J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Jenno

We'll even cough up for your BFH ... :-)

Don't fancy joining us then Tony, it's not often we manage to get a day away from the Jam Butty Mines you know - you can be the token 'daft apeth' for the day ) :D

Not actually skied at Castleford but have been there a couple of times just for a look around and must say that the Chill Factore would be my choice, and having skied there on numerous occasions it's been enjoyable, plus the facilities are relatively new'ish. But location wise if it's to attract as many from 'oop North as possible then people may say Castleford is more accessible ...

I can confirm PSC that all levels meet at the same place there, was there in February and my wife and kids were all learning (and for the OP I'll whisper it so no-one else hears, it's Niederau) ...

Got to say never had any issues with them myself and if you read the following link the customer service may not quite be as derailed as some may think, free transfer onto alternative flights or an additional free flight if you need to go via another Ryanair 'hub' - granted it's another flight for them to cross-sell you things but 'acts of God' that thunderstorms are I would have thought they could easily have made you pay additional fares ...

http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/notices.php?notice=gops&code=090914-thunderstorms_PSA-GB

Peinlich genau :D

Not hugely helpful Tony! But regardless, in the case of the original poster this may well suit as because he's going with wife and two young'ish children who are all first timers it should suit their needs ideally, it did us this year with our 3 small ones - by my reckoning they won't be overawed by numbers at that time of year, everything is within easy enough walking distance etc and the runs offer enough for the beginners and second timers - maybe Mayrhofen for them once they have a couple of years under their belt!

Hi Coop

Sorry, I haven't been on the forum for a while now and was just reading up on all the decisions you came to before deciding on Niederau in Feb 2010 etc!

Just to try and give you more reassurance (if you needed any!) but myself, the wife and 3 children (all girls ages 8, 6 and 4) went in February and had a fantastic time. Also took along the in-laws etc but thats by the by.

I'd done a bit of skiing before but they were all beginners (tho' the 4 year old was too young to ski so kept her busy with swimming and snow play and the like) but we all had an amazing time, you'll be surprised, if the kids stick ski school out for the week they'll be up to skiing reds no problem I promise you, they'll come along at great speed once they're up and about on their skis.

One thing I noticed you mention is the blue ski school, we went with Inghams and so used the reds and I can't fault them one iota (sorry if you're already stuck with the blues am sure they're fine too!)

You may think organisation is a bit higgled-piggledy on the first morning but it does all work I promise you. My wife and 2 eldest were all on beginners courses and loved every second and when not minding the littl'un I did some improvers lessons. So we had a few different teachers between us but couldn't fault any of them.

Also Niederau is fairly compact both from a village point of view and runs point of view so really is an ideal place to learn for them I'd say, my kids are haranguing me to go back so something must have been right. All in all am sure you'll have a great time, let us know how you get on! Oh and must say the relatively short transfer time was a bonus too!