The conditions are just not very promising for the next two weekends.

Anyone been to: Schoppernau, Bregenzerwald, Austria ??

Off there for a week, so would be interested to hear any stories/experiences etc..

Is anyone interested in going to Zermatt Saturday?

I went to Elm yesterday and I have to say, snow conditions were quite bad. It was fun to ski until about 11am. After that and below 1800m on a south facing piste it was a nightmare. So if you want to get your skis out this weekend make sure you hit the slopes early.... and go above 2000m.

In Schoppenau Austria right now where they have not had snow for about three weeks but snowing heavily now and looks like will continue like this all week.
Good for the pistes but might not be a good week for us.

Grrrrrr. They groomed the pistes last night but not this morning. So all the fresh snow that fell was quickly brushed away to reveal nasty ice underneath. I just hope things are better tomorrow, however I an not sure how they will get the new snow to bind to the icy layer. The snow is still falling so we'll see if things improve.

We were at a very low resort on Sat near Zurich where the lower slopes are green, but the pistes from the Gondola upwards were in great condition. Can't see why conditions here are not just as good if not better.

Fresh snow... Sunshine forecast tomorrow then back to grey skies... buck it. I'm going to take tomorrow off work and ski. I'm thinking of Pizol. Any takers or alternative recommendations?

What is Pizol like?

I was there in the Summer for a walk through the mountains, but couldn't guage what it'd be like to snowboard there.

It's a great place

It was good. Lots of new snow and it was cold so the groomed pistes were near perfect and there was plenty of off-piste to be had. The reds and blues above Pardiel are such lovely slopes. Above the Pardiel there was plenty of untracked off-piste too (at least until about lunchtime) and all around the (ungroomed) black runs above Schwamm there was lots of good off-piste. For some reason (well, I can guess) the Tali blue run on the other side was ungroomed and made for a pleasant amble but on the whole I don't like the runs so much on that side.

If someone is going somewhere this weekend that is within 2.5 hours train ride from Lausanne and looking for company, let me know and I'd be happy to meet up! I'm am wanting to go to Zermatt or Saas-Fee at some point so if you're open to this, maybe we can go one of those places.

-Adam
077 437 4845

Managed to have a great week crosscountry skiing with our UK guests last week. Sadly most pistes were not opened, but our local ones at Les Cernets (Neuchatel Jura) were well pisted and we even did have some lovely weather. The local restaurant/café is owned by an ex Swiss champion, Pierre-Eric Rey and his partner Karine, they have Hotel rooms and family/ small dorms/ rooms, excellent food and do crosscountry ski hire very reasonably - they are right next to the pistes - peace heaven. Tel 0328661265. If you do come to have a go - would only be too happy to join you.
For downhill, Les Rasses above St Croix (Yverdon) was partly opened and good- and so was Metabief/Jougne on the French side (above Vallorbe). As the kids were beginners, we went for the day to Les Fourgs (on French side, between St Croix and Metabief) and by the end of the day they were both skiing parralel and VERY happy. It is the best value day venue for beginners day pass 10E50 for kids up to 15, 12E50 for adults. Ski Hire 9E for kids, 10E for adults - good quality carvers and boots. They also do cross-country skiing for hire, and lessons for both downhill, crosscountry or snowboard. Small area with 3 lifts just for beginners, perfect. Would be happy to join anybody for downhill skiing at Les Rasses too. There is a restau + ski hire shop right at the bottom of main slope.
0033381694991. The restau (Snabeutzi) is right by slopes if parents want to watch.

Been snowing all night, and still snowing hard - so maybe we will have a winter after all. Hurray.

Still snowing heavily up here - about 1 foot today. Bring it on.

Fun day today

WOW - wish I was younger again. But watch out for those slabs- make sure you know your 'layers' - stay safe.

Wow! That looks good. Where were you?

Yeah, we kicked off a few mini slabs today but we were keeping it safe, choosing wise routes, etc.,...

This photo was in Klein Sulzli in Engelberg.

I was in Chamonix Sunday and Monday. It was dumping on Sunday and the snow was good but obviously couldn't see anything. It continued dumping throughout the night and stopped by morning and we had pow generally up to our knees and our waists in some parts. It was my first powder day and it was so much fun! I'm not very good at riding pow yet but I had a blast. We were making our own trails and then at around 1:00 all of the easy to reach stuff was gone and conditions started to get icy so we took the gondola to Flegrere where a guy we met in the hostel told us he was riding the day before. There was still a ton of untouched powder there and we started launching off rocks and natural kickers. Definitely the best day I've had snowboarding since I've arrived!

Looking at visiting either Verbier or Crans-Montana this weekend (from Zurich). Have to get my boots looked at and these are the only Swiss locations of the shop I used (Grrrr....).

Skied in Verbier tons of times, but never Crans-Montana, anyone been there? If yes what are your impressions.

I know it's a long way but will just do a day-trip unless I can find some cheap accomadation (open to suggestions/recommendations).

Cheers

We had the most fantastic week there 1 Christmas - new champagne powder up to our knees dumped all night - then brilliant sunshine all day. 1 of the best weeks ever - we stayed for tiddly winks in an old Victorian hotel used for school trips and there was never any hot water by the time we got back - but didn't care. Enjoy. It does attract a few too many fur coats for my taste - but skiing brilliant.

Heard back from a friend who says it's easy slopes and south facing, so snow gets trashed quickly.

Looks like I'll be trying to get to Verbier for at least one day this weekend. Hopefully stopping off on the way crashing on a friends floor, otherwise will be a loooong day.