J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Ranchero_1979

lol, maybe my mind is too simplistic. For me I couldn't care where I am when skiing, always have fun, hard pack, slush, powder enjoy skiing them all. Yes more than happy when the big dumb comes and will even actively seek them out. Maybe too much skiing on small hills with wet snow, limited daylight in Norway, or dry slopes in UK as a kid. No snow snobbery here, I ski, climb, walk, bike every day I can regardless of conditions. 1st bus to lift even when seems little hope of opening. Worst case you get a croissant and coffee :-). Never had a bad days skiing, never intend to. Bad weather=early lunch, great weather=late lunch, packed snow go carving, powder snow go crazy. Whatever day brings will always be a +ve, hence my whole life is pretty much planned around maximum ski time, even recently took a job in Iraq because guarantees 8 weeks skiing a year ?.

Hence am sure whichever resort they choose, there will be something on ground and they will be able to exaggerate speeds, jumps, face plant etc. Hopefully for them in a hot tub with good wine. Best days skiing is always the one you just had. Best foot forward, no reminiscing about Jan 2012 and the monster dumps, although long range is looking very promising.

Above does not apply to Megeve which I have a hate hate relationship with. Could have been related to rain and animal pasture type slopes hence not strictly skiing activity (more farming and singing in rain). 1 morning only :-).

Perfect logic. Key to any ski trip is not really resort, weather or snow conditions. Friends, good food and good wine far more important. Adding in a hot tub sounds perfect.

One of the many reasons I chose to live in Chamonix,<30Euro transfer any time of year. Amazing how much money you have for fun once you remove the expense of a car which only depreciates and with fuel prices now being crazy is likely worst investment you can make! Even better you get a free bus and train pass. 10yrs and counting, might be something to do with public transport outside UK actually working.

Did you not see forecast, cold early winter. We will be skiing come December, so no worries about mid season. If no snow in Argentiere or Courmayeur no snow in Europe. Chamonix valley has enough options to ensure skiing even on poor season.

September

•1st - 15th : Under an anticyclone, hot and sunny calm settled weather
•16th - 28th : Disturbance coming in from the West will bring some rain
•29th - 30th : Temperatures to drop and first snow fall down to mid-mountain

For hotels really depends on what you are looking for. There is always something available in valley. Still center of town is best so there are some limitations. What sort of * rating are you looking for? If you just want a functional ski hotel many good and reasonable options, continental breakfast, hot shower, decent bed and can probably risk booking late. If there is something more specific in mind then probably need to commit. Not the sort of place the 4* hotels give you last minute deal.

If you risk last minute and get stranded PM as I can offer something as will be out of country with work.

Not all bad ice climbing 1st 2 weeks Jan and finally skiing home and Solden in March. Bring on the winter. Merci Meteo France for the early motivation to get fit for skiing.

Whistler#1, only if you like low cloud, mild conditions and occasional rain. I think Whistler Mountain company distributes something like 20000 (am not sure am not missing a zero) beef burgers a week to various restaurants. Feels, like it is, high street owned by 1 chain. Hardly the romance of Europe where at least you can get decent non mass produced food.

Did love the ski hosting though, top people and great way to keep the retired happily employed and with free ski pass.

Top 10 maybe, number 1 definitely not. My Perception :-).

One of positives of my ACL incident was reading plenty of books how people have come back from injury. If someone can go on to win an olympic gold, gives you a lot of confidence that you can become a decent recreational again. 7 months 12 days and counting down fast.

Good luck with the comeback. I assume saying "Come back Queen" came from somewhere. 2014 is the big one and still a year to warm up.

:-) haa and I am always first to criticize those who cannot figure out Chamonix bus and train system. Am sure if you're there for any period of time will be easy to figure out and avoid the lines from lift in town, there are two other main options (located it seems for day skiers from Innsbruck). I retract my comment and happy Harakiri.

Glacier skiing is some distance off.

Long, long time since I skiied in Austria(Obergergul), but Solden is on the plan for this year. There is definitely a special apres ski atmosphere compared with other ski countries.

Cervinia, will always have snow at this time of year. South facing open bowl which make early winter skiing a bit warmer than some resorts. If you're into piste skiing then plenty of wide open reds. Short transfer and pleasant town. Apres ski is decent for mixed group, there is a nice bar which has a live band (great for all your group) and one or 2 clubs for afterwards. Also one of few resorts in world where would recommend stopping every day for lunch on mountain i.e. no chips. Being Italy, great coffee and spoon standing hot chocolate available.