J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by LOTA

Thanks. SB - I think that fancy treatment is beyond the scope of hard-pressed NHS budgets just now! Thanks, Dave, I've already received a detailed physio programme in advance of coming out of plaster in four-plus weeks time. My first question to the phsyio will be about skiing and ski boots!

Most illuminating! I think I'll stick with the sports physio, who lives two doors down!

Thanks. Sorry, Mr Barr, there's not much in common between a torn achilles and tendonitiis (other than the general location!). The only cure is immobilisation, which is well underway.

I'm told the biggest problem is likely to come when putting ski boots and taking them off. That's when an awful lot of pressure goes on the achilles, apparently.

Only another five weeks in plaster to go!

I'm writing this is something of a morose mood - my right leg is in plaster from knee to toes, having torn my achilles tendon.

Has anyone else suffered this injury? If so, what precautions - if any - do you take for skiing to protect the achilles and prevent a repeat tear?

Many thanks.

I've done 10 days several times - through operators like Inghams and Swiss Travel Service - and DIY. Best way to book hotels is through resort websites. Most have online booking; Swiss hotels, in particular, are amenable to 10 day stays - or whatever duration you prefer!

John, it's very user friendly and the very best way to get from the bottom of the village to the main lifts and slopes etc. Alpe D'Huez is a widespread resort, on several levels, connected by steep roads and paths. Not much fun for the pedestrian hence this very slow lift. Easy to get on and off - and if I recall correctly, it does serve one very gentle slope.

Today I received a brochure from a small ski chalet company in which they said last season was the "least snowy season in the Alps for 60 years".

Are they correct? My recollection is there was a splendid start with lots of snow, an extremely dry January and February and the end of the season tailed off quickly as it was very mild across Europe.

I've stayed in a few places in Engelberg including the Hotels Central and Hoheneck. Neither were expensive, but there is very little ski to door as the main run down ends at the valley cable car station. There may be some ski to door on the Brunni side, but that is a limited ski area and the valley run is often closed, particularly in late season. The ski bus service is typically Swiss-efficient so no ski to door is not too much of a problem and many of the hotels have their own minibus etc.