J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Lynn_D

The limit of my off piste experience is playing in the powder at the sides of the runs so I'm not really the best person to comment on this. From what I remember there are some challenging off piste options, such as the Val Mesdi, for which I guess you would need a guide. I assume there are plenty of others if you know where to look... :D

The areas are so well linked in the Dolomites that it really doesn't matter where you stay. If anything the Alta Badia area is better in my opinion as it's right in the middle with easy access to Arabba in one direction and Selva in the other. It would also be perfect for anyone with a group of varying abilities as all would be able to find something to suit in close proximity. If I remember correctly, the Alta Badia Women's Downhill course is in the La Villa area so a challenge on the doorstep.

The main reason we didn't look into this area further is that we found a 10 day deal to Arabba and with only 1 apartment left we wanted to book before we lost it.

Downsides are that accommodation in Corvara is generally more expensive (though I assume this isn't the case for outlying villages such as La Villa or San Cassiano) and the slopes are a bit lower and sunnier than those in Arabba so maybe not as snow sure in a bad year (however the snow has been fantastic in this area the previous two years we have visited.) It would also be quite a hike to ski the Marmolada from La Villa, but still easily do-able for decent skiers.

Good luck with the holiday hunting :D

10 days in Arabba 4th -14th Jan and a week in Morzine in early March. Counting the days :D

Having booked to return next year, thought I would post a short review of our 2011 trip to Arabba.

We booked a self catering apartment through Colletts who I can thoroughly recommend. The apartment was spacious, sleeping 5 even though there were only two of us, well equipped and central (~5 minutes walk in ski boots to either lift). Transfers from Venice were included in the price of the holiday, though we arranged our own flights.



Despite the conditions throughout most of Europe being far from perfect this year we were extremely lucky with the weather. We had a massive snowfall the day we arrived so skied in about a foot of powder on our first day. Whilst this would be a bonus for many, I have the problem that I can just about ski in powder when I can see where I'm going, and can manage in bad weather on a groomed piste but am useless with the two combined :oops:. We were lucky to be skiing with one of the Colletts' reps as a 'guide' so headed to Corvara for some easy blues amongst the trees to try and improve the terrible visibility. All in all, a knackering day but fun non the less.

Day two dawned with clear blue skies so we headed out to explore the areas of Alta Badia we had not previously skied. There are so many great reds in this area but personal favourites were those down into San Cassiano and La Villa. There is also a fabulous red down from the top of the Col Alt gondola but this is part of the Orange Sella Ronda so gets busy and is best first thing on a morning.



Sitting with our afternoon beer outside Micky's Bar we watched as a helicopter pilot landed on the adjacent black run to pick up an injured skier. The helicopter was so close that we were caught in a blizzard - an impressive piece of flying and hopefully the skier in question made a full recovery.



Day 3 we also woke to bluebird conditions so decided to do the Orange Sella Ronda route. Whilst I enjoyed it and there were without doubt so some great runs, there were too many cruisey track sections for my taste so not sure it is something I would do again. Sadly forgot the camera so no photos. The signposting in and around Selva leaves a lot to be desired and the link down into the village is a black run, the alternative being a short side step up to the Gondola which will take you down. Next to this is the Sasslong Men's downhill which we ended up doing by accident. The run starts off black (and rightly so) then splits into red and black forks. We took the red route and it's fabulous, well worth doing.

Day 4 more heavy snow and poor visibility so kept to the tree lined runs and easier slopes.

Day 5 Perfect conditions and headed in the direction of the Marmolada glacier and the slopes around Passo Pordoi. Red 1 from the top of the gondola is a great run though the pistes in this area are more challenging, particularly those down into Arabba itself. The Marmolada glacier is well worth doing, however we decided not to this year due to knee problems on the part of my OH. It's worth noting that the slopes in this area are very exposed so not advisable in poor weather (speaking from a whiteout experience last year!)





The final day also gave us perfect conditions and we covered a huge area over the course of the day. The tree-lined Dantercepies run into Selva is a must do (there is also a nice looking black running parallel to this which is on my list for next year).



The Colfosco area also has some great reds.



Overall the Dolomites has something for everyone, from the easy blues and tree-lined reds of Corvara to the steep reds and blacks of Arabba itself. We have been twice and have still only explored a fraction of what's on offer. The lift pass also covers areas such as Cortina which are a short drive away, giving even more variety should you get bored with the hundreds of km of lift-linked pistes. Looking forward to ten days in January to explore more of this beautiful area.

We skied for two weeks for our second ever skiing holiday, which was in Sauze D'Oulx (booked through Thompson). For us it meant more time skiing (13 days vs 12 for two separate weeks) and it also worked out a lot cheaper as you only have one set of flights and IIRC the lift pass was cheaper per day pro rata. At the time we could not have afforded two holidays and the two continuous weeks, the first with group lessons and the second with a few private lessons meant our skiing improved tenfold.

Personally I was fine with 13 days non stop skiing. However, this was not first to last lift everyday and I know by the end my OH was ready for home (I often continued on my own later into the afternoon and I could have happily stayed for the rest of the season!!)

I would happily go for a fortnight again but if you're considering it be sure to pick somewhere with enough skiing to keep you occupied or arrange to stay in two different resorts. Staying in the same place has its advantages though, as the slopes are often virtually deserted on changeover day. :D

When not skiing (or planning next year's trip(s)) I also enjoy horse riding (which takes up most of my spare time), gardening, cooking and curling up with a good book and a glass of wine. Walking and mountain biking occasionally, when I have the time.

Summer hols never seem to happen as faced with a choice of skiing or a week in the sun, well... there's no contest really!! :lol:

Hi Dan,
Not much help on the lessons (would probably agree with what others have said and go group, though it depends on the group and instructor you end up with) but you've picked a great place to learn to ski. I skied in Corvara a couple of weeks ago and there are a massive choice of easy blues to build your confidence on and some lovely reds which by the sounds of things will suit your girlfriend perfectly. You should be able to explore the resort by the end of the week and not find yourself out of your depth. I'll put some photos up when I get chance. Hope you have a fabulous time. :D
Lynn

One more sleep and off to Arabba in the morning - can't wait as the conditions look great. I'll post some photos and a report, along with those from our January trip to Mayrhofen when I get back.
Happy skiing all :D

Hi Jon,

As Biki mentioned, Corvara is ideal for easy blues, a lot of it is tree lined and the scenery is stunning. I'll post some pics if you're interested or there is a massive choice of webcams in the area at http://www.altabadiaski.info (google 'Arabba webcams' if the link doesn't work). If you fancy more of a challenge yourself then you have easy access to Selva or Arabba on either side. It's not massively high at 1500m but does have snow cannon cover and if you're planning a later trip you could check conditions before booking however this season looks pretty good. There are SC options such as Colletts (who we are going with at the beginning of March) and probably others too. I guess being Italy it's probably a lot cheaper than Couchevel as well.

Hope this helps,

Lynn