J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Wanderer

tonypants wrote:

Far Queue wrote:I got a black one to go with my black jacket, and promptly got nicknamed Daft Vader by my ski pals :shock:

Now when skiing, the farce goes with me :twisted:

Love it,

This year I will have black bottoms, white jacket and black helmet....

Points for good names... :D

Oreo :twisted:

Not quite sure what you are trying to establish but I think you may need to re-think your approach.

How I find out how to use a new product very much depends on the product - simple products may need no instructions, complicated products may need very detailed user manuals, whether hard copies, DVDs or online. Your survey does not allow for this variation.

Similarly, in taking up a new activity, I would expect to use several resources, e.g. probably friends to find out the basics initially, possibly join a club to progress and depending on how good I wanted to get, then proceeding to professional training. Its not a simple question as asked in the survey and, as a result, I don't think the survey is going to give you meaningful results.

surfarthur wrote:It is best to avoid cotton as it will not wick moisture away from your body. This can result in ending up cold as your sweat will be trapped against your body. Polyprop or wool clothing is best for base layer clothing and fleece is great for mid layers.

Agree completely. If at all possible go for technical type base layers that will wick moisture away from your body. Think something like Under Armour base layer with light fleece over (or a heavy fleece if it is particularly cold) and then a nice cosy jacket :shock:

Don't forget a couple of pairs of long johns as well to keep the lower parts warm :wink:

I'd like to give a vote for Alpe D'Huez. It may not meet the picturesque criteria but it does have loads of very gentle skiing suitable for the most timid of skiers. Perhaps most importantly, this includes several runs back to base so no tricky, over-crowded resort runs that you tend to encounter in most other resorts. :D

While a few people have mentioned Courcheval, I would have two reservations. Firstly, it tends to be very busy - not something that timid skiers like. Secondly, it is extremely poor value for skiers who will only sample a tiny portion of the resort. In my view, they are better off looking at smaller resorts which will suit their skiing ability and cost them a lot less :wink:

St Anton is wonderful but is expensive by Austrian standards but is still reasonable value compared with France. Unfortunately, it is difficult to escape the high charges for equipment - by some strange coincidence, all the hire shops seem to charge the same amount! Perhaps the Austrian Competition authorities should have a look :twisted:

If you are staying 10 minutes from Nassarein, I would recommend that you use one of the ski storage facilities beside the gondola. It will make the trek to the lifts a lost easier and is well worth the modest cost. If you hire from the shop, the cost will usually be discounted or even free - check out the various websites.

Dont worry - you will have a ball :D

As well as the financial climate, I suspect the tour operators are also being hit by an increasing number of people going DIY. Not sure this will translate into great deals on accommodation. In my experience, most of the hotels in Europe are pretty inflexible on price, at least when dealing with the general public :evil:

pavelski wrote:Think of skiing on ice like marriage !Pavel

...ah yes, Pavel. But then there is the alternative view :!:.

Is it really worth putting up with this difficult and unwelcoming slope? Is there another, more, welcoming slope waiting for me over the next ridge. Perhaps a lonely slope with nice soft snow that is waiting to welcome me. would I be happier on this other slope from now on or even for just a brief interlude while I wait for the icy slope to thaw out a little :lol:

I would highly recommend Alpe D'Huez. To my mind it has some the best and most extensive, easy skiing of any resort I have been to (as well as plenty of more demanding skiing for the parents). It also has a lovely big public outdoor heated swimming pool and a skating rink - both great attractions for the kids.

For top end (but somewhat more expensive) lessons, you could try: http://www.masterclass.f9.co.uk/

Friends had a lesson with Stuart a few years ago and found him great.