J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by verbier_ski_bum

I find that Spyder and Descente clothing run a on a small side. Definitely much smaller than TNF.

I didn't notice many people bringing their own drinks - restaurants are always full. There are picknick rooms, but I think on holidays it's much nicer to sit in a restaurant with a view, rather than in some dark basement under the lift station. Anyway, I always try to have a raher big breakfast before leaving home because I don't know how my day will go and sometimes skiing is just too good to stop for lunch break - I noticed it's never quite as good after the break too.

I am used not to the fact that most things associated with skiing are expensive. But my first year I was little bit surprised. I leave in Switzerland so it makes no sense to me to travel to Austria to ski and when I go to Chamonix I don't notice it being any cheaper. In Verbier prices are high but you pay for the amazing buzz that the place has and for awesome terrain too so in balance you are getting your money worth.

There is no such thing as being "true to size" when it comes to ski boots. At size 22 they will definitely be much bigger than 22cm, the only question is by how much. That's why buying ski boots in size that is even bigger is not a good idea. Size 22 for size 22 feet will be better - they might feel too big now but if her feet grow a size as you expect than they will be good. Anyway they don't cost arm and leg and I feel you just want to buy ski gear if not for yourself then for your daughter, but for that price if boots are not good it won't be too big of a waste and a valuable lesson will also be learned. Mine came at higher prices - I have a good selection of boots in my basement that I can't ski in. They were all "snug" until liners packed out - which for me happens in well under one season.

It's very strange that 28.5 boots feel snug if your feet measure 27.5.

You shoudn't be buying ski boots that are one size (at least) too big. If her feet measure 22 cm the odds are that even size 22 might be too big. Important measument is the boot's sole length, which should be indicated on a side of a boot. Unfortunately this measurement is rarely provided by online retailers but sometimes you may find it on manufacturers' websites. If you think your daughters feet are likely to grow I think it will be better to continue renting - it will be definitely better than skiing in boots that are too big. And if you want to keep this boots for her to use later there is also a possibility that by the time her feet grow a size she will need a proper adult boots.

The best ever end of season. On Saturday I skied some of the best snow conditions we had this year. Poor visibility all week kept skiers away, so when it cleared yesterday morning I got a chance to lay some fresh tracks in knee-deep powder. And it snowed again a lot and forecast is snow through Wednesday. Unfortunately after it clears the freezing level is expected to rise to 3700 m which effectively means that even that I will spend another weekend in the resort I won't be skiing. Maybe I can take Thursday off, but I doubt it's possible.

Well, it's still a very good deal. Lot of people never even get to ski the lower slopes when they open while still paying full price. Some good snow at the end of season this year too. You are very lucky. last year at the same time people had to take skis off and walk down to get to lifts. I don't think lack of customers is the only reason and I don't think that bigger discounts will attract much bigger crowds. It's April after all and people have alreaddy dusted off their mountain bikes.

It's 4 or 5 Swiss francs for a 500ml bottle of water in Swiss resorts that I've been to. Having said that I rarely buy water on a mountain, I ski with a backpack and normally carry a hydration sling.

150 pounds for Norrona jacket is very cheap, I doubt you can get better value for money. Light, weather-proof and durable plus making you stand out from the crowd and don't look like a guy next to you in the lift.