J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dave Mac

Ise, thanks for clarifying Ischgl, in this instance I took the info from the brochure.

Clarifying our needs, apart from the two beginners, there are some capable intermediates, willing to have a go at new things. I generally ski with the group, then take a couple of mornings by myself, or with my OH. My dodgy knee precludes 7 days of 100% all out, so this mix is a good balance for me.

Tony H is right Tino, there was a mention on another thread about the steepness at the top of the blues at Mahrhofen. These are probably no worse than most places.

So Saalbach/Hinterglemm and the Skiwelt both look the best of the suggestions.

I want to get this as right as possible, so guess I'm trying for a bit of Utopia.

OK, so thank you for the responses, some very helpful info here. It is looking like New Year, so cost will become an issue.

Filzmoos ~ Checked this out, looks to be spot on for beginners, Ski in/ski out, gentle slopes to village. But the advanced skiers will spend several hours of the week on a bus.

Ischgl ~~ Beginners slopes at the top of mountain, so bad weather may have an influence. Great for the more advanced folk. Quite expensive.

Seefeld ~Seems OK for beginners, very limited skiing. Lowish cost. Seven Xmas's Adele?? Was this your Chrissy present?

Soll & Ellmau ~ Schiwelt is a great area for all skiers, you can go out for the day, and ski different runs all day. Can't remember too many blue runs down. I recollect that Soll is a bus ride to the slopes. Ellmau a shortish walk. Ellmau village a bit dull, Soll church as good as church interiors get ~ wouldn't have escaped Cromwell that's for sure.Both lowish cost

Saalbach/Hinterglemm ~ Have been summer alpine walking here, and from that thought it would be an attractive ski area. Attractive for beginners are the choice of full blues down the mountain. 200 km of skiing looks good for the rest of us. Bit expensive.

Niederau ~ Good for beginners, but routes down the mountain are tricky for first timers, without an instructor to show exact routes that simplify. Quite good on cost.

On another thread, Risoul was mentioned for beginners. It does look good, but since I am introducing a couple of newcomers to skiing, I wouldn't want them to think that French village architecture was typical. And Austria is so friendly, and cheap, and the tyrol music is soooo good.

So thanks again, feel free to add further comments or additions. I might need to work on Tony H for ways to reduce the cost at New Year.

I would make the starting point as going back to the surgeon, explain the issue, and look for an expectation of how the foot repair is likely to go.

Then with the surgeons response, go early to a couple of boot specialists. Give them time to think through the problem, and that you will be back to them in October.

You then have to hope, as we all do, that the repair goes OK in time.

I haven't any bolts, but three years ago I did put a big diamond blade angle cutter through the tendon that operates the big toe. The doctor stitched the two ends together, then stitched the skin over.

I cut a slot in piece of carpet, and fixed this to the underside of the roof of the innersole. Because I use rear entry boots, this allowed my foot, complete with it's new lump, to slide into the boot.

Good luck.

Yes Ruby, go on the dry slope. It will let you continue to get used to the awkwardness of ski equipment, and also, should enable you to gain confidence and control.

Then when you go to the snow, it's sooooo much easier.

Also, adding to my earlier answer, when you choose a resort, there are advantages for choosing a smallish resort. You won't need extensive skiing anyway, and the likehood is that there will be fewer hotshot skiers getting in your way.

And the other thing, is that Inghams do good ski school/ski hire deals. Some include passes where appropriate.

Tony H is your man for wringing deals out of Inghams.

Hi Ruby,

I can understand why you wouldn't complain at the time, But I would reiterate Tony's other points. Go and explain to the manager what the issues are, and get a solution organised. You can even mention that the instructors performance is being discussed on J2SKI!

It is significantly advantageous to get in some practice of this nature. I would do some now, so that you don't carry your nervousness over the summer, and then get two or three a month prior to your trip.

You are going to fall from time to time, but that feeling of lack of control, when just starting skiing, is scary, can be very off putting.

Regarding a good place to start skiing, ccoincidentally, I have been seeking J2SKIers recommendations for an Austrian location, good for beginners and advanced skiers.

One suggestion was Filzmoos. Checking this out, it looked lousy for advanced skiers, due to the disparate locations of the mountains. But it looked very good for beginners.

Important points for you are: - a good ski school, gentle slopes, (green & blue runs), accomodation reasonable close to the slopes ~ skis weigh twice as much when you are not used to carrying them.

I also advocate Niederau, being as it is my second home. The red ski school is highly rated in European terms.

I always suggest Austria, because of the historic and local tirol buildings and atmosphere, good local costs, and great accomodation.

In France, Risoul seems to offer good slopes for starter skiers. But the accomodation... ??? and mountain costs in France are high compared with Austria.

Good luck!

Well done Tony, St Anton remains on my hit list, just for the steep stuff. And I don't really believe all that stuff about all fur coats and no......

Why does my hit list keep getting longer? Klosters, Davos and Zermatt were on it, done them, but Saas Fee wasn't. Obergurgl was on, but after talking to a rep in Niederau, have taken it off.

Don't listen to the others, it's pure jealousy.... isn't it?

My plans are changing somewhat for next season. Out goes Utah, and incomes an Christmas or New Year trip. This would include a couple that have not skied before, in addition to more experieced skiers.

I know about Niederau of course, but I will have two other visits to their, so would not mind somewhere else in Austria. Niederau is highly rated for beginners and has a great ski school.

Filsmoos was mentioned on an unrelated thread. Checked this out, and it looks to be very good for beginners, gentle slopes into the village, ski in/ski out. For the better skiers, it looks like long ski bus rides. Don't see a ski route from above Filzmoos down to Radstadt, and onwards. Anyone skiied the area?

Considered Ischgl, looks great for better skiers, and a gondola ride to top of mountain beginner slopes. Any comment?

Any other suggestions?

Good luck Caron. do the exercises, come back stronger than ever.