I've booked my first ski trip, now I need advice.

Hi everyone

My name is David, I live in London, and I usually hang on the bass player forum, I'm assuming rules are more or less the same in any forumm, so if i'm posting this on the wrong place, moderators please remove at will.

I've been lurking a bit and now this is my first post.

I've booked a weeks holiday in Alpe D'Huez in April 2009 from 11th to 18th, at the Viking Chalet. I'm hopping to have a great time mostly because it will be my other half 30th, and I want to suprise her.

Has anyone been there?

Can i expect to have decent snow in that time of the year?

I'm going to Milton Keynes for a skiing course beforehand, we are going in september and after the course I plan on going back there to practice my skiing. Will this give me enough preparation for my holiday?

I read about carving turns and parallel turns what's that all about? Should I wait until the course and don't worry to much?

What kind of googles should I buy?

Any advice you may have for a newbie is more that welcome.

Thanks for your time.

Welcome.

I haven't been to Alpe d'Huez, but its a popular choice with Brits and from what I gather the snow shouldn't be a problem at that time of year. Indeed, there is a school of thought that due to climate change, the better conditions are to be had later on in the season. You should be fine.

A course at MK to get yourself started is not a bad idea at all. You will get the feel of boots on your feet and skis under them, which will be an advantage when you hit the slopes. Be prepared for some strange exercises!
Also, if you are planning on having lessons in resort (and I certainly would, as although you are prepared to practice you will inevitably develop bad habits) they will proabaly be very different to those you have at the Snowdome.

I wouldn't worry about "carving" or "paralleling" as you need the basics first, such as how to get up when you fall down!!

Goggles should be comfortable first and foremost. Get a pair that is "anti-fog" and I would suggest a yellow/orange lens which is something of an all-rounder. Will cut out glare and also improve flat light visibility. I wear them all the time to stop my eyes watering too.

Have fun!!

What he says, except only buy goggles which are "hugely stylish".
I went for some white North Face ones myself :mrgreen:

I strongly suggest you and your other half book in for ski school in Alpe d'Huez. Snow should be good out there, its high up and April has become a great month for snow in the main. However, be prepared for spring conditions, ie icy in the mornings and slushy by mid afternoon, which may also mean you need an insulated jacket and a thinner one depending on the weather, as it may get quite warm. Layering is the best option.

Try TK Maxx around October for ski clothing.

Hope you enjoy the forum and the skiing.

Tony I was thinking about TK max or Decathlon, i'm from Portugal and in there they usually have lots of stuff for skiing.

Will it be a good choice.

I was thinking of booking a day or two when we get there instead on booking a whole week of lessons. Is this a mistake? Beacause the lessons are so expensive and I thought if I learned in the uk, maybe I can make the most of it when I get there. Of course i don't plan on running any red or black track.

Hi David welcome to j2ski, To be honest its not worth shelling out on top notch gear unless its a bargain for your first trip, Who knows you may not lke it ( god knows why you wont) But as Tony has said go to TK Maxx or have a look on here in the for sale section,Skiddle had some gear for sale not so long ago.
Or try www.skiwear4less.com.



AJ Adele

AJ wrote:Hi David welcome to j2ski, To be honest its not worth shelling out on top notch gear unless its a bargain for your first trip, Who knows you may not lke it ( god knows why you wont) But as Tony has said go to TK Maxx or have a look on here in the for sale section,Skiddle had some gear for sale not so long ago.
Or try www.skiwear4less.com.



AJ Adele

:P

I've been to alpe d'huez and it's perfect for beginners but make sure you get well practised on the drag lifts at the snowdome as there's loads of them!

I would highly recommend that you have a full week of skiing lessons when you're there. I would also highly recommend that you don't use esf but we won't get started on that one again :evil:

(I like the name skiddle :D)

What's EFS?

Caron I read about the danger of drag lifts some people seem to strugle with them. My other half is not tall at all in fact she's quite petit, will she have a problem with them?
A whole week of lessons after MK? But not lessons where i'm being teach the same basic steps again right?

Will I be able to ski on my own at some point while having lessons?