Go here to discuss this season - and anything else snow related.
Snow sports 2009-10
Switzerland specific information
http://sites.google.com/site/swissalpineadventure
Eire has a site up giving information on Switzerland good place to start.
Which Resorts are open?
http://snow.myswitzerland.com/wintersportberichte
Where shall I go
Ski Resort Guide & Review 07/08/09
Which details the resorts people have been to and the conditions when they went. It will help you choose where to go.
If you are in Zurich this thread will help
[From Zürich] A Guide to Skiing Day Trips
What about "official" reviews of resorts http://www.ultimate-ski.com/Home/index.html http://www.onthesnow.co.uk/reviews_guide.html
or my favourite
http://www.worldsnowboardguide.com/
What will the snow be like:
Go here
http://snow.myswitzerland.com/snowreport?lang=en
click on the resort and look find out more detail.
or here
http://www.slf.ch/lawineninfo/schnee...daten/index_DE Will it be cold? http://www.meteonews.ch/index.php?se...er_ueb&lang=en Off-piste and Avalanches
Thanks to Eire for his post
Off piste in Switzerland
The avalanche bulletin can be got each day at around 5pm from
www.slf.ch There is a
written avalanche report and a
hazard map showing the risk levels through out Switzerland.
The
regional avalanche bulletin is only available in German and is issued at about 8am on the day it is for.
To Ski or to Board
First off there is a rough guide written by me ages ago about Skiing v Snowboarding if you are undecided about which to choose.
Skiing v's Snowboarding
or look here for a professional opinion
http://www.snowboarding-essentials.c...ng/skiing.html Where do I get my Equipment
Eventually you will want to buy all your own stuff, (especially your own boots) however to begin with rent.
Each resort will have a rental shop where you can go and wait in a long queue before being bullied by a taciturn Swiss fella. It's not a pleasurable experience and the equipment probably won't fit but its the way everyone starts.
The other option is a season long rental
http://www.skirental-zueri.ch/ (Zurich)
http://www.sportshopkarrer.ch/ (Basel)
In fact lots of shops will offer this service go out and have a look, ask here for recommendations.
You can rent helmets but all the other clothing you will need to buy yourself.
http://www.athleticum.ch/aktuell/akt...ardvermietung/
Also do cheap rentals and can be found all over Switzerland. You can check their online prices at the above site.
Clothing
You will need to buy
A Ski jacket
Ski trousers / salopettes (Do not buy day glow purple and yellow clothing, or all in ones, you will be laughed at)
Ski Gloves
Helmet
Goggles
If you are planning on boarding buy wrist protectors, you can get them built into your gloves.
Do not think you will go for the first time and wing it without this stuff.
Optionally you may also wish to purchase:
Thermal underwear (long johns)
Ski Socks
A coat with an Avalanche warning thingy
A rucksack
Back protector, arm pads, knee pads, wrist protectors (If you are a boarder you will need these sooner rather than later)
Balaclava
Can I drive there, are the passes clear? http://www.swissinfo.ch/ger/verkehrs...eSect=490#pass
"Fahrbar" = Drivable
"Schneebedekt" = Snow Covered.
"Teilweise Schneebedekt" = Snow Covered in Places.
"Frei" = Open
"Gesperrt" = Road Closed
(thanks Eire)
How do I act responsibly once I am on the snow http://www.nsaa.org/nsaa/home/
1) Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
2) People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
3) You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
4) Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look up hill and yield to others.
5) Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6) Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
7) Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.