J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by bedrock barney

I'd struggle to "massage" my Norrona jacket. Tis wafer thin!

NOTE: see similar post regarding advice for the 3V. I've repeated below some of the same criteria. Get typing folks!!

Despite posting elsewhere that we are looking to go to somewhere other than France for our 2nd ski hol, we are quite tempted to jump on the ski train (day version) out to Moutiers and then get a quick 30 minute transfer up to the 3V. It's likely to be either that or a local flight to Innsbruck and a resort near there. T

Therefore for the Innsbruck option I would appreciate some advice re. best locations/accommodation.

For various reasons we are highly likely to be heading out the weekend of 8th/9th Feb for a week.

It will just be me + better half (we're abandoning the teenagers!). I'd describe myself as an upper immediate and my wife an intermediate. Using Val d'Isere as a guide I'm pretty good on nearly all pisted runs (although not keen on moguls). My wife confident on greens/blues, generally confident on reds (although she takes it slowly) and is yet to ski a black run. She is improving all the time though and is keen to 'push on'.

We have only ever skied in Norway or France (Hemsedal, Paradiski, Espace Killy) but really keen to try another country.

We're keen on ski in ski out if at all possible and not fans of buses but would be ok with a 5 min walk (especially if we can leave our skis/boots at a ski shop).

Some other criteria:

Looking for somewhere within max 90 minutes transfer from Innsbruck.

We like the buzz of a larger town/village but we're certainly not looking to party into the night.

Decent ski area (maybe at least 150km?)

Relatively snow sure

Accommodation - we would probably choose between catered chalet and hotel option. Not a fan of hotels per se but guess this is the usual option in Austria

We're not looking for the cheapest place to ski so open to all suggestions

Any help would be appreciated.

Despite posting elsewhere that we are looking to go to somewhere other than France for our 2nd ski hol, we are quite tempted to jump on the ski train (day version) out to Moutiers and then get a quick 30 minute transfer up to the 3V. It's likely to be either that or a local flight to Innsbruck and a resort near there (I might set up another topic for that one)

So for the 3V I would appreciate some advice re. best locations/accommodation.

For various reasons we are highly likely to be heading out the weekend of 8th/9th Feb for a week.

It will just be me + better half (we're abandoning the teenagers!). I'd describe myself as an upper immediate and my wife an intermediate. Using Val d'Isere as a guide I'm pretty good on nearly all pisted runs (although not keen on moguls). My wife confident on greens/blues, generally confident on reds (although she takes it slowly) and is yet to ski a black run. She is improving all the time though and is keen to 'push on'.

We will want to ski a wide area and meribel seems to make sense in that it is in the middle. We're not party animals and wonder if Meribel Mottaret would suit us? We would want to be able to get into Meribel centre in the evening though - I presume there are frequent free buses inbetween?

Quite keen on ski in ski out if at all possible and will pay a bit more for this. We're not that keen on hotels and would prefer a catered chalet option (but avoiding tour operators).

Any tips/clues/advice from you good people?? I suppose choosing the resort in the 3V area is the first biggie.

I'll post up a topic re. resorts near Innsbruck as well (I'm sure you are all bored and itching to give out some sound advice!)

Merci :D

Thanks Ally. You must have an epic spreadsheet to hand with flights/transfer etc -)

We can fly from Stansted without too much trouble. It's Gatwick and Heathrow that are the big pain.

Will give this some thoughts over the next few days. It's a doddle to fly from our local airport (Humberside) to Innsbruck for around £325 each. Milan Linate even cheaper at approx £220 each.

We are eying up Ischgl/Hintertux/Lech as well though with our final easy option being Eurostar to Moutiers and a 30 minute transfer up to Meribel Mottaret.

We do fancy another country to France though.

Worst things to be doing than planning ski holidays!!

Good for you - probably the best sporting pastime on the planet IMHO. :D

I din't start skiing until April 2010 by which time I was the wrong side of 40. I think I spent my first holiday covered in a sheen of perspiration 95% of the time but, if you work hard at it, you can make excellent progress.

Suggestions:

1. Basic lessons at hemel - excellent idea but I wouldn't overdo it as it doesn't really match up with the real thing. Real skiing - teenagers bombing past you at light speed, carved up slopes with moguls above your knees, icy patches etc etc. All worth it though!

2. Lessons in resort - if you can afford it, I'd try to get in 2 or 3 half day lessons. This should push you along and stop bad habits from setting in. An instructor will also be able to talk you down slopes that would be more daunting if you were on your own.

3. Ski boots - make sure you spend some time in a good hire shop getting the right fit. Others on this forum might be able to point you towards a good shop in the resort.

4. Make sure your pal is 'empathetic' - you don't want him/her taking you up to the top of a blue run on your first day and saying "you'll be alright honest' .

5. Don't try to ski too hard for too long - unless you are uber fit, your muscles will be complaining like mad after 3 days.

I haven't been to Borovets but friends of mine have.......there will be no comparison with Alps D'Huez. You'll have a great time.

Very tempted Ally. Not sure if we can make it work (I always avoid flights from London for logistical reasons).

Only other issue relates to timing, I was originally aiming for late Feb for our 2nd trip.

I was looking at the piste map. There do seem to be a lot of lifts to negotiate to get up the mountain. Maybe I've got used to places like Val d'Isere where two lifts can quickly get you 1000m up the mountain?

Presume no concerns with height of resort at only 1300m? Presume ok early Feb although perhaps not so good later in the season?

Here's another budget for Val d'Isere using freshchalets.co.uk. We stayed in their apartment a couple of years ago.

I think a week in January is circa £1,100 which equates to only £275pp. This includes free private transfer.

As per my earlier post, flights/ski hire/ski pass add another £400 max. Therefore only £675pp + spends on top.

Really good value for top class resort.

I don't think I'm ready to own a pair of skis.

In any case it might open up the much feared 'husband discretionary gadget budget' debate

(like the time I came home with a £1,500 mountain bike. Still feeling the pain over that one......5 years later :( )