J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by LOTA

He's a smashing chap is Michael (I may be the only person other than his mother who calls him that) who lives near me and I bump into him from time to time on the train etc.

I first interviewed him in around 1978/79 when he was a young and very promising slalom and GS racer. I think lack of funding did for his racing career before he had a cut at ski jumping.

Thanks, but really not that keen on France, so will give Courchevel a miss, thanks.

bandit wrote:

daved wrote:this site is interesting
http://www.wildsnow.com/1494/ski-leash-safety-strap/

This is for binding systems that have no brakes fitted. In this instance the term safety includes having your skis smack you around the head when you fall -)

This is just like it used to be in the 1970s - certainly for at least the first four ski holidays I went on back then, we had to wind ski restraining straps around our ankles. A damn nuisance and dangerous at the same time.

However, I do recall dangling down the piste in Sauze D'oulx attached to my ski by the strap. The tip had buried itself in the snow, leaving me helpless! Quite funny, for onlookers, I think.

Anyway back to the new device; could have done with one of these in La Plagne a few winters ago - one Rossignol Bandit lost forever in the deep snow!

Interesting, Andyoneil, and I agree Val D'Isere is one of the great resorts and must be on the to-do list of any aspiring skier.

But its piste classifications are, without doubt, on the tough side and many of the blues would be classified as red elsewhere.

Thank you for the edit. They look very interesting - particularly as Hinterglemm is on my possibles list.

I was disappointed today to discover that Austria SuperSki don't seem to be operating any more; I always fancied their one and two-day trips to Maria Alm.

Agree with Andyhull regarding the runs in the La Masse sector. Long and as challenging as you like - and generally very quiet compared with the rest of the 3 Vallees. Definitely my favourite bit of the whole region.

La Thuile is one to consider, thanks.

Suitable ski countries, Bandit? By only ruling out France, I thought I'd left plenty of other options!!!!!

Last time I looked Val D'Isere was in France but thanks any way for suggestions so far. Afraid Verbier doesn't float my boat and Zermatt might prove a bit too expensive.