J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Gaz C

Don't know if OP lives close enough to take advantage of this, but this is the sort of promotional discount that the 'fridges' do :) .

http://www2.chillfactore.com/events/special-offers/weekly-unlimited-lift-pass

I'd be very surprised if snow cover late March (on the pistes) were an issue. We went mid-March last year (the snow-base was nowhere near as deep as this year) and while it was looking a bit grim at resort level as we drove through Cortina, all the runs in the resorts on the Sella Ronda were open. The 'pisties' sure know a thing or two about making the snow last. Go for it! -)

As for flights; we flew East Mids to Treviso (booked early and got it for less than £100), hired a car at the airport (£100 between 3) and picked up hire skis en route (£55). That's why I never say 'Never' to RyanAir. -)

It sounds as though you have 'caught the bug', so my advice would be to book yourself in for lessons on your next trip.

I don't know if you have one of the indoor snow centres on your doorstep, (Chill Factore, Snow Zone, X-Scape etc.) but if you do, you could do a lot worse than have a lesson or two there. It may feel a little repetitive at first on the small, indoor nursery slope, but that would be your 'optimum' slope while you master the basics of parallel turns. By 'optimum' I mean 'steep' enough for you to build up just the right amount of speed that you require to make the turn without coming to a halt; but not too steep that you build up too much speed and the dreaded panic sets in. (Don't worry, we've all been there :lol: ). Many of these indoor 'fridges' do promotional offers and discounts at various times of the year, so if you aren't going again until next year, you could 'hang fire' and take advantage of an offer.

The 'counter-intuitive' comment certainly is spot on. Why on earth should I keep leaning down the mountain when it feels like I'm going to fall off it? We didn't evolve with six-foot planks strapped to our feet, so our survival instincts in this situation are just wrong. The 'plate-spinning' analogy is a good one too. None of the things we are being asked to do when making a parallel turn is difficult. The difficulty is in doing so many of them at the same time and in such a short space of time.The brain just can't keep up. :lol: That's where your 'optimum' slope comes in.

You love being in the mountains and are starting to enjoy skiing. That is the main thing. The rest will come. Think of the money you spend on a few lessons now as an investment in your future enjoyment. Use your 17 year-old son as an inspiration but don't be too harsh on yourself when you find you don't progress as quickly as he does. In truth, few of us would :lol: . Hope this helps and enjoy your new sport/hobby/obsession. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5iOnaBNJ-A


:lol: :lol: :lol:

Whoo-oo-oo-oo-sh!!! :lol:

SwingBeep wrote:After Champoluc you might find Cervinia a bit bland.

I agree. I would only consider Cervinia as a means of 'doing Zermatt on the cheap.' I'd be more than happy with any of the others though :thumbup:.

Rocksy wrote: Did I say we're off to the Scheffau in the SkiWelt on Saturday, we'll just not talk about where our budget has gone. I will say one positive thing though as it's my first year with two ski holidays and it sure as hec will not be our last. Wonder can I do three next year, I will be 50 after all…

Cheers,
Mark.

Really enjoyed Scheffau and SkiWelt in January. Looks like the snow is still really good :thumbup:. Have a great time there. Know exactly what you mean about more than one ski holiday. Even if you do 'blag' three next year, it still won't be enough! -)

stevie999 wrote:Hi all. Following a great trip to Tignes, we are off to Lech next year. Any advice on good runs, bars, etc please?

Thanks to all who read this.

You sure know how to pick 'em! -) That's another great area. I, too was based in St. Anton but did get to ski Lech, Zürs and Zug. 'Der Weiße Ring' is a must-do safari taking in all three villages and you can pick the circuit up in any of them.

http://www.skimap.info/europe/austria/vorarlberg/arlberg/

Stuben is a great little area. If you are into your off-piste it can be just about as good as it gets. If you aren't and you're finding it limited for a full day, simply take the right fork off the blue run down from the mid-station down to Alpe Rauz to ski St. Christoph and the Galzig in St. Anton. Make sure you get back to Alpe Rauz for the bus back to Lech, otherwise you will have to get a taxi. Oh, and don't be too 'English' in the scrum that passes for a queue at the bus- stop. -) Be prepared to use your elbows (and more if necessary!!!)

The link to Wärth should be open next year and this should make an already awesome area even 'awesomer.'

Can't help as far as bars in Lech go. As I said, we stayed in St. Anton ........because that's where all the best ones are! -) :lol: :lol: :lol: