if you're a high intermediate or advanced. TBH you could consider lots of others depends on your ability, requirements, budget. All the above minus Zell perhaps are as snow sure as you'll get for Austria-you may also want to consider Solden-can get a pass which incorporates Obergurgal etc too.

I'll be in St Anton the last week of March.

In my experience you're usually dammed if you do dammed if you don't in this sort of situation. £380 for catered accom sounds a cracking deal BTW. I had 2 free weeks to get my final week of 4 in for this season so booked up. Things have changed over night at work so could have gone pretty much any week so was kicking myself as I could have waited for a bargain.

I find you usually don't end up exactly with what you want if you wait last minute usually resort wise.

I'll be off to one of those low lying Tirolean resorts you refer to in Feb! Had much better conditions in February in Saalbach last year than I did in Les Arc in January.......

Since when has snow cover ever been a serious issue early March-ANYWHERE?! OP where are you going ealier in the season? I've been to resorts late March where the alt tops out a little over 2000m and never turned up with nothing to ski.

If you can wait then do. If not Le Thuille is nice also consider Cervina-bigger and lots of intermediate crusing. Fancy Austia?

Damm it I worte a really long winded reply and then it didn't post!

Quick summary then: Solden isn't as wild as it's made out to be don't know how it's got that rep really maybe rumours from those who've never been?

In general, I would say that the pros out-weigh the cons in IMHO. Ok, it may not be as picturesque as other ski resorts and the après ski not as wild as it's made out or on the scale of some other resorts, but all in all if skiing is top of your list of priorities I would say that Sölden has a lot to offer for many skiers. The fact that snow is guaranteed most (all) of the season by virtue of the glaciers is a big plus as is the proximity to Obergurgl and Hochgurgl if you like an odd away day. Doesn't attract huge crowds of Brits and all that goes with that.

It's all down to the individual and group in terms of wants and ability. I think compared to France if you want great skiing, affordable food drinks and actual nightlife then you'll love it.

Reasons not to go? I like other Austria resorts more, Ischgl, and St Anton in the main.