Finding that Rare Pearl

I read the many posts about where to go! What center is best!
In skiing it is not just about the physical skills of going down a ski run that is important!
It is also knowing how to find that rare pearl which will give you maximum skiing pleasure!

This is a post about such a rare pearl!

Can we agree that the number one parameter to consider in selecting a ski center is,,,,, skiing experience! That means ski conditions, ski terrain, ski lifts! In other words that rare pearl must have excellent snow coverage, excellent lifts and varied skiing terrain!

All other factors are secondary!

I love to explore for such rare pearls! Not for me the mega huge super marketed ski centers with water slides, tube slides, ferris wheels, indoor Thomas trains fun parks, casinos,ultra chic spas, etc...
I want to ski,,,period!

Let me share with you such a "discovery"!

This ski center is owned by a eccentric multi-millionaire, who owns a golf course, has a private plane and private air strip! He works in farmer's overalls as a lift attendant and so no one even knows that this simply dressed man is the owner of the ski center!
The road to this center is called, "the road to hell"! Many nieve skiers have turned back thinking there is no ski resort at the end of this road! You see ,I did tell you that this owner is, "different"! Although he is wealthy,,he never "contributes" to any political parties,,so you have great paved 2 lane roads to village, then for 5 kms it is pot holes, caters, dips, and ice!
The ski lodge is lost in time warp ,,circa 1950 with old ski posters from old travel agencies! Simple home made food ( prepared by wife who also works in kitchens)!
This only ski resort in my area that has a tune up bench for skiers with an iron for all skiers!There is even a bar of wax left from another skier on bench!
The only ski resort that allows children under 10 to ski free!
The only ski resort that still has an old 1950 chair lift in front of lodge! just for memories sake! Never works,,but great for swinging children at end of day!

But the skiing is something the mega-ski centers would envy! Old long trails, new trails, lost trails!
I skied for 5 days from 8 am to 5 PM non-stop with no waiting more than 30 seconds! Often I was bored going up alone so I would wait 45 seconds for another skier!
Often I would be the only skier on slope from 11 AM to 1 /PM!

I did more skiing in those 5 days than any skier at mega resorts and everyone was so nice! Even shared a chocolate bar with another skier, after I told him I had not eaten!

Not once was my lift ticket checked!Seems all persons on ski center know who the guests are ( all seemed to be related)! I tested their "skier watcher" system by changing jackets and skis! On first lift up in my "disguise" attendant says, "Ha...changed jackets did you"!

With this switch,I forgot my money in the the jacket!I go to "cafeteria" ( notice quotes, since this eating area is more an old style skiing hut with solid oak tables, wood stove, and counter of home baked goods)! No money at cash register for coffee, homemade apple pie! "no problem sir" pay me tomorrow!You are staying at the Inn! Francise ( the Inn manager),is my sister!
I had to ask my friend skier what year this was,,,just to make sure I was not dreaming!

That is a rare pearl!
A place where you ski and ski,,then do more skiing!

That is what you should all look for!

Now if you want to go to Disney World Ski,,of course you have many choices!

It is your choice!

That rare pearl, where is it? How do you get to it?

Well that is my secret! My skier Sangrila! The place all old skiers go to the become young again!

What you have to do is learn not to be "herded" into a skier "processing centers" and take the time to explore those hidden ski resorts! Those rare pearls that skiers pass along in whispers to other "worthy" skiers!

Sorry, but I now have to go see my car mechanic in order to have my car checked after going through that "road from hell"!

Sounds idyllic, Pavel. I know what you mean about some of the places people go to ski. My first priority every trip is the skiing, and that alone, so we need good snow, good lifts, and nto too busy. I also like to do it without spending a fortune.

Give us a clue as to the location of this ski utopia of which you speak....

Pavel,

It does indeed sound like the place to be. It almost sounds like Martock; but the road into the parking lot isn't quite as bad as you describe here. But the parking lot can be pretty bad at times. One thing really stands out in your secret location which is similar to Martock is the friendliness of the lift attendants and other staff. It enhances the "customers'" overall experience when you feel welcomed. Martock does this! The owner is always seen out with the snow making team in the worst weather conditions. The "mom & pop" hills are sometimes the best.

Now you will have to give us a hint to the location of this pearl you found. Maybe start with rough lat. & long. co-ordinates :lol: You can't leave us all hanging like this :cry:

Mike :wink:

Tony,
Let me just get you "hungry" first with this!

Daily lift is $25!!!!!
Condo fee with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, fireplace and full kitchen was $200 for three nights ( for 4 people)!
That includes spa and sauna!!!!


Oh forgot..slope at 3 meters from door!

Think about it!!!!

Finally non-stop skiing! That is you do not wait more than 10 seconds to get on lift!

With all the dollars, centers and meters, this pearl of a resort (or ski centre, if you prefer!) seems to be in the United States....

I'll plump for somewhere a little closer to home for my pearl - Arosa in the Graubunden, Swisserland. It's officially a pearl as well, being one of the select few resorts (or centres!) to be part of the Alpine Pearl syndicate. It's got everything I want in a ski resort (including a lap dancing club!!!!!!!)

LOTA wrote:It's got everything I want in a ski resort (including a lap dancing club!!!!!!!)

If Pav's resort is in Quebec, then it's in the lap dancing capital of the world (so I've heard).

Trencher

Trencher,
You have just given me an idea for the annual Pavel quizz in the Fall!
You seem to know a lot about many "cultural" activities!

As I said previously,,I am only interested in skiing! and more skiing!

quizz :?: :?: :?: :!:

Did I see correctly :lol: :lol: :!:

Another Pavel Quizz ... to puzzle us, ... to maintain an interest in the off season,.... to broaden our thought processes,.... :shock: :D

In Canada an electronic chain store uses the phrase near the Christmas season ..." Ohhh, just can't wait..." That phrase applies here as well --- to the anticipation of the next Great Pavel Quizz :) :-)
Mike :wink: