J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by admin

Hopefully our local expert will be along shortly, but there's some good info on http://www.sauzeonline.com/ and the Tourist Office site at http://www.comune.sauzedoulx.to.it/e_index.html .

Our Snow Forecast for Sauze d'Oulx shows a little at the weekend, but that's too far away to be sure.

Cheers

olderskier wrote:great fun and really so much easier

Hi Ken, to answer your direct question(s) I think it's really up to you to decide how you want to enjoy the mountain. IMHO Blades and Skis are worlds apart in terms of technique and versatility; personally I ski but there are plenty of people who get tremendous enjoyment cruising the runs on blades.

I'm neither a Ski Instructor nor a Doc, however, and I think you need to have this discussion with one of each. As a skier I would be very concerned if I was still recuperating from a broken leg; have you done enough physio and gym work to get back sufficient (and balanced) leg strength to ski safely?

Hope that helps - enjoy the mountain the way you want (but be safe).

Cheers,

A lot depends on where you plan to go, but you may have a problem finding Group Lessons for both days; group lessons are often unavailable on whichever day is changeover day. If you can afford private lessons I think you'll have no problem - there are English-speaking instructors (Brits even) in all big resorts.

A great weekend destination is the Aravis area. StarSki in Le Chinaillon are good with little ones and maybe worth a call. Gravite in La Clusaz ( http://www.gravite.co.uk/ ) may also be able to help out (friendly place to stay too!).

You could also try asking on Snowheads (look for posts by easiski - Charlotte is an English instructor who has had some good feedback posted there - based in Les Deux Alpes).

Ok, so he only made number ten in the Downhill at Wengen today - but that's the best result for a Brit in almost 20 years! Rock and roll!

Guess the odds are still fairly long for a medal in Turin but, hey, he's flying higher than Eddie the Eagle right now !amazed

Ouch. Have you tried the Hotel Search box on our Ski Hotels Page ? There are quite a few Austrian Hotels listed so you might find something nearby. Failing that, you could try contacting the Tourist Offices direct as they almost always have up-to-the-minute notification of cancellations, etc. and are usually pretty helpful.

Or you could try giving Austria Sport a call (they're listed on our Zell am See page so might be able to help out).

Hope that helps,

Hi David; first reaction is to ask why you want your own? For once or twice a year I'd recommend hiring; you can get the best / latest models each year and choose a ski to suit your ability each year. No transport costs either (I think all the budget airlines now charge at least ten pounds each way for skis now).

But if you're set on 2nd hand skis, make sure you get a recent model with a modern design and modern bindings (ease of use and top safety respectively). Ensure the bindings operate smoothly and, preferably, get a local ski shop to check them or insist the seller has them serviced as part of the deal.

Check the bases for signs of rock damage and bad repairs - a seller who has had the skis serviced will probably have looked after them...

Go for a modern model that's just been updated for the best price. Early Rossi Bandits (great ski for an Intermediate) might suit but best will be to look for a ski you're familiar with (and like, obviously!).

But I would recommend thinking again about buying versus hiring... 8)

Mike Cole wrote: lots of easy green runs in an attractive setting

Depends what else you want... but first thought would be La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand. La Clusaz has a couple of suitable areas (Col de la Croix Fry is almost a separate ski area, good for kids and early skiers). Le Chinaillon, above Le Grand Bornand, has some big open Greens and easy Blues, generally sunny too with lovely views - there are also some great runs for intermediates as well as a couple of serious pitches if you're feeling brave... 8)

I expect Gravite will be along shortly to confirm ;) ...but this area (the Aravis) is very attractive and has a friendly, cosy local vibe to it too...

Our Snow Forecast says it might be by Wednesday, with snow on many mountains, colder temperatures and some very different weather to that we've had of late. See our European Snow Forecast for details.
Keep an eye on the web-cams and watch the mountains (and many valleys) go white for the end of the week? Let's hope so...