Ski Season 2018/2019

Dial Hard · 01-01-2019 10:38am

Dial Hard wrote:

I'm off to Zell am See on Wednesday. Nearly afraid to check the weather!

Well, I tripped over the little nubbin that keeps gates closed leaving my brother's house last night and will now be going to Zell with a chipped tooth, badly bruised knees, a burst top lip, two stitches in my botttom lip, one in my forehead and nine in my left hand as, unfortunately, I was carrying a bottle of wine. I can't believe it. I've been cleared to travel and ski "gently" but I'm so annoyed with myself. This is my first trip in years and I'm in ribbons going on it. Gutted.

a148pro · 01-01-2019 11:01am

Dial Hard wrote: »

Well, I tripped over the little nubbin that keeps gates closed leaving my brother's house last night and will now be going to Zell with a chipped tooth, badly bruised knees, a burst top lip, two stitches in my botttom lip, one in my forehead and nine in my left hand as, unfortunately, I was carrying a bottle of wine. I can't believe it. I've been cleared to travel and ski "gently" but I'm so annoyed with myself. This is my first trip in years and I'm in ribbons going on it. Gutted.

Very bad look - however, don't let it get to you. You will most likely still be able to ski with those injuries, and probably ski reasonably hard? Also, its going to snow down to resort level so will be really nice atmosphere in town, can always read book and drink gluhwein in front of nice open fire, get a bit of r and r. Wellness also.

Obviously a pain in the hole and very unlucky but many people will not get to go at all this year so try and look on the bright side.

Dial Hard · 01-01-2019 11:32am

a148pro wrote:

Obviously a pain in the hole and very unlucky but many people will not get to go at all this year so try and look on the bright side.

Yep, trying to do that. I don't generally use my poles so should hopefully be able to get a few good runs in. And God knows it could have been so much worse. I keep thinking about that poor girl with the vodka bottle on Sundrive Road on last week. I'm very lucky.

a148pro · 01-01-2019 10:21pm

Timmaay wrote: »

I was gonna go with the ucpa to France on the 13th Jan, but snow looking a hell of alot better in Austria at the min. Any suggestions for a solo trip to Austria?

Buckets of resorts obviously but I don't know of any upca type set up. You could try posting here or on snow heads looking for a ski partner?

irlirishkev · 02-01-2019 1:01pm

Dial Hard wrote: »

Well, I tripped over the little nubbin that keeps gates closed leaving my brother's house last night and will now be going to Zell with a chipped tooth, badly bruised knees, a burst top lip, two stitches in my botttom lip, one in my forehead and nine in my left hand as, unfortunately, I was carrying a bottle of wine. I can't believe it. I've been cleared to travel and ski "gently" but I'm so annoyed with myself. This is my first trip in years and I'm in ribbons going on it. Gutted.

Ouch! Feel for you. Surprising the kind of injuries you can still ski with though.
I've ski'd on cracked ribs and busted coccyx. Much easier than walking with them! Just don't fall and open any stitches!

I'm just getting over Bronchitis, and am due to fly on Saturday. I spent Xmas once in Mayerhoffen in a hotel room, after handing back my ski-pass due to the same ailment, so I may just have escaped this year (touch wood!!).

Big Pussy Bonpensiero · 02-01-2019 6:14pm

Been over in Alpe d'Huez for the past 7 days with my last day tomorrow. No fresh snow has fallen in quite a while which has made the off-piste conditions quite tough.
Strong winds on 2 days making some of the on-piste runs icy and has also closed the gondolas to the top. Hoping for a good last day tomorrow, no snow forecast so won't bother with much off-piste!
Alpe d'Huez is a really lovely town but it can take over half an hour to get back up the mountain with the amount of people here. Not too sure what the norm is in other European resorts but it's the longest times I've experienced anyway.

Some poor lad was air-lifted off the mountain yesterday with a broken femur (standard protocol with the arteries so close). Can only imagine the impact he must have taken as the femur is said to be as strong as concrete

Timmaay · 02-01-2019 6:34pm

He must of hit something fairly hard while traveling fairly fast! Even during my motocross days broken femurs were rarel enough!

Steve · 02-01-2019 6:47pm

Just got this on whatsapp from a friend in Obertauern, looks nasty! :eek:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=narfSiPbOdE

Dial Hard · 02-01-2019 7:26pm

Just got picked up in Salzberg airport and the driver has warned us that the traffic to Zell is awful as a METRE of snow fell today. Usually takes an hour, he reckons it could take up to three. So needless to say I made an emergency stop before we left the airport - for beer.

Rew · 03-01-2019 1:09pm

Big Pussy Bonpensiero wrote: »

Alpe d'Huez is a really lovely town but it can take over half an hour to get back up the mountain with the amount of people here. Not too sure what the norm is in other European resorts but it's the longest times I've experienced anyway

Kids are still off so its a busy week in resorts, I was there for French midterm last year and it was very busy also.

a148pro · 03-01-2019 2:17pm

Dial Hard wrote: »

Just got picked up in Salzberg airport and the driver has warned us that the traffic to Zell is awful as a METRE of snow fell today. Usually takes an hour, he reckons it could take up to three. So needless to say I made an emergency stop before we left the airport - for beer.

Considering zell and environs from end of this week so all updates appreciated

random_banter · 03-01-2019 4:16pm

Hi all, loving the reports so far and really encouraged by all the snowfall the last few days!

Considering loads of options for this year's trip. Usually go to Mayrhofen but thinking of somewhere new this time. Only two of us as well. Really like Mayrhofen for the amount of terrain (including Zell Am Ziller), gorgeous scenery and decent comfort levels, as well as lively town. It's my favourite resort by a mile in the last 12 years.

Heading on the 2nd February and keeping an eye on the packages.

Interested in somewhere like Val D'Isere, but not that keen on transfer times and it looks pretty sold out that week. Val Thorens and Les Arcs are off the cards.

I hear conflicting things about Les Deux Alpes. Some say there's enough terrain for someone who likes to get about and some say there isn't, does anyone have any thoughts? Anyone have experience of La Plagne for intermediate-advanced skiiers and which village is your favourite?

Open to France and Austria - figured you guys might have good opinions? Thanks

blue note · 03-01-2019 4:21pm

I'm looking at going away on 26th of this month for a week. Is there any use in holding off for snow forecasts, or should I go ahead based on what's there now?

mollser · 03-01-2019 4:38pm

Jaysus Soll Ellmau st Johan area still getting tonnes of snow, amazing conditions today really deep powder for those who like that, pistes in great shape and saw singe sunshine today. Don't want this holiday to end...

Rew · 03-01-2019 4:49pm

mollser wrote: »

Jaysus Soll Ellmau st Johan area still getting tonnes of snow, amazing conditions today really deep powder for those who like that, pistes in great shape and saw singe sunshine today. Don't want this holiday to end...

there in 2 weeks hope it lasts :eek:

mollser · 03-01-2019 7:39pm

Oh it will, too much of the stuff and due to be cold and continue to snow. You'll be timed right I think

aaf · 03-01-2019 8:13pm

random_banter wrote: »

Hi all, loving the reports so far and really encouraged by all the snowfall the last few days!

Considering loads of options for this year's trip. Usually go to Mayrhofen but thinking of somewhere new this time. Only two of us as well. Really like Mayrhofen for the amount of terrain (including Zell Am Ziller), gorgeous scenery and decent comfort levels, as well as lively town. It's my favourite resort by a mile in the last 12 years.

Heading on the 2nd February and keeping an eye on the packages.

Interested in somewhere like Val D'Isere, but not that keen on transfer times and it looks pretty sold out that week. Val Thorens and Les Arcs are off the cards.

I hear conflicting things about Les Deux Alpes. Some say there's enough terrain for someone who likes to get about and some say there isn't, does anyone have any thoughts? Anyone have experience of La Plagne for intermediate-advanced skiiers and which village is your favourite?

Open to France and Austria - figured you guys might have good opinions? Thanks

Have been to quite a few resorts over the last few years. Was in Mayrhofen two years ago. By far the liveliest place I've been. Val Thorens is ok. Plenty of other valleys to explore in the area and some nice off piste areas can be found not too far from the main area in a quiet valley. A small group of us went to Zell Am See last year and I loved it. Slopes for all levels. If you're a decent snowboarder/skier, plenty of decent reds and blacks which weren't too busy. Plenty of snow. Runs back into town. Nice restaurants. Only a handful of late night bars but you only need one or two. Highly recommended. Cervinia in Italy is nice but hard to get to from airports. Good for a few days break if you book it early enough. My experience of Les Deux Alps was as a beginner snowboarder 9 years ago so I didn't see much beyond the beginner slopes but the nightlife was pretty good. Handy enough to get to from Grenoble airport.

a148pro · 03-01-2019 8:31pm

random_banter wrote: »

Hi all, loving the reports so far and really encouraged by all the snowfall the last few days!

Considering loads of options for this year's trip. Usually go to Mayrhofen but thinking of somewhere new this time. Only two of us as well. Really like Mayrhofen for the amount of terrain (including Zell Am Ziller), gorgeous scenery and decent comfort levels, as well as lively town. It's my favourite resort by a mile in the last 12 years.

Heading on the 2nd February and keeping an eye on the packages.

Interested in somewhere like Val D'Isere, but not that keen on transfer times and it looks pretty sold out that week. Val Thorens and Les Arcs are off the cards.

I hear conflicting things about Les Deux Alpes. Some say there's enough terrain for someone who likes to get about and some say there isn't, does anyone have any thoughts? Anyone have experience of La Plagne for intermediate-advanced skiiers and which village is your favourite?

Open to France and Austria - figured you guys might have good opinions? Thanks

What are your priorities?

From your description of your liking for mayrhofen ischgl would seem to be a good fit. Decent amount of pistes, two other valleys on the lift pass, classy resort and good nightlife.

a148pro · 03-01-2019 8:39pm

blue note wrote: »

I'm looking at going away on 26th of this month for a week. Is there any use in holding off for snow forecasts, or should I go ahead based on what's there now?

This depends whether you want the best snow possible at the time or you just want to be sure there will be snow.

Realistically there will be snow. As far as I know morzine and the lower french resorts are pretty bad at the moment. The higher french ones are fine. There hasn't been fresh natural snow in italy for ages, maybe a month, but they run on snow making anyway. There is between one to two meters falling in austria now so those resorts should be fine.

If however you are anxious to go for fresh powder then why don't you wait to see where is best forecast the two or three days before you leave? I do this all the time now. I'm about to book austria. Flights would be about 200 return over next few days, 40 Euro return most of next week. no problems getting accommodation

Of course those prices will increase at peak times and accommodation harder to get during school mid term. But I still prefer this type of trip.

Ive been meaning to put up a post about these short DIY trips when I get round to it.

andyd12 · 04-01-2019 12:54am

Going to Mayrhofen on the 19th of this month with 2 mates and brother, all boarders. Second time to go to the Hof, after being in St.Anton last year.
Can't wait, Austria is getting POUNDED at the moment! Yeeeeeeooooowwww

random_banter · 04-01-2019 12:26pm

a148pro wrote: »

What are your priorities?

From your description of your liking for mayrhofen ischgl would seem to be a good fit. Decent amount of pistes, two other valleys on the lift pass, classy resort and good nightlife.

Thanks for all the advice from everyone so far. Actually Ischgl would be my top pick but having trouble finding decent (mid-range to high end) accommodation that isn't sold out at this point. It seems like a lot of the packages are sold out and would love to do DIY, but when you look on booking.com etc you get prices of 4-5k for accom only which is crazy money.

I'd be interested to hear where posters look for their DIY accommodation prices.

The poster who recommended Zell Am See was bang on, it's a fabulous place, although I tend to get through a fair bit of distance and I found I covered the whole place twice in 3 days when I was there before, so was looking for something a little bigger. Definitely being too picky methinks

Billy Mays · 04-01-2019 12:41pm

The official Ischgl website is your best bet. We booked our accommodation on there for our trip next month

https://www.ischgl.com/en

I'd recommend St Anton if you can't get anything in Ischgl. It ticks all the boxes for everything you're looking for.

mulbot · 04-01-2019 1:02pm

random_banter wrote: »

Hi all, loving the reports so far and really encouraged by all the snowfall the last few days!

Considering loads of options for this year's trip. Usually go to Mayrhofen but thinking of somewhere new this time. Only two of us as well. Really like Mayrhofen for the amount of terrain (including Zell Am Ziller), gorgeous scenery and decent comfort levels, as well as lively town. It's my favourite resort by a mile in the last 12 years.

Heading on the 2nd February and keeping an eye on the packages.

Interested in somewhere like Val D'Isere, but not that keen on transfer times and it looks pretty sold out that week. Val Thorens and Les Arcs are off the cards.

I hear conflicting things about Les Deux Alpes. Some say there's enough terrain for someone who likes to get about and some say there isn't, does anyone have any thoughts? Anyone have experience of La Plagne for intermediate-advanced skiiers and which village is your favourite?

Open to France and Austria - figured you guys might have good opinions? Thanks

Hi, we went to la Plagne last year and loved it there, huge ski area that suits all levels. Plus you can access les Arcs too by cable car to give the same area of ski there. We stayed in Soleil, very quiet tho as is much of La Plagne(not a big problem for us as we have children with us). Most is ski in ski out, I think plagne 1800 was nicer as its set amongst the trees,gives a lovely Alpine feel

Rew · 04-01-2019 2:45pm

random_banter wrote: »

Hi all, loving the reports so far and really encouraged by all the snowfall the last few days!

Considering loads of options for this year's trip. Usually go to Mayrhofen but thinking of somewhere new this time. Only two of us as well. Really like Mayrhofen for the amount of terrain (including Zell Am Ziller), gorgeous scenery and decent comfort levels, as well as lively town. It's my favourite resort by a mile in the last 12 years.

Heading on the 2nd February and keeping an eye on the packages.

Interested in somewhere like Val D'Isere, but not that keen on transfer times and it looks pretty sold out that week. Val Thorens and Les Arcs are off the cards.

I hear conflicting things about Les Deux Alpes. Some say there's enough terrain for someone who likes to get about and some say there isn't, does anyone have any thoughts? Anyone have experience of La Plagne for intermediate-advanced skiiers and which village is your favourite?

Open to France and Austria - figured you guys might have good opinions? Thanks

Ive been to L2A and the neighbouring resort of Alpe d'Huez. L2A is good, not as expansive as some of the other French resorts, if your decent you will easily ski it out. If your decent off piste you can take a guide and drop over into La Grave. Alpe d'Huez was very good and I would recommend it, does get very busy at peak times though.

We did La Plagne (our accommodation was on the Les Arcs side) and found it to be pretty decent, plenty of villages to visit for lunches etc. Other places to think of are Morzine, Tignes or Mirabelle Mottaret.

Timmaay · 04-01-2019 3:08pm

random_banter wrote: »

The poster who recommended Zell Am See was bang on, it's a fabulous place, although I tend to get through a fair bit of distance and I found I covered the whole place twice in 3 days when I was there before, so was looking for something a little bigger. Definitely being too picky methinks

We hit Chamonix afew yrs ago in a near total whiteout week, with 90% the runs closed, so had to improvise, we had some craic off piste through trees etc, well over a meter of fresh powder in places, and after like 11am it wasn't even that busy because all the soft skiers had bailed off home ha. I'd take that anyday over melting slushy wet snow ha.

a148pro · 04-01-2019 4:24pm

random_banter wrote: »

I'd be interested to hear where posters look for their DIY accommodation prices.

Some resorts are quite centralized. Their own websites are very good engines for searching accommodation.

If you are looking for anything less than the full week however you will often get no hits until late in the week before as the savvy spendthrift austrians hold on for a full weeks booking.

If you can't get sorted there could stay in the adjacent resorts of galtur or kappl. Both have smaller ski areas and are devoid of atmosphere but much cheaper. About 10 - 15 minutes on the bus to ischgl.

As someone pointed out St Anton will also tick a lot of your boxes, bit too many brits and lift system bit poor in parts but great town and some of the best off piste in the alps if you get a guide.

Plus there is the unique cultural gem that is the moosewird.

Anton hard to get accommodation in advance also, but again there are satellite towns.

a148pro · 04-01-2019 4:26pm

Tiscover can also be good for germanic b n b s

Donie75 · 04-01-2019 4:31pm

Saalbach might be worth checking out too.

Dial Hard · 04-01-2019 5:12pm

Hallo from Zell am See. Christ on a bike there's a lot of snow. Deepest powder I've ever skied in (full disclosure: this is only my third time skiing). It's been lightly snowing non-stop since we got here on Wednesday (has actually been snowing since Saturday) and there's apparently another big dump due tonight. No sun at all but the only time conditions got really bad was yesterday afternoon right at the highest run when the wind kicked in and it was pretty much a white-out but other than that, it's been fab. Bring your goggles though!

andyd12 · 04-01-2019 5:14pm

Dial Hard wrote: »

Hallo from Zell am See. Christ on a bike there's a lot of snow. Deepest powder I've ever skied in (full disclosure: this is only my third time skiing). It's been lightly snowing non-stop since we got here on Wednesday (has actually been snowing since Saturday) and there's apparently another big dump due tonight. No sun at all but the only time conditions got really bad was yesterday afternoon right at the highest run when the wind kicked in and it was pretty much a white-out but other than that, it's been fab. Bring your goggles though!

And the snorkel perhaps!!

Dial Hard · 04-01-2019 6:16pm

andyd12 wrote:

And the snorkel perhaps!!

You nearly would! I went arse over tea-kettle in the trees yesterday and ended up in a drift about a metre deep. Took me about half an hour to get out.

Jizique · 04-01-2019 6:23pm

random_banter wrote: »

The poster who recommended Zell Am See was bang on, it's a fabulous place, although I tend to get through a fair bit of distance and I found I covered the whole place twice in 3 days when I was there before, so was looking for something a little bigger. Definitely being too picky methinks

Zell am See is now linked to Saalbach-Hinterglemm

a148pro · 04-01-2019 6:58pm

Jizique wrote: »

Zell am See is now linked to Saalbach-Hinterglemm

It seems only one way though? You can ski from Zell down in to Saalbach satellite but they haven't built the lift back yet

andyd12 · 04-01-2019 7:01pm

Dial Hard wrote: »

You nearly would! I went arse over tea-kettle in the trees yesterday and ended up in a drift about a metre deep. Took me about half an hour to get out.

Haha alot of work for sure. We had conditions like that in St.Anton last January, almost too much snow:D

Dial Hard · 05-01-2019 11:39am

And I'm done

Lost a ski off the chairlift on our first trip up of the morning. Lift operator said I should get it back around May *Dawson crying face*

andyd12 · 05-01-2019 11:43am

Dial Hard wrote: »

And I'm done Lost a ski off the chairlift on our first trip up of the morning. Lift operator said I should get it back around May *Dawson crying face*

Rent a new set ðŸ€”

prunudo · 05-01-2019 11:47am

Dial Hard wrote: »

And I'm done Lost a ski off the chairlift on our first trip up of the morning. Lift operator said I should get it back around May *Dawson crying face*

Perfect opportunity to rent another brand and try them out. Also may be worth skiing down under the lift to check. Did you get a chance to see the number of the lift pole it happened at.

Dial Hard · 05-01-2019 11:47am

andyd12 wrote:

Rent a new set Ã°Å¸â‚¬â€

I won't have the money to after I pay for this one!

In other news, it's absolutely bucketing snow.

Dial Hard · 05-01-2019 11:58am

jvan wrote:

Perfect opportunity to rent another brand and try them out. Also may be worth skiing down under the lift to check. Did you get a chance to see the number of the lift pole it happened at.

It's our last day anyway.

The snow is drifting to about 2m around where it fell. Don't think there's a hope in hell of getting it. My brother is going to try and ski over to the fence then go in on foot.

andyd12 · 05-01-2019 12:00pm

Dial Hard wrote: »

I won't have the money to after I pay for this one!

In other news, it's absolutely bucketing snow.

That sucks buddy

prunudo · 05-01-2019 12:52pm

Dial Hard wrote: »

It's our last day anyway.

The snow is drifting to about 2m around where it fell. Don't think there's a hope in hell of getting it. My brother is going to try and ski over to the fence then go in on foot.

Sounds like an adventure to me

a148pro · 05-01-2019 12:57pm

I'm booked to tomorrow night - any tips dial hard? Was it busy? Easy to ski side piste, many forests?

Check your travel insurance btw I'm pretty sure mine insures me for ski loss (probably theft though, not theft by powder!)

Macdarack · 05-01-2019 1:12pm

Donie75 wrote: »

Saalbach might be worth checking out too.

Heading to Saalbach Austria for the second time. A group of four of us were there last year, great skiing, we skied hard for 6 days and covered 90% of it,without only doing a few runs twice, great town too for restaurants, bars ,sji show, etc. Bring earplugs though, they're party music is shiiiiite.

Dial Hard · 05-01-2019 1:22pm

a148pro wrote:

I'm booked to tomorrow night - any tips dial hard? Was it busy? Easy to ski side piste, many forests?

Bring goggles! It's not mad busy. Thursday was the busiest day and even then the longest wait we had for any of the lifts was about 20 minutes and that only happened once. Avoid the bar/restaurant beside the CityExpress lift like the plague, it's an overpriced kip with the rudest staff ever. Panorama at the top of the Areitbahn lift is marginally better but there's a really nice restaurant called Das Franzl in the same building, but make a reservation. Plenty of side piste forest trails. Off-piste the snow is probably too deep to ski. There's a CRAZY amount of powder.

If you want bonkers Apres Ski, the Crazy Daisy in the middle of town is like Coppers on crack.

Anyway, update on my ski: my brother and nephew went back up to try and retrieve it. He borrowed a shovel off the lift operator and tried to dig his way in for it. Got in about four feet and then hit a drift that he reckons was over seven feet high. So that's that

Billy Mays · 05-01-2019 1:22pm

Macdarack wrote: »

Heading to Saalbach Austria for the second time. A group of four of us were there last year, great skiing, we skied hard for 6 days and covered 90% of it,without only doing a few runs twice, great town too for restaurants, bars ,sji show, etc. Bring earplugs though, they're party music is shiiiiite.

I absolutely hate all that cheesey Austrian apres music

Went to Mooserwirt in St Anton once last year to see what all the fuss was about. Left after 20 minutes. Awful.

prunudo · 05-01-2019 2:30pm

Billy Mays wrote: »

I absolutely hate all that cheesey Austrian apres music

Went to Mooserwirt in St Anton once last year to see what all the fuss was about. Left after 20 minutes. Awful.

Shocking statement! That cheesy music is what makes Austrian Apres so good.

Hey, wir wollen die Eisbären sehen (ohohohoho)

Macdarack · 05-01-2019 4:01pm

jvan wrote: »

Shocking statement! That cheesy music is what makes Austrian Apres so good.

Hey, wir wollen die Eisbären sehen (ohohohoho)

Here you go bud enjoy https://youtu.be/31BDX4vHMhI

prunudo · 05-01-2019 4:16pm

Macdarack wrote: »

Here you go bud enjoy https://youtu.be/31BDX4vHMhI

Haha, never heard that one before, should be used by the tour ops to promote their Austrian ski trips

although can't really credit the Austrians as it's in Dutch.

a148pro · 05-01-2019 5:58pm

Billy Mays wrote: »

I absolutely hate all that cheesey Austrian apres music

Went to Mooserwirt in St Anton once last year to see what all the fuss was about. Left after 20 minutes. Awful.

You really have to leave your cynicism at the door of the moosewird. If it has a door? I wanted nothing to do with it but, in fairness, it is a cultural phenomena. Its past of what makes austrian skiing! (I wonder do they do similar madness on their summer holidays or do they just do it to warm up in the cold?)

Billy Mays · 05-01-2019 6:17pm

a148pro wrote: »

You really have to leave your cynicism at the door of the moosewird. If it has a door? I wanted nothing to do with it but, in fairness, it is a cultural phenomena. Its past of what makes austrian skiing! (I wonder do they do similar madness on their summer holidays or do they just do it to warm up in the cold?)

I was willing to give it a go but it wasn't for me. Could barely move in the place and took ages to get served. It's also a sweatbox which doesn't work too well when you've base layers and a big jacket on.

In fairness I might've been more into it 15 or 20 years ago. Bit older now plus I really go hell for leather when I'm out on the board during the day so by apres time I'm usually fairly b0ll0cksed and prefer sitting down with a few pints and a chat rather than dancing on tables to the worst music imaginable

Ski Season 2018/2019

Comments