J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by bandit

Well, all of those things and more, depending on the situation!
Maybe it's time you considered having a lesson or 2, once you're ready. It's easier to ski, if you know the "why" as well as the "what" :D

The white ski portion with the word OMES, I believe to be a Dynastar OMESOFT.

The binding portion with the word Burt, I believe to be the tip fixing for a touring skin.
Then again....
:D

I did a search of your 2 propsed destinations. I could find nothing for Marivelle, but Monte Bondone has a mere 18km of piste.
Looking at your criteria, you may find Monte Bondone a bit limiting.

Perhaps ask you travel agent to look at more well known destinations with bigger ski areas, and a big village, which will give you the nightlife?

I have skied Cervinia at Christmas, and it was quite wonderful, but the other Italian resort suggestions made so far, have just as much merit.

Why is staying slopeside important to you? If you ski high, sleep low, you will save even more money. Decent parking in La Plagne is underground, and quite pricey IMV.
As for the journey, it can be as tough as you want it to be. We have tried the "we drove through the night and were on the slopes by 10am" stuff, and now we stay in a hotel somewhere en-route, we just don't have the stamina :mrgreen:
It's been many years since our main ski trip of the year was by plane. Driving is so much easier, take exactly what you want, stop when you want, take as long as you desire to arrive, no one weighs your luggage, and I get to take all the comforts of home :D

You can search on J2ski for apts to book direct, but also check the main ski tour operators, some do package self drive in low season for a good price.
Don't forget to budget for European Breakdown Insurance and possible costs for uprating your car insurance for european travel. Depends on the insurer.

ellistine wrote:Italy has a smoking ban but Austria and Switzerland haven't - or at least they didn't at the start of the year. I can't imagine France having one any time soon!

France has implemented their ban, and from Jan 08, bars and restaurants should have adapted their premises.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6032125.stm

Parts of Switzerland already have a ban.
http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/front/detail/Smoking_ban_blazes_a_trail_in_Ticino.html?siteSect=105&sid=6543103&cKey=1142513211000&ty=st

It's also against the law to smoke on Swiss Railways.

I would suggest skiing Kitzbuhel by staying in Kirchberg a few km's away. Easy access to skiing, decent nightlife, good quality tuition. Get a cheap flight, and rent a car, book accomodation through Interhome, or direct with the Tourist Office.

Last time I stayed in Kirchberg, this place http://www.clubhabitat.at/winter/ had a bar which was great fun :D

If you are around Kitzbuhel at the end of January, there is usually a small party in the town connected with a ski race...can't quite remember the name of the race, gets a few spectators though :lol: :lol:

It's going to be COLD...probably :D This means taking your best cold weather gear, thermals, face mask etc. Of course, that will mean that it will turn out warm and sunny :lol:
It can be very bleak up top, very exposed to the wind.

For the skis,, unless you are planning to rent a lane and run some gates, a Universal Wax, and a Zardoz Pocket Puck should see you through. Enjoy :D

freezywater wrote:

bandit wrote:
Many folks prefer shades when it's cold but sunny, but it's possible to damage the eyes with cold wind, so I favour goggles. :D

How does that happen then, I've never heard of this before :?:

In the same way that exposed skin gets frostbite, so the sclera and the cornea can become iced. Not nice and usually avoidable.