How to go about skiing in Europe?

So it looks like I'm moving to Hungary.
I want to ski Austria, Switserland, Italy, Slovakia, and maybe France.

How do i go about skiing there? I understand there is no avy control and that unless it is groomed it is considered out of bounds.

Basically do i need a guide anytime i ski? and how much will this cost.

I am 16 years old, from the east coast, am a very good skier, but have no backcountry or avalanche experience.

I want to get into more gnar and powder, but i want to do it safe. I am gonna read the books, and try to learn as much that way, but i think i am gonna need a guide evrytime i ski.

I am also going to need a beacon, shovel and probe, but would it still be safe going to europe and skiing there with a guide, but still while so inexperienced in the backcountry.

Any thoughts or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much,

ShivSki

Pizza pie....French Fries...repeat as needed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ShiveringSkier

So it looks like I'm moving to Hungary.
I want to ski Austria, Switserland, Italy, Slovakia, and maybe France.

How do i go about skiing there? I understand there is no avy control and that unless it is groomed it is considered out of bounds.

Basically do i need a guide anytime i ski? and how much will this cost.

I am 16 years old, from the east coast, am a very good skier, but have no backcountry or avalanche experience.

I want to get into more gnar and powder, but i want to do it safe. I am gonna read the books, and try to learn as much that way, but i think i am gonna need a guide evrytime i ski.

I am also going to need a beacon, shovel and probe, but would it still be safe going to europe and skiing there with a guide, but still while so inexperienced in the backcountry.

Any thoughts or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much,

ShivSki

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Ask the gypsies.

anybody?

echo...echo...echo

you might want to forgo switserland and go to skottland. some great skiing to be had there, i hear.
ok. no, you will not "need a guide everytime you ski". i suggest you find some kind soul of a skibuddy who will let you trail along with him. taking an avy course is certainly a good idea. in austria the regulations are as follows: organized skiarea=groomers and "skirouten". these are both marked and avy controled. skirouten are usually narrower, ungroomed and no one comes at the end of the day to check if you happen to be lying around with a broken leg. if you go anywhere else it's your own decision, there are no ropes to duck, no one will stop you. having said that, if you are not completely stupid (and know the basics about snowpack) it should be quite possible to find some decent skiing in- or in the immediate vicinity of- the resorts where you will most probably not die.

Only you can decide if you feel avy savy enough to head out into the bc alone. It depends on the terrain you are going to ski, the avy forecast (which is pretty decent in most Alpine countries) and how familiar you are with that terrain.

Will you need a ski guide all the time? I wouldn't think so... I don't but then I ski pretty conservatively if I'm making my own decisions and can't discuss with someone else who has at least some avy knowledge.

Shapen up the snow skills ASAP

1. Get a friend over there who skis.

2. Take an avy class, read books, get the equipment (beacon, probe, shovel).

And, hmm, don't forget to have fun :p

Suggestions:

1) Find a group of skiers with goals similar to yours. This might be a university ski-club, alpine-club or just some friends. Although skiing with others is always safer, avy avareness is always very important.

2) Depending on your language skills, you might consider taking an avy course before you move. The snow is the same (or almost) everywhere, but the language isn't.

have fun

Things to remember about European skiing.

In general (there are exceptions) the mountains get smaller and the temperatures get colder the further east you go, so a resort at 1,000m in Eastern Austria is usually going to enjoy better snow than one at 1,000m in France.

There will be Scandinavians virtually everywhere worth visiting. Almost all Scandinavians speak English and most are ripping skiers. Cool crew to hang with.

Do a bit of homework and unearth some local gems for us. As much as we love seeing the spectacular TRs from Chamonix, La Grave, Engelberg and St Anton, sometimes it's cool to see them from other places too.

If you are rather pro-Bush you'll have an easier time in Yurp if you keep your political views under your hat and make an effort with the local languages - it'll buy you a lot of credit.

A tram is something you ride around Viennese streets.

Avy savvy is the best investment you'll make.

My experience is only in Austria,but the patrollers do avy work after a storm.There ARE ropes,but it's not illegal to cross them,they are just a warning.There is plenty of "off piste" that is safe,but you should always have your gear & partner.Scandinavian girls ROCK!

thanks a ton for your help-

im leaving for hungary on easter to look at the high school and apartments.

shivSKi