J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by andyoneil

Sorry to hear that Jonah

Never had it happen to me (though I only rent so would be less bothered I guess) but have always swapped skis with someone else in the group - and then got them to swap again so its never a simple job for thieves.

I did have an idiot take my skis from the rack in the hotel in Killington last March, purely by mistake with no malice. Whats worrying though is that I was skiing with 167 skis and was left with something like 153s! I went to the shop who were happy to sort me out in no time as they could see it was a mistake - however the idiot in question skied on them all day. As I'm 6' and was then around 15.5st (I'm trimmer for VDI in 2 weeks) you have to wonder how someone suited to smaller skis managed?

So my moral is to be careful with your gear all the time - even in hotels.

Think a ski lock may be a good plan - a deterrent that can be snapped with a leatherman is still a deterrent compared to nothing I guess

Oh and public floggings in stocks for ski thieves anyone?

I guess I'm retreading some old ground here - apologies, but here's my two cents (which is worth less than 2p with the Euro rate getting worse....)

I don't wear a helmet as I don't feel comfortable, think visibility is not as good, like to wear silly hats, etc

My wife wears a helmet because she was hit by an out of control skier in Val Thorens 2 years ago and had to have surgery on our return to the UK to fix her broken nose and cheekbone in 3 places (still has the titanium in there, always will)

We're both relatively sane and sensible people but we have differing views on helmets and that's fine - would her injuries have been any less had she been wearing a helmet in VT? - Unknown but I DO know it makes her feel safer and that is only a good thing as the accident (no fault of her own) has made her very wary in traffic on the slopes.

I've tried a "taster" learn to snowboard class and think that anyone who does that should be made to wear a helmet as the chances of landing on the back of your head are far greater - once you are in control then back to your own choice I say.

What I have noticed is too many kids/teens (possibly Brits but who knows) who fly down pistes without any concern for safety and I do muse/wonder/suspect-without-actual-proof that the wearing of a helmet makes them feel all the more invincible, if so then this is not a good thing!

Ultimately I think they will become compulsory in time which is a shame as I like my collection of silly hats!

I get a free helmet with my ski hire in VDI this year so will probably try it again (not least as my wife thinks I should) but who knows if I will like it.

Choice for all and all for choice !

Andy

me neither in all of the places I've skied but when Crystal told me that and I've heard it mentioned once or twice on the news that there's a recession on apparently.....

Seriously though I thought Crystal were trying to fob me off but worth an ask from you good peeps I thought

Cheers

Andy

Thanks for the words and the welcome Tony!

We book chalets early for the same reason - got a great deal (handily we know the travel agent) but was just hoping to sweeten the deal still further.

Looks like Crystal are trying to fill the places up

No breath holding but still some forlorn hope..... :-)

Greetings all - first time poster so I'm a bit nervous! (I've posted a couple of comments in the last day or so of finding the site but this is my first thread)

I'm off, with the missus and two friends, to Val d'Isere in a couple of weeks - I've been once before but it was five years ago when my wife first learned to ski so really looking forward to getting all over the Espace Killy this time.

I'm booked through Crystal (booked ages ago) and I now see their web site says 2 for 1 on lift passes at my accomodation on my dates. Surprise surprise they won't honour this as I booked ages ago.....

BUT

They say this offer doesn't come from them per se but is a Val d'Isere thing as they arent getting enough peeps in?!?

Just wanted peoples' thoughts on this - is VDI really suffering - will beer be cheaper ) - and am I likely to be able to pick up this kind of 2 for 1 offer in resort?

Any experience of the resort this year appreciated - especially anyone who knows anything aboput the lift company etc and may be able to shed light. A saving of what's basically £100 each on lift pass is not to be sneezed at!!

Cheers

Andy

I'm staying there in January too - think it may be same week as you NellyPS (fly on 23rd)

I'm getting my ski hire via Ski Republic who have a place at Rond Pont des Pistes (which I reckon is v close but dont knwo the exact location of the chalet - the Google map just points you at the middle of the village)

Ski Republic do buy one get one free so I'm hopeful of getting a bargain (though I have never used them before anywhere else in the Alps)

My wife started as an absolute beginner in Val d'Isere and came on great strides thanks to Evolution2

We're back off there in 3 weeks and will be getting skis from Ski Republic http://www.ski-republic.com/en/

They do buy 1 get one free on web bookings

Andy