J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Ranchero_1979

Well I had some Atomic BlackEye a few years ago which were pretty versatile. Fat at the front, 79 ish in middle. These are pretty all mountain, go anywhere and will carve very nicely. Swapped them for some Dynastar 4x4 Contact which are pretty much same sort of thing (somehow I preferred the Atomics, bit softer perhaps in powder). Now have some Salomon Shoguns with touring setup which are also okay on piste until you ski fast or are on really hard snow, not too bad in bumps and nice to ski in powder (I actually wish had gone fatter). With the snow last year in Europe, I wish had a thinner SL type ski and that is my next investment. I would go for some atomic BlackEye, these will tick all boxes and unfortunately mean that as ever the skier not the ski is most important.

My take on this would be to get some SL skis. These will be huge fun on piste and inevitable bumps. For actual skiing progression these will be much better than a twin tip. Unless you really are planning on skiing in powder >5cm deep where a stiff ski will likely give you the occasional face plant a "normal" ski is much more suitable.

Fat skis should have touring bindings and skins (also heard helicopters are good).

If 90% skiing falls into nr piste <5cm, then just rent something wide when you are lucky enough to get a big dump or a helicopter : :D

Hi,

Should be no need for snow chains these days. Lived in Norway for three years and never used or even saw a set once. Good winter tyres (without studs) will do the trick. Of course if you know some hidden, remote skiing and need some help clearing the road let us all know.

The wet snow on the West coast or Norway or Whistler essentially makes a helmet a must if you were to avoid getting fogged glasses from wearing a soggy wooly. This alone makes a helmet and a poncho handy to have in your kit.

If I had just one safety piece of kit would go with the goggles. Still surprises me number of people you see skiing in trees or offpiste without. Anyone who has done this will know the odd face plant especially if low on snow like this year can bring you face (in a hurry) into to contact with small shrubby things and twigs sticking through.

Ski fast, slide far to avoid the solid hit on ground seems to be best advice, helmet or not.I have a helmet but wear the wooly to the bar. Blunt hit to head from slipping on ice/little tipsy seems far more likely in/to/from the latter. Could take some time for that piece of advice to catch on though :D.

I would think with such limited time and Geneva as chosen airport Chamonix should be a good choice. 25E/PP each way from airport, 1 1/2 transfer and many smaller hotels that can be booked for long weekend (Crete Blanche would be my choice if they have rooms available).

Not exactly a linked cruising resort but in 3 days you can do Le Tour/Brevant/Argentiere and be more than happy with choice of piste available despite what some reviews might suggest.

Plan B

If you can go into Zurich then Engelberg would be great for you and nice train journey from airport will take you straight into resort.

Chamexpress, good price, nice people, bookonline.

Never been let down by them and always recommended to friends and famiy visiting.

I would risk it. You have perfect skills (language teacher) for 2nd income during winter and can even use these as selling point to attract people in quieter times. People happily pay for money for language immersion holidays, mix in some red wine and beautiful scenery and you could be onto a winner.

Do a season to get some knowledge and ensure you buy correct place and go for it. I have a house in French ski resort but work abroad 9 months a year. I don't bother to rent as margins are not great from my limited investigation. Definitely not easy money and would try to limit your financial exposure if goes wrong. Still only live once and now should be time to buy.

Hi,

bad vacation timing this year so am looking for/in need of ski team mate for 1st 2 weeks of February. Have a flat in town, so accomodation can be provided.

Am a decent skier, so would be good if you were similar.

Dan