J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by billip

Paulaski: re your original question, I ski'd in Niederau late March last year and although the lower slopes in the village were all gone, those at the top of the gondola were pretty decent, and we had snow overnight for a few nights too. Hope your hand improves in time.

Hi Ally: You mention La Rosiere; I've been thinking of that resort for a second trip this season (went to Niederau early Jan). Is that the place where you can ski across from France to Italy (or the other way round..)? What was your experience of it ? Thanks for any info.

I'm not an electrical engineer, but I wouldn't have thought the power you can get from your car's cigarette lighter would have a significant drying effect on six wet ski boots !
But what do I know; after all, the ciggie lighter in my car does allow me to hear the London Symphony Orchestra while driving, so maybe you're in with a chance! ?

Good luck !

Thanks for the background info, Dave. Interesting.

I was there mid-March last year and found that although the low (beginners') slopes were green, the top of the Markbachjoch was fabulous, and received good snow every night I was there. Think I'll squeze in another week this March.

To add to the appeal, you'll stand a good chance of getting the slopes virtually to yourself, yet everything is still fully open !

There appears to be a certain local rivalry between Skiwelt and the Niederau areas. Of course Skiwelt is much bigger. You won't, for example, see any road signs, or find any public transport in Niederau to Hopfgarten (or vice versa). Hence the free hotel bus scheme, which I believe is being financed by Skiwelt.

... plus the speed, the risk, the knowledge that you are dependent on your own skill and observational prowess. And the illusion that you are (at least) ten years younger than you really are !

This is indeed a great topic, and it stopped me in my tracks to think of an answer. I suppose that all the things Emma mentioned are true: beautiful scenery, fitness and exercise in the middle of some of nature's finest wonders. The feeling that you have done something better today, or this season than you could last year; and I definitely go along with the "being around other happy people" bit, that it surely one of the biggest attractions. For adults, like we are I presume, it's also, I think, about a temporary absence of all responsibility: forget the car, the waiting d-i-y, garden, shopping, credit card bills. Stop counting alcohol units temporarily in an environment where the odd glass over your allotted number doesn't seem to result in a crashing headache which would incapacitate you in the office .... Yes, all those and more !