J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Ranchero_1979

Obvious question where in Switzerland?
Geneva:- Ski in France (many transit companies) and options withing 1 1/2hrs.
Zurich:- Train to Engelberg

I sit on the other side. Is incredibly difficult for instructors to gain enough experience to progress through system and work in France. As such I completely understand why they would want to ensure maximum number of people take lessons. That might mean them having to slightly alter their business model to meet British customer needs but makes perfect sense to me.

Also we have to remember the French set a high standard for you to be an instructor, does not require you to be of a given Nationality to meet standard. Just ensures the dedication to be a professional is there. Reality is someone who did 5 week basic instructor course in Canada cannot be compared to a French qualified instructor who has spent several years learning the trade. To ensure these dedicated people have a viable career is in interest of everyone.

Would be amazed if there is any waiting. Always considered Passy as Chamonix's beach resort so slopes will be free am sure.

Right now snow is great in area and low freezing levels, so you should have an excellent vacation. Are you taking a car as some great skiing within 20min drive.

Would only ever buy Millet or Hestra gloves and must have wrist straps so no need to worry about dropping off lift. Always carry 2 x pairs. If touring carry 3rd light pair for uphill part (also good for running in), sweat too much in your gloves and hands will be cold later. Follow those rules and you will never have cold or wet hands regardless of weather. Good gloves last forever, I have a pair of Millet mitts and some Hestra leather gloves >10 yrs old, so 8 Euro a year and pretty heavy use throughout whole year, bargain.

Am afraid all of above is correct. Skied for 20 years, live in resort and still have regular lessons. Is only way to avoid falling into bad habits which are eventually found out as terrain/snow conditions etc get more challenging.

Muscle memory is key part of skiing consistently well. This does not come from 1hr with an instructor.

PB something going wrong there. People who don't enjoy Chamonix all fall into category of expecting something it is not. Nobody should complain about bad weather, that is what has given Chamonix almost continual powder this year. You booked a ski holiday remember. Is strange how Aosta valley is not considered disjointed but Chamonix valley is? Is just that a valley not a single ski resort. One thing I would say is key to keep looking at freezing levels because of the vertical. If it is snowing with freezing level at 1500m, no point being at Les Houches (lowest resort in valley). Need to get up high and if that means waiting 1hr or so for lift to open because has been dumping then so be it.

If anyone wants to try Chamonix properly i.e. make most of what is an amazing valley then my door is open.

Well certainly 6 weeks is not even touching the expected lifespan of a ski boot. If they fit well then you would likely gain very little. Look at most people heading offpiste on touring setup. 1/2 will have touring boots, which are definitely a compromise. Stiffer boot should make everything happen a bit faster but if you are looking for jump in ski performance I would use the money for a private ski lesson.

For Tspill, sounds like boots are too big and need swapping

Why would an Italian mountain have less off piste opportunity than anywhere else? The best heliskiing in Europe is all in Italy. Courmayeur has excellent lift accessed offpiste, Toula glacier (could argue equal to anywhere in world).

Yes they want you to be responsible and will prosecute if you are seen not to be. Not unreasonable.