J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by LOTA

Seen this many, many times over the years - always lovely!

Airport coach transfers when travelling with a tour operator are one of the main reasons I prefer to travel independently.

Waiting at Geneva/Turin/Lyon/Munich for the Manchester flight (always delayed, always baggage issues, never actually any passengers from Manchester going to your resort!).

As for tour op reps, I'm with the Wickmeister on that one!

I never shave on match days! Much more unpleasant for the opposition in the scrum! (I gave up playing 16 years ago, but the habit continues even though I stand in the Shed these days!!!)

And I try not to shave on ski trips - saves a bit of wear and tear on the face!

Best country for long weekend (or other short or tailored break) is Switzerland. Scheduled flights, rail transfers and hotels willing and able to do bookings for the period you require. French accommodation tends to be Sat to Sat or Sun to Sun!

How to ward off B*ST***S - that's Bristol Airport Sad Times And Return Dreams Syndrome. Just plan another trip, even though you really shouldn't, immediately after your scheduled last ski of the season. It's amazing how many times you'll say 'Oh sod it' and go skiing again before the end of the season!

To the subject of lessons - you'll get it (especially on tough runs or in difficult conditions) if you have a private lesson or two with a reputable, professional teacher. He or she would make your transition, nay transformation, to a competent all-mountain skier so much smoother. It's worked for me over many years!

Swiss railways are fantastic, but the exchange rate is proving to be a killer at the moment.

Swiss prices generally may be a little more than France now, but the standard of hotel accommodation and customer care is, generally, infinitely superior in Switzerland when compared to French resorts.

I know a bloke who, last season, went to the travel agents at Birmingham Airport on a Saturday morning - and was on flight that very afternoon!

Oh no....here we go again!