J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by LOTA

Cervinia is probably the most confidence boosting resort I've been to. Long, long, wide motorway runs - the reds would be blue in many other resorts. OK intermediates will love it, perfect for the just-out-of-beginner skier, a confident skier might find it all a bit samey - although runs like the Ventina taken at high speed are a hoot!

I went to the travel agents at Birmingham Airport many years ago early on a Saturday morning with my bags packed. I was in an Austrian resort early that evening!

These days, however, I tend to plan a bit further in advance!

Heineken Cup rugby - that's it then, I'm going there!

Kitzbuhel has loads of intermediate cruising and a huge choice of accommodation, restuarants etc (as long as you avoid the Hahenkamm weekend!)

Very tempting. Certainly adding this my list of possibles for 2013. I like the fact it's off the beaten track and not crowded. There used to be a British-run ski school, I think, run by the Ski2 company in Champoluc. Anyone know if they're still operating?

This time last year my right leg was in plaster after rupturing my achilles tendon playing cricket.

I enjoyed a great week's skiing in Solden in March.

Keep the Faith - as we Northern Soul boys like to say!

Tony_H wrote:Raf champs first 2 weeks mate

Not this season, Tone, RAF championships run from January 12 to 26.

I've been a few times to the RAF event, which has been based at the Hinterglemm end of the valley. Great fun, the nightlife is Austrian exuberant and the GoaBstahl has something for everyone (including Welshmen and Saracens, Fez!)

The skiing is quite entertaining too as long as the snow is good - lots and lots of cruising pistes.

bandit wrote:

andyhull wrote:I wonder how much ESF would expect their staff to be paid for a day hosting with no instruction involved?
I bet they'd not be able to offer hosting at a price people would be prepared to pay.

Across the pond, it's common for the resorts to offer and fund "Meet the Mountain" ski hosts, who offer orientation to their guests. Perhaps this may be a model that France could use.

I was thinking along these lines too, and I've seen it work well at places like Fernie, Squaw and Heavenly. But they are relatively small ski areas and I just can't see such a system being at all effective in the French mega resorts.

And all this is another reason not to want to go to France and spend my hard-earned where it is a little more appreciated!