St Anton - not good for beginners/intermediates

I am 61 and 'found' sking just 2 years ago - went to La Plagne and then Meribel last year.
No friends of my age ski so I am tagging along to St Anton with a group of experienced young skiers but reports suggest that the slopes may be a little sharp for my level - any thoughts or advice would be welcome

brandyaitch wrote:I am 61 and 'found' sking just 2 years ago - went to La Plagne and then Meribel last year.
No friends of my age ski so I am tagging along to St Anton with a group of experienced young skiers but reports suggest that the slopes may be a little sharp for my level - any thoughts or advice would be welcome

Welcome to J2ski :D I would not worry too much about St Anton's "reputation". I skied there as an intermediate, with no problems. There is plenty of skiing for your ability, just take your time, and let the hotheads race ahead. You might like to catch the bus to nearby Lech/Oberlech if you fancy a cruising day, it's very pretty :D

I agree with Bandit - as a 3rd time skier, you should have plenty to keep you entertained :lol:. Lech is lovely with lots of gentle runs that you should enjoy. The Rendl area on the other side of the valley has a couple of nice runs as well but be careful about the run to the valley - depending on conditions, it can be tricky in places and tends to mogul up quite a bit late in the day.

If the rest of the group are well ahead of you in terms of experience, consider lessons, whether private or group. The instructor will find suitable slopes for you and also bring along your technique while you may also meet a couple of ski buddies at your own level rather than trying to tag on to a group that are much better.

Don't worry - its a wonderful resort and you will enjoy yourself. :lol:

Not a resort I'd take beginners to, but there's enough there for those with a few weeks under their skis.
As bandit has said Lech is a free bus away and it's full of nice cruisey runs.

I would agree that it's not a place to learn, but for an intermediate there are some good runs. The piste grading seems a little on the liberal side though. Blues like reds and reds like blacks. Fantastic area, a little too pricey for my liking. Actally 50% more expensive than other Austrian resorts for food and drink, and significantly more expensive than Switzerland (Grindelwald) which surprised me.

Brilliant brilliant ski resort, but not well priced thanks for the poor pound mainly, but also due to over pricing compared to other resorts I have been to.

As for the skiing, definitely not a resort for beginners or timid intermediates. You need your wits about you, its full of people who are both ridiculously good skiers and those who think they are. Avoid the queues and get up on the first lift (8.45am) and get off before the whole world skies off the last run and it turns into a sheet of ice with donuts on it.

Loads of pistes to try, lots of ski routes for the more adventurous and competent, and tons of off piste too.

Nice town, pricey bars, good ski gear in the shops but again pricey. Easy transfers.
Beautiful scenery and pistes magnificently maintained. Thats kind of what you'd expect for what you are paying.

Dont miss the Rendl ski area, absolutely superb up there.

Thanks guys, comments much appreciated - very useful advice and I feel much more comfortable that I will be able to find runs within my capabilities. I intend booking classes for the first 2 or 3 mornings so that I can rebuild my confidence and be guided to areas within my limits, afternoons head for Rendl and towards the end of the week hop on an early bus for the Lech and Zurs area. :lol:

Best time up at Rendl is between 10.30 and 3 because of the sun. Dont just leave it to the afternoons, it made for a good full day for us up there.