J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by admin

Vonnie wrote:I am finding it difficult to find websites with chalets for rent in Italy can anyone help?

Watch this space! We'll have some Chalets in Italy (as well as the other major European destinations), with online availability search and booking, on j2ski sometime next week... 8) We're working on it now... initially we'll only be covering a limited selection of resorts but should be expanding that greatly before the end of the year.

Hi Stephen,

Firstly, late January is generally a great time to go as it's really the low season. Far fewer people mean less crowded slopes and better prices on accommodation... and usually the snow will be good too (no guarantees there though!). Definitely go before the half-terms start to kick in in February.

It's easier than ever to book everything yourself but there are obvious advantages to getting a package, as it's your first time.

If you opt for a package holiday, wait until a week or two before you go - late January always has good availability and there will be some great bargains to be had.

If you go DIY, start looking for flights now but hold your nerve; Easyjet are cheap if booked really early, but BA and Swiss are very competitive on price to Geneva at least. If you find a good price to Geneva then bag it; there are dozens of resorts within an hours drive and you can take your time to pick one. Wait until the week before to book accommodation; small hotels are often keen to negotiate if they've empty beds.

You'll also need to sort out transport from the Airport - car hire is most flexible but there are good bus and train links to some resorts, so do a little research and draw up a short-list.

Pre-book ski hire online - we have a deal with SkiSet that will give you at least 20% off the walk-in price, sometimes as much as 40% for the quieter weeks (like late January!).

:lol: preparations for this season? Building this site and assembling a cot! So probably won't get much skiing until late season... but in the meantime there's a Skier's Edge in the lounge and Warren Miller on the TV so I'm half way there...

thatsme wrote:Do I need to take skiing courses before I start ski !amazed ing?

If you want to progress fast - yes. And once you're beyond absolute beginner then spend some cash on private lessons for best effect.

thatsme wrote:whats easier to start with - snowboarding !amazed or skiing?

Most people find snowboarding quicker to learn but it does depend. Certainly if you've done lots of either surfing and/or skateboarding you will probably take to boarding quickly, but if you're more comfortable facing the direction you're travelling you might find skiing easier...

Why not try both for a day or two each?

jasminapashmina wrote:Going to work in St Anton for the Winter season 2006.

Lucky you! 8)

Your best bet for the fashion really is to ask your friend, especially as she lives out there! Otherwise keep an eye on Snow And Rock for an idea on what's going to be in this year - but remember that Brit ski fashion may not be the same as St.Anton! Whatever styles you choose, make sure you go for quality - gear that will still be in one piece, waterproof and warm at the end of the season.

Buy your own boots as soon as you get there - get your friend to take you to a good boot-fitter; good boots will be the best gear investment you make.

As for skis - rent them, definitely. Shop around and you'll find some good deals for season-long rental. Make sure you can swap the skis occasionally, so you can upgrade as your skiing improves.

And after all that... try and save some cash for a few lessons at the beginning - you'll progress so much faster if you do.

It'll be a blast,

Anglwingz wrote:Is there anyway to break the snow plow habit?

There is no substitute for just building up snow time but if you want to progress fast your best bet will be some private lessons from a good instructor. It sounds like you're half way there and are doing something like a "stem turn" - which used to be taught as an intermediate step between snowplough and parallel.

Bite the bullet and book an instructor for a couple of hours each day; private lessons may cost you more up front but they will be much better value than group sessions. Private lessons can be tuned to exactly your level of skiing, fitness and embition so are much more enjoyable than hanging around in a group.

The danger of learning by yourself is that you will pick up bad habits that will be increasingly difficult to un-learn as you try to progress. There are basics of stance, edging and foot pressure that are essential to get right if you want to end up skiing the whole mountain with confidence.

The earlier you learn what's right, the quicker you'll progress and the more fun you'll have! 8)

Anglwingz wrote:How can we find more info on the chalet that Gravite will be operating?

I believe they will have two for 2006/7 - one self-catered and one fully-catered. I know they're just in the process of updating their websites but start at www.gravite.co.uk and www.snowchalet.com. I'm sure either Dave or Sam will drop in here shortly to bring you up-to-date! 8)

jobby wrote:We are looking at going to La Clusaz in January ( 18th for 10 days)...

Top choice. It's a favourite of ours and your timing is good - snow should be good unless you're very unlucky but best of all is that it won't be crowded (at all) and you should have plenty of choice for accommodation. Apres is civilised and locals friendly. There is good skiing for all levels - how experienced is your party?

The Ski Bus links a number of areas and all are worth a ski. Good skiers will love the off-piste at La Balme but, with 10 days to fill, must also make the trip up to Le Grand Bornand - the smaller area of Le Chinaillon has great off-piste too and one of the steepest Black runs in France (Noir de le lachat).

Both areas have long Blues and Reds for the Intermediates to roam on, and early skiers will appreciate un-crowded pistes. One of our regulars, Gravite (highly recommended), will be operating a self-catered chalet (I think) so would be worth a call. 8)