J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by lilywhite

We got on really well with Oxygene. Our instructor was called Roberto, Italian, nice guy. He kept up a constant gentle pressure, didn't push so hard it was scary but didn't let us slack either. I can't remember how much the group lessons were, we did 5 days anyway but a 3 hour private was around 200 euros and worth every penny, we split the lesson and the cost.

Custom footbeds are brilliant as they hold your foot in the optimum ski position for your unique foot; this is not the same as your walking position. If you are comfortable and happy with your boots then the insoles you have are fine for you.
It was only after I got several ski trips under my belt that I got custom orthotic footbeds, it changed the game for me. I would not go back to stock insoles now but before I got them I was convinced they were just another way to make money for the boot fitter. This is not the case.

Can't speak as to snow depths but Courmayeur IMO is a great weekend resort, I would however be reluctant to spend more than a couple of days there unless I could afford to hire a guide to access the off piste. Unless things have changed the lift pass does allow you a day each in Pila and La Thuile, both are much larger areas and well worth the trip.

Just back from Val d'isere, awesome place, loved it. Much prettier village than Tignes with a well run frequent free shuttle bus, Val is much smaller than I thought, knowing this I would quite happily take a chalet/apartment/shoebox on the edge of town and rely more heavily on the bus to keep costs down.
If your skiing Val your skiing Tignes, I'd make a point of ending up the tignes side for lunch unless your taking a packed lunch. I got caught out first day at Tete de solaise, an average quality/size lasagne on its own with a coke and a coffee was over £20.

I really don't think it's a Brit thing. It has been mandatory for children towear helmets in most ski areas for many years now, once kids start wearing them they tend to carry on wearing them even when they no longer have to.
In Sweden it was rare to see a bobble anywhere except on x country skiers.
It's your choice but personally I am happy with the extra warmth.

I had to buy ski pants in resort in a hurry last year, ended up needing a belt and upcycled my luggage strap from my suitcase. Worked just fine and as a bonus had no dangly ends!

The intersport shops at both Natrun and Aberg would let you store their equipment free or your own at a small cost, from memory it was a euro or two last year. Great little area, we had non stop snow last year, hope you have the same luck.

Sports direct are having a stock clearance at the mo, loads of ski gear incl goggles and base layers too.