J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by andyoneil

Wise word Adders

TBF Brucie - I would never accuse anyone ( that I didn't know) of being pig ignorant, it was the comment I found ignorant

My fave resort changes every year as Adders says - so it'll be Courchevel in January (assuming there's some snow by then but that's another thread)

Merry Xmas!

I'm with BB on this one Brucie : "pig ignorant" sums it up

"I would rather stick pins in my eyes" - really?? You'd rather self harm than ski in one of the world's great ski domains? I think you're on the wrong forum sir - is there a J2Masochist.com?

Yes VDI CAN be expensive in certain places (like the Folie) as BB points out but they are easily avoided and then it's like any other resort

Regular posters like BB, myself and others have proven over the years with hard evidence of actual prices paid (rather than scare rumours) that French "mega resorts" are only expensive if you choose to make them so

Perhaps you are referring to BB's tale of theft? Well that can happen anywhere - happened to me in Pas. I think Bulgaria and some bits of Italy used to have a "rep" for theft but its certainly not an image I associate with VDI

Or maybe its because one funicular is off at the moment - out of the huge EK domain..... Well I'd love to hear about a resort that never once had a lift off.

But all of these are "wonderful reasons not to return"???

Crazy

Meantime thanks for the updates BB - looks good to me. Hopefully a lowering of temperatures before too much longer though

Hope you're having a great time Millstreet

The official web site has an intercative piste map which shows you what is open when. All of the major lift tops have boards with the map on and the big ones have LEDs showing whats open etc

App Wise - Ski Trail Maps from Almeesoft is "usually" up to date but I havent checked for this year (I uninstall through the summer to make way for golf gizmos. I also use Ski Tracks to time my runs, descent, distance covered etc. And the official VDI app is probably a good idea too.

Just remember that data costs money so any maps etc you want to download first rather than on the mountain.

Just checked the webcams and there is snow all through the tiown and in La Daille so most stuff should be open - you will have a great time!

Hi Millstreet

You will love VDI - like BB I adore the place (also like BB I won't give you a load of xenophobic scare stories about French mega resorts that some will)

I'd agree with much of what Barney says - Piste L is often closed but is good fun when open. If it is then you may want "reactolite" goggles as it goes from sun to shade a lot through the valley. If you want an idea of what it would be but its closed then the top part of "Santons" on the Bellevarde side is very similar (and hated by many)

Germain Mattis is a great run through the trees - needs a bit of care if busy / icy but manageable for all but beginners/very timid intermediates

The whole area is vast - the "four corners" that BB mentions is a great day out and perfectly possible on only reds and blues (apart from one short black Trolles into Tignes but that's steep with a long run out rather than technically demanding). The rest of the day is just a joy of travel

In resort I tend to get my gear from either Intersport or Ski Republic but have no real preference. If BB says that Snowberry will come get you and store gear then that may be a great shout if you are that little bit further out at Le Laisinant. But the bus service is great and frequent.

Bars - VDI is all things to all men: if you WANT to be seen with the trendies and pay for the privilege then you can. Equally if you want value there is plenty to be had. Chalet Bar/Doudonne club is right on the slope and has a happy hour on the terrace (you can then walk down the steps to the Rond Pont and get the red bus home.

The Petit Danois is tucked away off the main road (but 1 min from bus stop) and has a dirt cheap happy hour. Last year cost me about a tenner for 4 beers and 4 HUGE Gin and tonics - anyone who tells you that VDI is always mega expensive is talking crap, that's cheaper than Wetherspoons. We also like Cafe Face which has prices that start dirt cheap at 3 and then go up by the hour to scary times!

Ski Guides - we usually use a guy called Marc Pissailas (sp?) via Evolution2 but VDI is renowned for its schools and guides so I think you'd be unlucky to get a bad experience

Town itself has lots of shops (some mega expensive) and a good market a couple of times a week for cheese and meat etc.

Out on the slopes go down to Tignes Les Brev and see the dam - very impressive though you can't see the mural of Hercules very well now. Aiguille Percee (rock with a hole in it) is worth a look above Tignes - ski through off piste if good snow

If you are good intermediates then all of the piste skiing is do-able no bother but do appreciate that some of the grading is, ahem, patchy. So if you want to come down to La Daille then come down the red OK (great fast run - can get icy on mid section through trees) or Orange. Do NOT come down Vert (the green) as its flat in places, crosses several other runs and is littered with knackered beginners. Its a hazard. As is Santons down into VDI itself

I could go on all day about runs but have a look at the map and come back with any specific questions and we will help if we can

Most of all - enjoy! (we're doing the 3V this year not the EK)

Andy

I've been to Killington about 6 or so years ago but none of the others so can't do a comparison.

Of Killington itself I'd say there were some great runs (some of the Double Black Diamonds were serious) and some garbage (Juggernaut is a 10 km green that is basically a road so its flat for much of it and soul destroying - we did a quick bit of off piste-ing and got on a red sharpish).

Access is fast on the gondolas and the slopes (were) deserted yet fabulously groomed - first place I ever really encountered "courdory"

But

It's the East so 4 seasons in a day - rain wiped out drifts in 20 mins. Also the lack of a real "village" means that it's a bit soulless at night and you have to have a car realistically. A shame cos there are (were?) a reasonable scattering of restuarants and bars

Overall - I'd say worth a look if you're around the area but with hindsight I'd fly further west

billip1 wrote:Is it even legally possible to bring a law suit against a minor ? Surely any legal action would have to be against whichever adult was in charge of the child ? I don't believe it is possible in any sensible jurisdiction to sue a 6-ear old, but maybe I'm wrong !

The article itself states " It appears the highly unusual case was brought after the courts dismissed an earlier attempt to sue the adult who was supervising the child at the time of the accident.

A judge will now have to decide whether the six-year-old can be held legally responsible for her actions."

Sad state of affairs methinks

Glad to see its Evo2 they have done the deal with - sticking it to ESF just a little bit more.....