J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by andymol2

One of the more common ways of injuring an ACL in skiing (excluding collisions) is hyperextending the knee - going over the tips of the ski's. The bindings work well to release in rotation but less well at releasing in the vertical plane.

If you get flung forward over the tips of your ski's the bindings don't release, the knees straighten beyond 180 & it's bye bye ACL. Again this is more common in women because of knee structure and less powerful thigh muscles to prevent hyperextension.

Inserts to control overpronation may alter Q angle and possibly reduce fatigue (a contributer to falls & injuries) but won't fundamentally change the knee anatomy.

Enjoy it.

English is spoken in most resorts but "Ali-G" speak might not make a lot of sense to the average Austrian. )

As someone with a wide ankle from sporting injuries as well as a congenitally flat foot on the same side I too have experienced the same problem.
I tried on a lot of boots before I found one that I could wear confortably (Head). Custom insoles help.

I find the additional arch support the insoles not to be a cause of discomfort in ski boots however in running shoes I have always found they give me blisters under the arch.
This winter, because of an achilles injury I've had to persevere with them - it's take 2 months of blisters before tha callouses got thick enough.

Never experienced that in ski boots because, if they fit well your feet don't move much at all.

It may be a factor but probably less significant than physical knee structure, natural ligament structure (collagen quality), physical strength and being female (I've excluded high energy trauma in contact sports which are played mainly by men) . There is a significant familial link which probably ties in with knee structure and collagen quality.

I worry for my daughters - 2 paternal uncles, a maternal aunt and a mother with ACL injuries. At least they don't play rugby!

Most of the resorts are not mega-busy this season - unless you are skiing at Easter or Feb half term you'll probably have not trouble just turning up at a hotel and negociating a deal if there are just two of you - I wouldn't suggest that approach if you are a big party with children.
If you are going to Courmayeur there are ski busses from Geneva and Turin airports (Turin also serves Sauze D'Oulx & Bardonecchia where you have the option of bus or train as well as Cervinia - whose ski pass also covers Zermatt with the benefit of cheaper accomodation than on the Swiss side)

As others have said - the Swiss railways are as good as you get.

It's got lot's of restaurants essentially a nice Alpine town.
I'm off there the week after next for the first time.

Everyone who I know who has been there says it's a lovely place.
The ski area isn't vast but as my wife isn't a confident skier or mileage basher (only her 3rd week having rupture her ACL on the last day of her first week on the snow) so that's not an issue.

Apparently there are also a number of nice shops so as a father of 2 teenage daughters I'm starting to panic!

Andy

Digital trauma sounds nicer than pug-picker!

Most people's opinion of the Bulgarian resorts is cheap & cheerful and best suited to beginners.

I know some people who have been a number of times. If you end up somewhere half decent you'll get value for money. The ski schools are reputed to be good.

I know others who would rather not ski than ski in Bulgaria.

The concensus is if you are a first timer and on a budget you'll be fine.
Snow in December is a gamble in most resorts but March should be safe.

I gather thieving is a problem so keep your valuables close & hire your skis.