J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Hudman

Does Ski tracks not use GSM data and therefore cost an arm and a leg?

I have a GPS altimeter/speedometer on an Iphone 3GS but it won't work with GPS alone, needs a GSM signal.

I've also found that using GPS the battery life is less than a days skiing!

I've been organising a holiday for a large group (15 - 20 people) for the last 4 years and therefore have been in the same situation as you regarding last minute deals!

As a rough guide (useful when comparing package deals) we have spent:

Flights = £90
Transfer = £60
Accommodation = £400
Ski/Board hire = £80
Lift pass = £ 200

Total of = £830

This has been either in Paradiski or 3VL and does not include any lessions but has always been in a catered chalet.

As a shout for France I would recommend both areas (PM me if you want specifics!) however the apres is more expensive than Austria (some would say the skiing is better ;)). You probably won't get to either area under 2 hours from Geveva but about 1.5 hours from Chambry.

Another bonus by doing it indepentantly is the oportunity to negotiate the price with the chalet company/owner. If you can find a chalet for 10 and therefore fill the chalet for the week owners will often accept a 5/10% discount as they know that week is covered for the next season already!

Although not based in 1800 but in Peisy Vallandry, NewGen ski school is an English run operation that I would personally recommend very highly*.

It's too far from you for really early morning lessions but if you wanted a couple of hours private tuition it's easilly accessible for intermediate skiers.

I used them in 2008 and, although they come at a premium compared to ESF, the tuition was excellent.

*Before someone asks I do not/have not/certainly will never be good enough to work for NewGen Ski!

Heading to La Plagne weekend after next and staying in Les Coches. Any recommendations for off-piste guides in the area to show us a bit of the backcountry?

Skiing in whiteout conditions is horrible and potentially dangerous, so all of the above regarding staying in the trees is good advice. Failing that, if you are caught out (as I have been a number of times!) you can try to keep sight of the piste poles and essentially ski from one to another. In many resorts the poles on the skiers right (looking downhill) will have 20cm of a different colour at the top of the pole. Those on skiers left will not have this so it can be a good way of keeping yourself on track! The fact that you should be able to look at something when you're skiing rather than just white should help with the sickness too!

I've looked at the company Alpine Elements (just google it)before as they will do Thurs-Sunday short breaks to Chamonix/Les Gets/Meribel but I agree the budget is a bit tight!

Love the idea of manchester and a days lessons in the snowdone..brilliant!

You could also ski in Castleford (Cas-Vegas) and stay in Ponti-carlo...even better!

Jerusalem is brilliant. Fast, steepish in parts but wide. Very good intermediate red. As far as I remember there are some nice reds over in Les Menuiers as well.

Hiya and welcome to the forum,

If you want to ski at Christmas and wan't to stay in Europe you need to pick a highish altitude resort. I am a bit of a France fan and have been to Les Deux Alps and Alp d'huez at New Year but tend to go later in January to have a bit more snow security! There should be snow in Andora but I haven't been so can't comment.

Other options would be Val Thorens or Tignes, both of which are high enough to ensure early season snow with VT giving the potential of all the three valleys if the snow is great.

Depending on how long it's been since school perhaps have a couple of refresher lessons in Manchester just so you can make the most of the reals snow when you get there!

Hope you find somewhere you fancy and have fun!