J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by LOTA

Tony_H wrote:Its all about the Tekkers and it doesnt come naturally or instantly for anyone, I was the same. I skied aggressively and hard for a number of years, and got tired thighs, and then one day - bing!! That light bulb moment where you get it right and you're leaning forwards, down the hill, pushing yourself against your principles down the mountain. I also stopped dragging my turns and engaged my edges, and now my skiing - whilst probably not the tidiest in the world - is good, fast, confident and I can ski pretty much anything. In fact, the steeper the more I like it.

I only had 1 week of beginner lessons, everything else was taught by experience, falling over and being determined not to let it beat me, and skiing with friends who taught me a lot, one in particular who I tried to mimic when skiing who was an excellent skier. Eventually I got there, but it took a few years of skiing twice a season most years.

Patience and commitment is what it took, although I'd have cracked it quicker if I;d had another few lessons I reckon but I was impatient and wanted to ski myself.

And Tony, I'd bet my house on the fact that if you had a few more lessons you'd ski even better - and ultimately have more enjoyment.

Monika, my tip would be to persevere with practice but don't do it all yourself. Get an occasional lesson and allow a professional to help you develop.

Went to Courchevel in mid-April one year - and the quality of piste maintenance etc was beyond reproach. Mild temperatures but we did not see a bare patch all week.

It looks highly likely I might get a sneaky week from April 12/13 and wondered what Les Arcs is like that late in the season? Any info or tips would be appreciated. Thanks.

In answer to your question: with enormous difficulty. I investigated this a few seasons back - and found many, many obstacles to non-Swiss, even as an EU national. It will be even harder for an American, I fear.

andyoneil wrote:

elovabloke wrote:

andyoneil wrote:

andymol2 wrote:

andyoneil wrote:
the slopes were not the problem for us - some of the l;ifts were horribly old and slow

I think much of this was sorted for the Turin Olympics but worth checking the piste map carefully for the dreaded "single chair"

I think it may have gone - went last April and it wasn't where I recall it being from a few years ago.

Hallelujah 8)

They have also changed the one in Sauze up to Sportina for a faster model.

Hallelujah Mark 2 - :P

I think I may go again

When I first went to Sauze, in 1973, the dreaded single chair from Sauze to Sportinia was half-chairlift/half-t-bar combination lift. It was Easter so the t-bar bit was out of use due to lack of snow low down - if you arrived at the wrong time, it was a massive wait for a chair to come around!

Love the Brett Lee, Jimmy Anderson analogy!

Relieved they're not like Steve Harmison: wild, moody and always breaking down!

Might I suggest attending something like one of the truly excellent Henry's Avalanche Talks.
Henry himself spoke clearly, simply and enthusiastically about the joys and dangers of venturing off-piste.
I was struck by some of the slides he showed that demonstrated that you can die, without too much difficulty, in the inviting areas between pistes.
His advice was just so sensible that it should be compulsory for anyone venturing off the marked track.
Try it, but do it safely with the right kit, the right advice, guidance, the right attitude to marginal weather, conditions etc. Any doubts - come back another day!

Another question, if I may seek the indulgence of the J2 collective: anyone have any experience of Rocket Ski as they appear to offer some rather splendid deals? Many thanks.

Late March Skiing. Started by User in Ski Chatter, 39 Replies
Went to Courchevel in mid-April one year - and the quality of piste maintenance etc was beyond reproach. Mild temperatures but we did not see a bare patch all week.

Les Arcs Season 2014 - 2015, New Thread for this season starts on page 29. Started by User in France, 262 Replies
It looks highly likely I might get a sneaky week from April 12/13 and wondered what Les Arcs is like that late in the season? Any info or tips would be appreciated. Thanks.

As an American, how do I find a job at a Swiss ski resort? Started by User in Switzerland, 7 Replies
In answer to your question: with enormous difficulty. I investigated this a few seasons back - and found many, many obstacles to non-Swiss, even as an EU national. It will be even harder for an American, I fear.

Champoluc - December 2012 report Started by User in Italy, 33 Replies
Love the Brett Lee, Jimmy Anderson analogy! Relieved they're not like Steve Harmison: wild, moody and always breaking down!

Narrowing down the choice.... Started by User in Ski Chatter, 21 Replies
Another question, if I may seek the indulgence of the J2 collective: anyone have any experience of Rocket Ski as they appear to offer some rather splendid deals? Many thanks.

Messages posted by : LOTA