J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Ranchero_1979

Have to say above seems a contradiction in terms, 'powder heaven, on-piste and green run' (how deep can powder be on-piste and on a green run you would poling to move).

Definitely skiing corduroy with a bit of fresh on top is good; Canada and the 'Early Bird' ticket is a great place to experience this. Ideally on a big open red, seeing how fast you can ski and how much angle you can get on the skis.

There is however still something about those special days of bottomless powder. When somehow your skis are rebounding making the skiing effortless. They don't happen very often and you pray you don't mess up the first turn and ruin your pitch when they do.

Perhaps that is what makes skiing so special and so difficult. To ski hard packed snow, powder, crust, spring, steep, deep, crud etc. is a life time of learning. Every run of every day the snow is changing and you can attack the run in a different way, which is why I never understood how it is possible to out ski a resort. Even the dreaded mogul field is a great way to spend a day. Turn on every other mogul, go at 45 degrees to fall line and try every mogul, and finally every mogul skiing the fall line. Brilliant way to spend a day and will also improve you general skiing. Which makes me conclude that there are no good or bad days of skiing, ski it as you see it and enjoy. My only rule is try to ski properly, what are you trying to do and how does it feel.

Jacket and pants every year, what are you doing to them :-)?

Have to say if you are using skis >5yrs old you are really missing out as technology is changing all the time. Boots, gloves, jackets last until you wear them out.

Unless you are skiing a lot perhaps better just to rent.

I would say zero chance of real powder if you are not willing to walk. Rent some skis with touring bindings and you have a chance.

Aguille de Midi and Punta Helbronner are not linked (about 2-3km and few 100m vertical apart). If you speak with guide they will arrange to collect you, or make a plan around bus times (no big deal). Really is for guide to make recommendations based on your level of experience and snow conditions. At least some routes of VB are a gentle ski, with some intrinsic danger so you have to be able to ski in control offpiste (20-30deg, can be anything from icy moguls to 50cm of powder). All routes on the Courmayeur side are steeper, 25-40deg which is pretty steep in some conditions.

I suggest giving a call or dropping a note to people I recommended. Very friendly and will help arrange a few good days for you.

Have to say an not convinced the length of your ski boot or insole is a big concern regarding fit. Due to having pretty substantial ankles I always end up having to get bigger boots to accommodate. The only real consideration is that your ankle is completely locked in place. Easiest way to test this is to go over a jump or ski some moguls. Ill fitting boots don't feel nice during either of these activities. I think 90% of people buy their ski boots too big, looking for something comfortable straight out of box, which results in sloppy boots once they have bedded in. Doesn't stop 90% of people from being able to turn on a green run, lesson will reveal all.

Piste skiing in Courmayeur is pretty good and fine for few days. Transfer to and from Chamonix is via a bus which can be booked online, so simple. Personally if I had the means would do 2 x days with a guide. A classic Valley Blanche from Chamonix (first day) and if everyone is happy something steeper from Italian side 2nd day. Even if weather ended up being bad there are many good tours from Italian side e.g. Punta Croce.

Hi, when are you planning on going?

So the Helbronner lift (3470m) takes you to the Southern Side of Mt Blanc, with the classic route down being the Toula glacier. Whilst this is not that steep, it is proper mountain terrain. High, glaciated and and big big slopes if something were to slide. My advice would be to use a guide here unless you have a lot of experience. Recommended would be Northern Mountain Sport or High Mountain Guides. Both Chamonix based and can guide you either in Chamonix (VB) etc or Courmayeur (Punta Helbronner or within resort).

As for the resort itself yes there are offpiste possibilities, especially off the Arp. Again I think a guide would be beneficial if as just opens up so many more possibilities.