J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by LOTA

Yes, with Smiggins, Guthega and Blue Cow, there probably is enough for a week - as long as everything is open and running!

I stayed in Jindabyne - like an Australian version of Aviemore - and drove each day to a different resort, either using the SkiTube or going straight to Thredbo etc.

There was a McDonald's in Kitzbuhel when I was last there. Provided me with a budget dinner one night when all the reasonably priced places were packed out (only the one night, though!)

I very much enjoyed Perisher - vivid memories of cruising through the gum trees under the Olympic chairlift! The linked resort of Blue Cow is even better - more challenging ski-ing and the snow was better. Vivid memories of a howling blizzard in August!

Defiantly? No need to be quite so aggressive, :) !!!

I have tired of the French ski factories over the years, but for the range, variety and amount of skiing, Val D'Isere is most definitely in my top five resorts. I think only St Anton comes anywhere close, Courchevel a distant third and La Plagne/Les Arcs some way behind.

Having said all that, I think next season will be a Dolomites debut for old LOTA!

Val D'Isere and Tignes are worth the effort and expense - Premier division resorts in every respect.

La Plagne is more second division although the link to Les Arcs makes it a promotion contender!

It surprises me that, as a serious skier, Mr Wickham that Val D'Isere doesn't appeal. (Each to their own, of course!!!)

Yes, Bandit, that's why I was surprised no-one had 'bigged up' Val D'Isere - which, by any reckoning, is one of the great ski resorts of the world. I much preferred it to Les Arcs, but that's a personal view.

The author is Arnie Wilson, editor of Ski + Board magazine and ski correspondent of the FT. I've met him a few times and correspond o occasionally. A top bloke and his book is a great read.

You might find Engelberg a bit on the small side (I like it for its ease of access and the Laub off-piste run!) but a bit surprised no-one has recommended Val D'Isere.

Massive ski area, lots of steep pistes (like St Anton, the runs are underclassified), and loads of easily accessible yet challenging off-piste in Val D'Isere and in Tignes.

Plenty of buses etc from Geneva airport as well.

Gordon

Been there loads of times. My best advice would be to set out for the main lift early. Massive queues can build up for the gondola and slope and lift capacity is likely to be limited at this time of the year. My ski-info snow report this morning said only eight lifts were open. I especially like the Jochpass runs so I hope those are still open on Sunday for you.