J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by lilywhite

If your near Hemel give Rob a call at inside out for a lesson or two before you go, could make all the diff and the surface is better than dry slope.

I really wouldn't pack my helmet in a soft ski case. Have you seen how they get thrown around?
If your helmet takes a signifigant bang it will need replacing.

Wheels make life easier. Pack for 6 days and use the laundry. I keep boots seperate to skis so I can fit loads in the boot bag too.

I've never yet had to prove what is in the bag as that goes to outsize baggage manned by airport employees not EJ.
Seems more that you won't be able to claim on insurance should there be any damage as they only accept responsibility for the board.
When it stipulates ski/snowboard equipment in the t/c's then I choose to assume that means equipment neccessary to ski/board which surely extends to thermals/trousers/jacket/goggles/gloves/boots. (which in any case are covered my travel insurance)
Packing this way means I don't need a case as my apres clothes/toiletries (travel size) and helmet fit in my carry on.
But if ever there was a jobs worth who demanded to check the contents and refused to allow sports clothes in with it I would have to buy a bag in a hurry or wear everything on the plane!
(so far 8 trips like this without issue)

Thanks bandit, I gathered that after I submitted my posts, you must have posted your response while I was typing. Cheers x

PS, consider Italy or Austria too, in my experience you can get more for your money.

Hello and welcome to the obsession! -)
I've not skied in Switzerland at all and only a couple of times in France so I'm not going to suggest specific resorts for you. :cry:
As a beginner you will not need extensive slopes as you are unlikely to be able to make much use of them on a first trip. So you don't need to go to a large resort unless you WANT to. Smaller resorts usually mean you get a cheaper lift pass. :)
As a first timer it would take the headache out of things if you use a TO, that way they get to do the legwork for you and sort things out should they go wrong. Neilson/Inghams/Crystal(and others) all do "learn to turn" (or similar) packages for newbies which include equipment hire, liftpass and lessons which usually works out cheaper than sorting it out individually. :-)These packages are usually available in resorts that have a ski school of good reputation and plenty of green and easy blue runs for you to cut your teeth on.
When I go away with beginners I like to make sure there are a few off mountain activities available just in case skiing is just not for them (never yet had that problem) I try and get accom with a sauna to soothe those muscles you never you knew you owned and if possible a swimming pool (nearby not neccessarily on site).
I'm sure plenty of others will chime in with recommendations based on experience, wherever you end up going I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time. :-)

The best welcome meetings I've been to are the ones which impart the information pertinant to everyone first, Lift passes, ski school meeting points, bus timetable,maps, reps phone number for emergencies and hand out a timetable of events like guiding etc
At that point you can either leave or stay to find out about other trips you may or may not be interested in.
My budget will not allow me to to do husky rides etc, I really don't want to sit through the hard sell for three quarters of an hour before finding out where they post avalanche warnings or whether the gondola starts late on mondays because thats when they do service inspections. -)