J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by LOTA

It's not so much the lack of snow at the moment, but the forecast says it's going to remain mild (that means no snow making for the forseeable future!) that's something of a worry.

However, I'm usually pretty lucky with snow, so I'm not in TOO much of a panic, just yet!

Far Queue's advice is especially sound, mate.

It takes a bit of time to get to the skiing in the Jungfrau resorts, but you'll love it when you get to it! Bit more extensive than Thredbo or Perisher! If I recall, the main run back from the Lauberhorn race area runs right back into the middle of Wengen and is pretty straightforward.

I confidently predict you'll love it. And for variety, take the the time (and the train) to try out Murren, and Grindelwald's First area.

Lots of the footbeds supplied with the boots are, unbelievably, made of cardboard - or cardboard with a thin veneer of other material!

Don't wear your daps in a ski resort!

My Timberland boots have done the job for many a year now.

As for clothing, it's all about layers. I wear a base layer, light fleece zip neck shirt, a fleece waistcoat if it's very cold, heavy jacket or North Face shell, depending on temperature, time of year etc. In warmer weather, I sometimes wear base layer, ski fleece and SOS sweater.

Well, Mr Wickham, you and I will have to disagree. Won't be the first, or the last, time, I suppose!

Whatever the science, Iceman, you're under orders to change socks at every opportunity. And clean socks are always part of regular and routine resupply. Blisters are caused by ill-fitting boots, of course, but dirty socks contribute as well.

Once upon a time, the baggage security man at Miami airport opened my 'dirty kit' rucksack. I warned him that I'd been in the jungle in Belize. He went ahead - and his face was a picture of horror!

Similar thing happened at Lyon airport after one RAF ski championships; security opened everyone's ski bags at check-in. They were confronted by two weeks' worth of smelly socks in scores of bags. Poor beggars needed danger money....

As any military or ex-military man would tell you, it's not the smell, but the increase in likelihood of blisters if you don't change your socks. Sweat creates salt, salt crystallises when dried, salt crystals create friction, friction creates blisters and....ouch!

That will be £19 and 17 shillings for the lesson!