skiing in europe for first time

so this friday 13th (anti-jinx***) i'm leaving to go to Zermatt switz for the whole week...yes i know it's going to be packed with tourists, but i'm going with my family and another friend that rips...so i was wondering if you guys had and good info on the mountain or good stashes that i could find... i really have no idea how good the terrain is or what european skiing is like in general...i'm basically going for the experience and the partying because there i'm legal so i'm going to go nuts... any info would help and i promise a vid, pics, and a good TR when i get back!

Hi,

Zermatt is a cool town, bring your gold card :D

I hope you like riding trams, because this is without a doubt the tram capital of the world. For skiing, assuming you like challenging steep terrain, the best spots are definitely in the Stockhorn area. This is very rocky, so I hope the coverage is good this year (it wasn't when I was there).

The Klein Matterhorn area is rather flat and the run to the village is an overrated black that is rather boring. But it is nice to do it once and ski about 2200 vertical meters in one shot.

In the morning, I suggest using the Sunnega (sp?) alpine metro to go towards the Stockhorn/Rothorn area. The train, whose name I can't recall, is a nice experience, but will eat 45-50 minutes out of your day.

I didn't get to drop on the Italian side when I was there (bad weather), but I've heard a lot of good things about it.

Have fun.

Steve

could be thin coverage in Zermatt. they have been in the 'dead zone' for snow this season. otherwise, it should be beautiful on-piste skiing there. the weather forecast looks good. bring lots of sunblock.

http://www.slf.ch/avalanche/hsr-dec.html

enjoy it, you'll have a great time no matter the conditions.

(you're going to be near the upper left, the big triangle with the big flag going :) )
http://www.biglines.com/photos/blpic18691.jpg