J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Ranchero_1979

4 months sounds like the best case scenario. So still plenty of hope for skiing before end of season.

Right now am 4 1/2 months into recovering from ACL surgery and have same fears of missing season. Back to biking (full blast), stepper, squats, lots of single leg squats, plenty of TRX and stability work etc.

Will not consider skiing before 2 months of solid plyometrics. Have penciled in March as a maybe for skiing. Going to be a long season but plenty of motivation to hit swimming pool and gym whilst everyone else is skiing.

As per above should have a fantastic vacation. Where are you planning on staying in town?

Chamonix is a proper town, with 10 000 plus residents. Hence food, apres ski is very reasonable, really completely upto you how much money wish to spend.

Skiing, plenty of choices, your legs will be shot before you run out of options. If you are decent intermediates I would suggest a VB. If you PM me can suggest plenty of good guides. Depending on snow I would suggest one day in each of the main ski areas, all very different and all good. Courmayeur is also good option for a day trip.

Food on mountain is not the best except for Les Houches and Balme (restaurants near car park) others I would forget. Personally I always make or buy from Chinese lady in Chamonix Sud. Late lunch in town is also good option.

If no car make sure read bus time table (search engine:-Chamonix bus). Otherwise you will end up being one of those annoying people claiming you had to wait for bus ?. I mean you don't turn up randomly at train station or airport. Anyway buses before 8:30 and you should be able to get a seat.

Planning on being home most on Jan, so feel free if have additional questions.

Personally I would look to stay in St Gervais as fabulous spa town. If you stay up by Bettex you really are in middle of nowhere. Either drive or take shuttle to skiing. March will be fine as is middle of ski season. You also have option of train into Chamonix valley and some higher altitude and different aspect skiing.

Sounds to me like you should book ski school. Many of the smaller schools, do excellent week long courses which would be perfect for you.

Reality is everybody no matter how good you are, everyone benefits greatly from a ski lesson. They are always fun, meet new people and much safer then skiing alone, if you want to be even slightly adventurous. I would check out British ski schools like BASS. If you were heading to Chamonix which would be perfect for your other ½ could give you at least 3 top recommendations.

Nice sprinkle in Chamonix, 18-19th is looking like day that might with this snow form beginning of base for season.

Matt I would be surprised if they open early as no real demand.

Good news is that temperatures are well below seasonal average now and Monday will see first snow below 1600m.If remains like this much better chance of settling snow from late November as ground will have cooled nicely. Grand Montets will open on time and have snow.

Last year whilst you were stressing everyone was in St Gervais skiing powder, or off the midi in thigh deep powder (see picture). Truly epic December/January, not sure of your level but consider a guide. The good ones will find you skiing in the valley no matter what the snow or avalanche risk.

In reality never had a bad days skiing but anyway someone asked for list.

Chamonix:- Loved it so much moved there, 16 years after first skiing there.
Engelberg:- Great offpiste, nice town.
Cervinia:- Nothing to dislike, good food, coffee, wine, sun, snow.
Courmayeur:- When Chamonix doesn't they do. Powder!
Whistler:- Snow bit on wet side (was late in year in fairness) but some great terrain. Was not impressed by town itself. Whistler mountain resort i.e. one big chain pub, zero charm.
Obergergul:- Good apres ski and some fun terrain.
Passo Tonale:- Good Pizza
Pamporovo:- Great people and great place for anyone to start. Making skiing affordable for families, has to deserve credit.
Voss/Myrkdalen:- Spent too many days here skiing so has to make top ten. Wet snow, pathetic vertical, but still went every weekend :-).
Chatel:- Despite being low and dodgy snow record, certainly few good days skiing to be had here.
.
Disappointments
NZ:- All areas, not quite same as Alps. Novelty factor as was "summer" but hell of a distance for what in reality is pretty average skiing. Heli skiing did look good though.
Banff:- Great town, too cold to enjoy skiing! 2 x persons in group got frost nip on exposed parts of face.
Livingo:- Massive transfer! That is pretty much all I remember was long time ago.
Les Deux Alpes:- Rubbish! Zero appeal.
Megeve:- Worst resort in world, quite possibly! Think crossing rivers in torrential rain.

Obviously not in France but Cervinia would be good choice. Plenty of open runs, good food and enough nightlife for a week.