J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by bandit

ise wrote:
Great gear :D I like the revelation sack and the havoc's and kilowatts skis, very tempting and there's a local dealer :D

You know you want some. What are you waiting for :D

Very interesting interview, thanks :D Did I detect him having a little dig at K2?

ise wrote:

bandit wrote: I was advised recently that I should buy 120cm poles and have them cut down to around 118cm. That seems too much like hard work!
:D

which goes to show you know some strange people :D

So it would seem :lol:

The touring poles I have will now give me the chance to try out this theory, as they extend between 95cm and 145cm :D

115cm for me, as I'm a bit on the short side. I also have some Black Diamond touring poles, which are adjustable. I was advised recently that I should buy 120cm poles and have them cut down to around 118cm. That seems too much like hard work!
:D

Melanie
You may want to consider taking a beginners snowboard course in the UK before you head out to the resort you have chosen. That way, you will already have the basics, get to see more of your boyfriend during your trip, and see more of the resort you are visiting, because you will have a higher skill level. If you have a Snowdome/Snozone or dryslope facility nearby, courses are run regularly.

Another vote for Les Arcs. Tignes for beginners and novices can feel a bit too challenging.
There is IMV for a mixed ability party, more terrain in Les Arcs, where the whole group can enjoy the same hill as there is a choice of descent routes.
Les Arcs always seems to me to be more learner friendly.
Additionally, Tignes can be very bleak in bad weather, as it's way above the tree line. With Les Arcs, if the weather is poor, there are tree lined runs below Arc 2000, at 1600 and also at Peisey :D

Melanie
Tons of resorts to choose from in France, but do take care with the dates for the school holidays, both French and English. Short transfers from Geneva for Chamonix, Flaine, Avoriaz, La Clusaz etc. You could fly to Nice, Isola's snow record can be a bit variable, though there are some smaller resorts to choose from. You would probably not want to book far in advance for those, as their snow season can be a bit unpredictable.
It's quite a haul from Nice, back up to Serre Chevalier or Montgenevre etc, perhaps flying into Grenoble or Turin would be a better option there.

For a long weekend, my vote, fly to Geneva, lots of flight choices and because you can get to so many places quickly. Resort choice, Chamonix, because it has lots of hotels from bunk dorms to super luxury, tons of bars and restaurants, stunning scenery, lots of snowsports teachers, safe novice terrain and seriously steep stuff.
It's a nice place too. Before anyone asks, no I don't work for the tourist board, or a Tour Op. :lol:
Have a look here......

http://www.chamonix.net/english/home.htm

If you are tied to getting specific week(s) booked for leave, then I would suggest booking accommodation in a high altitude resort, just to be on the safe side.

If you can wait until a week or two before travelling, there are usually bargains available, and you can choose the place with the best snow cover :D

Tour Ops are always keen to get customers signed up 6 to 9 months in advance, it's good for cashflow, however, they can and will cancel your booking if insufficient folks make the early commitment.

You may perhaps want to consider getting travel sorted now, as the lo-co's have just released their timetables, then assembling your own package using Tourist Offices in the resorts to source accommodation.