J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by andyhull

SwingBeep wrote:As in France ski instruction / mountain guiding is defined as paid accompaniment ("l'accompagnamento retribuito di clienti"), as these are regulated professions abusive practice is subject to criminal sanctions. of imprisonment are up to 18 years in case of death and 3-12 years in case of injury.

Ski hosts are neither trying to be ski instructors or mountain guides. They aren't taking any work away from those professionals, in fact they regularly refer work to them.
The problem is they are providing a service which isn't recognised in law. Rules that quite rightly apply to mountain guides operating in a highly dangerous enviornment, are being applied totally inappropriately to ski hosting.
No one gains a thing from the end of ski hosting. Many people lose. ESF will lose the most.

I need to know if it's going to be an epic year with 18m of snow like last year, or just an average 15m year!

What's happening in Japan?

I've got a Go Pro 3 Black Edition, from what I've seen, nothing else comes close to matching the Go Pro on quality.

I'm off to Alpe D'Huez on 3 Jan and Niseko on 31 Jan.

Had a fantastic week in Soldeu, huge ski area. Lacks diversity in terrain, 95% easy cruising, very few challenging runs. So won't suit everyone, but if blues/easy reds and getting the miles under your skis are your thing, it's superb.

Was very busy, lots of unpredictable beginners, so you had to have your wits about you.

Doesn't score very high for gastronomy, but it's reasonably priced. Drinks are cheap (fir a ski resort).

We're planning to try the night skiing on the Sarenne when we go in January. Will report back. It's a magical run, doing it at night sounds amazing.

The six new webcams will be useful addition, being able to see if it's been pisted before taking a novice on their first long black.

There are some great little restaurants all around the area, mostly very good value too.
I like Tony, avoid the obvious places, usually they offer the worst food on the mountain at the highest prices. The little tucked away ones are best.