Comments on: First Timers Tips For Skiing Europe

By: Pete O'Connor

Pete O'Connor — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:40:06 +0000

Hi Bob or others : I live in Sweden and Im an American used to mid size uncrowded resorts with great snow – think Idaho . Im also a senior and would love to know about others who might get together in say ski in Austria . Not interested in fancy crowded European resorts as othrs must also be – been there done that.
Would love to hear back from you on what you might know.
Thanks Pete OConnor Lilea Sweden

By: Mary Carney

Mary Carney — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 17:35:35 +0000

Hi Bob , I’m a senior first time skier and am interested in going to Austria to learn . What area would you suggest ?

By: Bob Trueman

Bob Trueman — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 14:58:47 +0000

In reply to Cansnowplow.

“travel wisdom” – that’s pushing it a bit. But thanks for your complimentary comments. Glad – indeed relieved that it made enjoyable reading.
I can advise that getting on the Grand Montets tram, after you’ve staggered up the ladders and steps from the Argentiere glacier, is even more daunting: too little energy left for the fight !
Best regards
Bob T

By: Bob Trueman

Bob Trueman — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 14:52:54 +0000

In reply to Paul Daniels.

In my opinion you will enjoy ANY resort in Switzerland. I’d choose the one you can get to quickest from wherever you are. That way you’ll minimise tiredness and maximise fun. You’ll find pretty much anything you want, pretty much anywhere you go for a day.

I personally like Saas Fee – traffic free, top class hoteliers, and with a glacier to look at!
I’m not a tour guide, but I hope that helps. Have a great time.
Bob T

By: Cansnowplow

Cansnowplow — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 01:39:55 +0000

Bob,
Your case examples in this article not only provided excellent guidance, but you just taught the majority of your readers what should be contemplated on as one is making ski travel plans, no matter where you want to go. Excellent! Your statement of lift queue etiquette, politeness, or courtesies, NOT, especially in France made me laugh out loud. The Grand Montets tram line I experienced funneled from 8 doorway entrances to a single line. This merging without ropes resembled the running play of the offensive line of a US football team. I felt like a pin ball as shoulders were bucked up against strangers with no apologies or facial expression. I would enjoy hearing more of your Northern Hemisphere travel wisdom.

By: Paul Daniels

Paul Daniels — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 22:15:40 +0000

We will travel in Switzerland on Nov. 27-Dec.2, 2022 before taking Christmas cruise I am asking for recommendation where to ski for only one day within Switzerland so any feedback will be appreciated.

By: Bob Trueman

Bob Trueman — Sat, 06 Mar 2021 15:09:52 +0000

In reply to Alice Kane.

Thanks Alice,
Sorry you both had to learn the hard way about skiing to the bottom at the end of the day! Still, better late than never.
As for the skiers being fast – mostly they’re fast because they have insufficiently good technique to do anything else. I’ve always said I can get a raw beginner to ski fast, on a baby slope, (you just give them a push: only joking) but to ski slowly on a steep, perhaps narrow one you’ve got to be good!
All the best, to you
Bob T

By: Bob Trueman

Bob Trueman — Sat, 06 Mar 2021 15:02:53 +0000

In reply to Tom Lott Lott. Thank you Tom. Bob

By: Alice Kane

Alice Kane — Sat, 06 Mar 2021 00:51:31 +0000

Love your article & LOVED your advice about “The Last Run Down.” My twin & I skied Zermatt some years ago and got caught on that “last run.” The skiers are fast and sloppy and the trails narrow & curve in “Z’ turns” at the bottom. There are actually NETS to ‘catch’ those who can’t turn fast enough. And to further “enhance’ the experience, there are little eat ‘n drink stops along the last bit to entice skiers for a ‘quick’ apres ski. So… many skiers screech to a stop, fly off the piste and leave you to spin around them. Wish we have known your suggestion of ‘taking the end-of-the-day lift down!’ ;->

By: seth brown

seth brown — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 18:39:52 +0000

I’ve been to number of euro resorts.
Some thoughts:
many if not most runs are above tree line(bring a bright lense)
on mtn lunch is very different…expect a min of an hr..
on mtn apres ski is common….(St Anton for example)…and then you still have a mile to ski down, at dusk, etc
On piste skiing is not rated like the US; very few real expert pistes…but, there is in bounds, off piste SERIOUS terrain.
its about a different culture, but, i believe the 9-4 experience at a major US resort is superior…however, you cannot compare the total experience.