J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by LOTA

Murren, at 1650 metres above sea level, is considerably higher than Grindelwald, at 1,050 metres asl. The slopes, too, are higher and more snowsure than Grindelwald.

Also a seriously attractive place - would be lovely at Christmas, I think.

We had this discussion back in September!

Look at the Otztal shuttle on www.soelden.com - this website also has information on the shuttle-rail-bus option from Innsbruck via the Otztal railway station.

I use Thorlo ski socks as they seem a bit longer than other brands and just seem more comfortable, as well. I go for the thin ones, although I do have a pair of their thicker socks, for the end of the week, as well.

Unlike the Wickham-meister, I wear a clean pair each and every day!

Took advantage of my free ticket for the Birmingham ski show for a few hours. Although I enjoyed chatting to a few people and Henry's Avalanche Talks and Solutions4Feet presentations, I have to say it was disappointing overall.

Few attractions, no fashion show, for example, and limited use of the main slope/kicker thing.

The depressed state of the industry was clear to see. A few US/Canadian resorts, Aosta Valley, South Tirol, a very small French presence, a Swiss stand and the Zillertal was about the only tourist office attendance.

Only one major retailer, no Snow + Rock, a few untidy looking retail stands selling last year's gear and previous years' equipment.

Otherwise, it was mainly stands devoted to small chalet operators in all the usual resorts.

An uninspiring impression, I'm afraid. Although I was told it was busier than the London show in the afternoon, it was very quiet by early evening.

Mainwaring!

Horrible foehn wind blowing in Otztal this week - much of the early snow lower down has disappeared!

Solden's glacier runs still open, but extremely mild, sunny weather - still it's only the end of October.....

Felicaro

Whistler is undoubtedly one of the super-resorts that any skier has to try before they pack it in.

But there is one downside. It's notorious for wet, foggy weather at resort level - at any time of the year.

I think you may be right to fear for the show's future, Ian.

I heard nothing but bad vibes over the weekend from customers and industry, retail etc. There were tales, which may or may not be true, of customers demanding their money back after seeing all there was to see in less than 15 minutes.

I'm having second thoughts about the Birmingham show on Sunday now!