J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by LOTA

This looks like good-ish news (an extract from a press release issued by the British Olympic Association.

[b]The International Ski Federation (FIS) has endorsed the BOA's move to mobilise a current dormant subsidiary company, "Team GB Ltd", to act as the National Governing Body for Ski and Snowboarding.

In this capacity, Team GB Ltd will trade under the name of BSS (British Ski and Snowboarding) and will ensure that FIS registration and FIS race entries continue for all accredited athletes without undue disruption.

After the Vancouver Games, the BSS will initiate a full consultation process to determine how the skiers, snowboarders and all interested parties wish to see the governing body for the sport functioning once the BOA's subsidiary has fulfilled its role in bridging the gap for the sport in this perilous time.

The BOA intends that hereafter, as its top priority, the governing body will be independent and athlete-focused, providing services to the best children, juniors and senior British alpine skiers, cross-country skiers, freestyle skiers and snowboarders in the country, and the organisation will be capable of successfully fulfilling its mandate, with a strong foundation and state-of-the-art governance structure.[/b]

Will there be a new governing body?

I see the snowboarders have gone their own way and reformed their national association.

Sadly, there is a precedent for this rotten situation. After the Sapporo Olympics in 1972, the British Ski Federation virtually abandoned the idea of a British ski racing team. It was only the efforts of individual racers like Bartelski, Fuchs and Bailey that kept the team afloat. They raised the cash, transport, equipment etc with precious little official backing.

I hope it doesn't come to that this time around and some lotto money can help out.

Superb programme.

Struck by what a brave man Silvano Bettramelli (sp) is, despite being in a wheelchair for eight years after crashing at Val D'Isere.

And the French Olympic champion gutsy enough to admit his nerve had gone after a horrible smash.

Downhillers: stupidly courageous.

Thanks for the warning!

The Titlis gondola is the sole access for the main area so leaving your skis there is not a problem unless you decide to go for the Brunni - a small, sunny area that does not tend to have great snow later in the season.

I am going to Engelberg for a few days on March 8 and staying in the Hoheneck!

I've been to Engelberg a few times for short breaks etc; excellent resort for quick access from Zurich and Lucerne. Don't know what the hotel is like, the reviews on TripAdvisor mention Basil Fawlty but the last was in 2007!

If I remember correctly there is a good ski hire shop, Titlis-Sport (www.titlis-sport.ch), in the main cable car station. It has the great advantage of being able to leave your skis and boots there and not lug them while walking or on the very regular and efficient ski bus service.

The Stockli ski shop is also close to the main lift and railway station and lots of people hire from them. (http://en.stoeckli.ch/main/locations/engelberg/)

Hope this is helpful; might see you there!

S'obvious...a bald man intent on world domination and stroking a white cat sends his black suited henchmen to chase you down a precipice!

(Actually, the 007 exhibition at the top of the Schilthorn is an entertaining way to spend 15 ot 20 minutes!)

It's got to be Arosa - perfect terrain for beginners and improvers. And there are loads and loads of marked walking trails in and around the ski area - with, I believe, a special lift pass for walkers. Beautiful scenery, loads of alpine charm, lots of other off-snow attractions.

You must go to Murren and ski down from the Schilthorn - great experience and you feel a bit like James Bond!