J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Geoff Smith

Hi skisuit,

I can tell you about Oz en Oisans. I have had an apartment there for the last 16 years.

Your plans for different ski arrangements for the family can easily be met. The local pass provides for plenty of green and blue runs in a section above Alpe d'Huez and in the Alpette and Montfrais domains above Vaujany. There are fast telecabines to each area. The skiing back to Oz en Oisans is a bit tricky for those with limited experience and quite a few beginners take the lifts back. There are some easy runs in Oz en Oisans itself.

The Chalet des Neiges are very smart apartments. Oz en Oisans , itself, is on the small side with limited apres ski. There are plenty of restaurants and bars however. It is an attractive place, well designed, traffic free and set among trees with a good view of the very beautiful Belledonne mountain range. There is a swimming pool and ice skating rink. Unless you want lots of apres ski I think that it allows visitors to combine a pleasant small scale environment, with attractive buildings, in which to stay with access to a large ski area with a very good snow record.

If you have any specific questions I will be very happy to answer them on this list or by private message. Over to you.

Geoff Smith

Ise,

I don't know about "urban myths" but I did choose my words with some care. I did not say" Austrian ski stations are low and don't get snow". I simply made the rather cautious observation that it is best to aim high to be on the safe side. This comment was based on looking at comparative snow statistics for low and high resorts over the last few years. From these data it is clear that there is a higher probability of getting more snow at higher levels. This does not preclude the possibility, of course, of the reverse happening from time to time.

Happy days

Geoff Smith

Jonesy,

A lot of ski resorts in Austria are on the low side. These days it is best to aim high to be on the safe side. I have enjoyed Solden, Obergurgl, St Anton and Obertauen all of which have high, good and reasonably extensive skiing.

Best,

Geoff

Does anybody know any good poems about skiing. I have come across a few. This one appeals:



New
Season?s
Resolutions

Try....

to become a beginner once again

Begin....

to unlearn techniques one must explain

Learn....

to treat my skis like old friends

Realize....

that turns are only means not ends

Understand....

that for each skier the snow?s the same

Accept....

mountain as master, skiing as game


Lito Tejada-Flores


Geoff Smith

Ise wrote:

"It's largely a UK/US thing really, obsessing about kit in some way, in the Alpes you'll find most people just buy a pair of skis and go out and use them".

I am inclined to agree. I have a lot of French skiing friends- some of who are very good indeed- and they seem to be very relaxed about gear. I suspect that technique and fitness are the keys to good skiing with equipment coming a poor third.

Geoff Smith

Hi folks,

Don't our heights have something to do with appropriate pole lengths?

Geoff Smith

Hi Blaze,

I agree with the recommendations set out in the other 'posts'.

I was about to recommend that you add Alpe d'Huez to your list. But after checking your profile I see that that the resort is already recorded as one of your favourites. So you know all about its 'every level ' of skier attributes , wonderful scenery, good snow and sun record, long pistes, significant 'vertical drop' , and excellent off piste itineraries etc.
I just add , why not think about staying at one of the lovely satellite resorts of Massif des Grandes Rousses, e.g. Oz en Oisans, Vaujany or VillardReculas?

Geoff smith

Melanie,

There are so many resorts that would do the trick. There is only one thing that I would say. Choose a high resort to be reasonably sure of good conditions. I know that you plan to go in February, when snow cover is usually good, but in these days of more uncertain weather I would always opt for a high resort to be on the safe side.

If you want to fly to Nice you could book Isola 2000.

Geoff Smith