First EuroBBI Thursday March 21, 2019

eurp jong questions

1. what airline does not charge for skis? icelandic $42 ea way, American $150 ea way, ???
2. all these cheap tickets are for economy, my legs are longs, what airline has most legroom in economy?
3.looks like teh meals at mt lodge are as much/more as a room? am i just mixed up? are mags buying meals
or brown bagging or eating out or ?
4. im extremely confused by all this train jumping talk, can one just hang near andermatt
5. can you get abs canister or do you need to bring empty one and fill it?
6. can you just bring boots and rent skis with dynafits?

7. Doebedoe what are your dates out and back from DIA?

3.looks like teh meals at mt lodge are as much/more as a room? am i just mixed up? are mags buying meals
or brown bagging or eating out or ?
BREAKFAST AND DINNERS ARE PRACTICALLY INCLUDED ( NO DRINKS)

4. im extremely confused by all this train jumping talk, can one just hang near andermatt
THE LODGE IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ANDERMAT SKI SISTEM ( ANDERMATT SEDRUN AND DISENTIS ARE THREE VILLAGES CONNECTED BY ONE SKI RESORT. THE NICE THING ABOUT SWITZERLAND IS THAT YOU CAN MOVE ALSO TO OTHER RESORTS, BUT YOU CAN ALDO STAY HERE AND TRUST ME, YOU WON'T GET BORED

5. can you get abs canister or do you need to bring empty one and fill it?
I THINK THAT IT WOULD BE NO PROBLEM AND THE COST SHOULD BE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME

6. can you just bring boots and rent skis with dynafits?
SURE, IF YOU WANT I CAN ASK FOR PRICES AND SELECTIONS

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Originally Posted by CascadeLuke

What’s the policy/attitude towards the green out in these parts? And I’m not talkin beginner runs

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Very relaxed/basically decriminalized.

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Originally Posted by Ripzalot

@Buster - it would be good to include a summary in the first post (or somewhere fixed) with each attendee and the dates for the trip. at the moment i'm booked for vendul's place 20-24 but i could easily adjust if others want to ski eberg. i could easily take the whole week off, 16-24, doing eberg before and/or after. plus i have a car so if there is room i could transport some people from eberg to vendul's or vice versa.

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I'll add a link to a public poll for the specific days each k00k is planning to show. You may have to fill out your own dance card.

here: https://www.tetongravity.com/forums/..._19-DANCE-CARD

Re: Engleberg

It is about the easiest place I have been to in the Alps. The about of terrain directly in front of your face is amazing. I could definitely suggest it as a "entry to Euroski" location. As mentioned, it can be busy. If you are feeling it and the conditions are appropriate, it is a great place to put the skins on a do some shorter tours. Scandos tend to be freeride focused. What is the name of the big hotel in the main square with the apres bar with the patio underneath it? That used to be the go to budget place.

Weed: Don't expect the cronic, don't expect shake down street. Back alleys late night is where it goes down. For daytime use, look for the Frenchies with the hash rollies.

Travel: Swiss train travel is the easiest public transportation system I have ever used. CH is a bit pricey but shit just works. Don't worry about logistics.

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Originally Posted by LeoK

I would consider to ski E-Berg not on the week-ends. Much less crowded. I guess the effect is smaller in SkiArena as only Andermatt is a week-end / day-trip plan for the Zurich crowd but not Sedrun or Disentis ( I know they are connected but still I feel this way)

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This is a great suggestion, but...what other super awesome area, as deeply scandi scarred as it is, it easy to get into and out of ZRH from?

I think a lot of us stop at E-berg because the access is to simple.

Other places that are not so direct, but still train accessed include Arosa/Lenzerheide, Davos, Flims/Laax, St. Moritz, Airolo, Wengen/Grindelwald, and even further away, Verbier, Gstaad/G3000, it's just that the connection to ZRH is more complex.

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Originally Posted by vendul

3.looks like teh meals at mt lodge are as much/more as a room? am i just mixed up? are mags buying meals
or brown bagging or eating out or ?
BREAKFAST AND DINNERS ARE PRACTICALLY INCLUDED ( NO DRINKS)

4. im extremely confused by all this train jumping talk, can one just hang near andermatt
THE LODGE IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ANDERMAT SKI SISTEM ( ANDERMATT SEDRUN AND DISENTIS ARE THREE VILLAGES CONNECTED BY ONE SKI RESORT. THE NICE THING ABOUT SWITZERLAND IS THAT YOU CAN MOVE ALSO TO OTHER RESORTS, BUT YOU CAN ALDO STAY HERE AND TRUST ME, YOU WON'T GET BORED

5. can you get abs canister or do you need to bring empty one and fill it?
I THINK THAT IT WOULD BE NO PROBLEM AND THE COST SHOULD BE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME

6. can you just bring boots and rent skis with dynafits?
SURE, IF YOU WANT I CAN ASK FOR PRICES AND SELECTIONS

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thanks

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Originally Posted by MiCol

eurp jong questions

1. what airline does not charge for skis? icelandic $42 ea way, American $150 ea way, ???

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Some Euro airlines like Airfrance, BritishAir, KLM among others don't charge for skis. Some American airlines, like Delta, don't charge for skis on transatlantic flights. You'll have to lay the Central Scrutinizer on their transatlantic baggage policies.

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2. all these cheap tickets are for economy, my legs are longs, what airline has most legroom in economy?

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They all suck. I end up walking around during the flight and trying to get an aisle seat.

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3.looks like teh meals at mt lodge are as much/more as a room? am i just mixed up? are mags buying meals
or brown bagging or eating out or ?

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The prices quoted include breakfast and dinner.

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4. im extremely confused by all this train jumping talk, can one just hang near andermatt

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Yes, one can just hang at venduls hotel in Rueras and ski pretty much everywhere in the SkiArena, but there's a train that connects to Andermatt running all day every hour. It's easy, trust me.

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5. can you get abs canister or do you need to bring empty one and fill it?

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You can't fly with a full cannister. Lots of shops are set up there to handle filling.

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6. can you just bring boots and rent skis with dynafits?

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Yes, per venduls suggestions.

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7. Doebedoe what are your dates out and back from DIA?

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Originally Posted by Foggy_Goggles

Re: Engleberg

It is about the easiest place I have been to in the Alps. The about of terrain directly in front of your face is amazing. I could definitely suggest it as a "entry to Euroski" location. As mentioned, it can be busy. If you are feeling it and the conditions are appropriate, it is a great place to put the skins on a do some shorter tours. Scandos tend to be freeride focused. What is the name of the big hotel in the main square with the apres bar with the patio underneath it? That used to be the go to budget place.

Weed: Don't expect the cronic, don't expect shake down street. Back alleys late night is where it goes down. For daytime use, look for the Frenchies with the hash rollies.

Travel: Swiss train travel is the easiest public transportation system I have ever used. CH is a bit pricey but shit just works. Don't worry about logistics.

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C'mon Fogster...you should come.

The Hotel Terminus has been upgraded and is no longer the dirtbag slide, so the boot room dealer is gone.

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Originally Posted by Buster Highmen

This is a great suggestion, but...what other super awesome area, as deeply scandi scarred as it is, it easy to get into and out of ZRH from?

I think a lot of us stop at E-berg because the access is to simple.

Other places that are not so direct, but still train accessed include Arosa/Lenzerheide, Davos, Flims/Laax, St. Moritz, Airolo, Wengen/Grindelwald, and even further away, Verbier, Gstaad/G3000, it's just that the connection to ZRH is more complex.

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just trying to say: if you are around Thursday to Sunday and want to see Engelberg and SkiArena go Engeblberg first and SkiArena for the week end.

If you are into other options I think you figured it out. Zermatt / Verbier and so on are all great resorts but somehow harder to get to in combination with Disentis so probably not for this time.

The Train access is very dependent wich way you go. Disentis from Zurich is normal via Chur so there is Arosa, Davos, Laax, Obersaxen (and probably some others) that are kind of along the way.

If you go via Andermatt to Disentis the detour to Engelberg is still a detour BUT just from Zurich and back it is your top choice (in my opinion).

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Originally Posted by LeoK

just trying to say: if you are around Thursday to Sunday and want to see Engelberg and SkiArena go Engeberg first and SkiArena for the week end..

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These are actually wise words, especially if it gets sunny. E-berg can be NYC subway crowded at the base in the morning.

Once up on the mountain, it's not so bad, but with all the high speed lifts, yes, it tracks out fast.

At Anderm@, I have seen huDge crowds on sunny weekends too where the Gemsstock wait was 4 tram cars. But the nice thing about Anderm@ is the lack of lifts.

Airolo might be another option, but it's a little more complex (requires a 10 minute bus ride from the bahnhof to Airolo Pescium, bus every 30 minutes) and just ain't what E-berg is in terms of awe.

FWIW: I have to leave the evening of Friday the 22nd.

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Originally Posted by vendul

6. can you just bring boots and rent skis with dynafits?
SURE, IF YOU WANT I CAN ASK FOR PRICES AND SELECTIONS

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Here's a price list for a shop in Andermatt. You may be able to get a better deal through your hotel.
This is the pro's move, btw. My wife did this last year (brought boots only) and it was so easy. She actually skied better/newer gear on vacation than she does at home. I'm bringing boots only this year too. Can't wait.

Question for Euro vets: I’m checking out of Vendul’s place on the 22nd, but don’t fly out of Zurich until the 29th. How long can I wait and watch conditions before deciding my route back? Do lodging options typically fill up quick in March? Also any advice on stops that offer good lift serve and touring options?

^^ you'll always be able to find a place wherever you go. Might have to pay last-minute pricing but there's always somewhere. Head over to Verbier for some FWT shenanigans. First few days are a pretty good party as the streets shut down and there's a lot going on.

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Originally Posted by alias_rice

Question for Euro vets: I’m checking out of Vendul’s place on the 22nd, but don’t fly out of Zurich until the 29th. How long can I wait and watch conditions before deciding my route back? Do lodging options typically fill up quick in March? Also any advice on stops that offer good lift serve and touring options?

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Depends on where and how far you go and how much you want to spend. Midweeks are less crowded by that time, so you will have better availability, but the A-list places will still be expensive.
Lower elevations will be melting out likely by that time too.

A place I have been that really impressed me was St. Moritz. Corvatsch for the lift served sidecountry was incredible and we only did the couloir of the NW side that feeds a big apron and bowl leading back to lifts. Another valley goes all the way down to the train. Diavolezza offers great touring and huts and the views of the Bernina massif are killer, as impressive glacial ice and rock as anywhere. St. Moritz proper is ridiculously expensive with the least expensive option being the hostel in Pontresina (we couldn't get rooms there) next to the train or some of the pensiones up the hill (requires taxi).

Verbier too like oft said, pricey, don't know about huts in that area, but an incredible lift system. Over that way Arolla has the rep for great tours, see garyfromterrace's TR, but requires a bus ride.

Another place that has a great rep for sidecountry is Davos/Klosters but I've never been. Huts there too. I did find some somewhat reasonable, 90CHF/night, breakfast only, in Klosters near the bahnhof. It's reasonably close to Rueras.

There's ridiculous number of options and do not discount the Swiss Post bus for access, schedules and stops available via the sbb site. Have you considered Austria or Italy?

I don't know shit about Austria, aside from what I read in the dentists office, but it's got lots to offer and is supposedly generally cheaper. Vent is the high altitude place with like 3 pomas that is known for touring there not far from Pitztaler.

I can highly, highly recommend Alagna\Monterosa. It's hard to get to, but has a huDge lift system and the refugios up on the glaciers are numerous with lots of scary lines and relatively mellow tours. I think Gressoney and Champoluc, on same lift system, are easier public access. Sergio Gabbio is the ___d00d___ there, runs a hotel in Alagna.

Also the Dolomites have lots of lifts, huts and resources and are decent access, 1 day train ride away from ZRH.

And there's always Chamonix even though the Grand Montets will be out of service.

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Originally Posted by alias_rice

Question for Euro vets: I’m checking out of Vendul’s place on the 22nd, but don’t fly out of Zurich until the 29th. How long can I wait and watch conditions before deciding my route back? Do lodging options typically fill up quick in March? Also any advice on stops that offer good lift serve and touring options?

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Can't speak to the lodging with any certainty, but the Alps start to clear out on that Sunday, March 17. Ticket prices drop, the high season officially ends, and you will have much more elbow room in town. I would bet midweek (Monday March 25 through the 29th) there will be lots of vacancies. No proof or experience, just my gut.

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Originally Posted by Buster Highmen

Lower elevations will be melting out likely by that time too...I don't know shit about Austria, but it's got lots to offer and is supposedly generally cheaper.

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Yes. Shouldn't be a problem for you as you'll have flexibility, but in March you want to be as high as possible.
And almost everywhere in Europe will be cheaper than CH. Just read that Davos low-season ticket prices don't start until April. That is outrageous. Supposed to be great, though.
My understanding (from family, extended family, and personal travel) of costs are CH>FR>A>IT.

vendul did offer a day trip to St. Moritz/Engadin. I'd be up for that too.

Getting as high as possible in March.

Check check.

Edit: these have been mostly addressed since I began drafting the stupid post below an hour ago.

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Well sheeeeit, now I'm questioning the tactic of bailing from Rueras on Friday.

Maybe this is a relevant question for the locals: how busy are these places likely to be at this time of year?

March is the best in the N.Am, in my opinion, because folks start getting into other interests like bikinis and bikes, yet winter hangs on... the hills get quieter, the base is fat, pow and corn are both in play, legs are strong. Jerry is mowing his lawn.

What's the scene out there? How long into the spring will weekend crowds be a factor? Would it be stupid to attempt to ski a place like Engelberg on a weekend at the end of March? Should we just book with vendul's mountain hideout through the weekend and be satisfied?

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Originally Posted by Mofro261

Getting as high as possible in March.

Check check.

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heh...figured that'd hook you too.

My plan is to spend as much time at Venduls zone and get to know it. It's a massive place per Google Earth... Like several big skys. I figure if I get bored it's on me, especially if Vendul points us in the right direction to another hill here and there within a reasonable train ride.

So many options. I’ve been to Italy and France (though not skiing), so Austria would be cool to go somewhere new.

The future mrs and I arrive ZRH on 9/18. We're thinking of training directly to Vendul's and will remain there until Friday. We'll then train up to Eberg to ski on Saturday and Sunday before flying back out of ZRH on 3/25.

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Originally Posted by Leavenworth Skier

My plan is to spend as much time at Venduls zone and get to know it. It's a massive place per Google Earth... Like several big skys. I figure if I get bored it's on me, especially if Vendul points us in the right direction to another hill here and there within a reasonable train ride.

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This is going to be my play as well.

My EuroJong nerves have been calmed by the wise Mr. Highmen.

Plan A is to stay at vendul's thru Fri the 22, then bail to Eberg for the weekend.

GBB, looks like we're tracking. Look forward to meeting you.

Just a suggestion. Most Euro's (and particularly the Brits) package ski vacations run Saturday to Saturday and transportation resources are stretched to the max as hordes pour simultaneously in and out of the alps.

If you can avoid travel, particularly flying, on Saturdays.

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Originally Posted by PNWbrit

Just a suggestion. Most Euro's (and particularly the Brits) package ski vacations run Saturday to Saturday and transportation resources are stretched to the max as hordes pour simultaneously in and out of the alps.

If you can avoid travel, particularly flying, on Saturdays.

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Well that would have great info a few days ago....

You will all hate me for introducing you to this idiocy.

You can book tickets and reserve seats on trains via sbb.

It also means that Saturdays are normally really quiet on the slopes.

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Originally Posted by 2FUNKY

Well that would have great info a few days ago....

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I wouldn't worry about it. We've flown in on changeover day without problems. If you're hiring a car-service, best to reserve in advance. If you're on public transportation, you should be fine. (You might want to reserve a seat on a train though.)
From the sound of your itinerary, there are so many trains running so frequently, you should be fine without a rez. But you can book online cheaply and easily.

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Originally Posted by PNWbrit

It also means that Saturdays are normally really quiet on the slopes.

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Great day to ski even in high season. Took me a few weeks to get used to it, as that is not the case in the U.S. of A.

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Originally Posted by Buster Highmen

Some Euro airlines like Airfrance, BritishAir, KLM among others don't charge for skis. Some American airlines, like Delta, don't charge for skis on transatlantic flights. You'll have to lay the Central Scrutinizer on their transatlantic baggage policies.

They all suck. I end up walking around during the flight and trying to get an aisle seat.

The prices quoted include breakfast and dinner.

Yes, one can just hang at venduls hotel in Rueras and ski pretty much everywhere in the SkiArena, but there's a train that connects to Andermatt running all day every hour. It's easy, trust me.

You can't fly with a full cannister. Lots of shops are set up there to handle filling.

Yes, per venduls suggestions.

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Thanks

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Originally Posted by hafjell

Great day to ski even in high season. Took me a few weeks to get used to it, as that is not the case in the U.S. of A.

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Huh. Yeah I didn't expect to hear that.

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Originally Posted by PNWbrit

It also means that Saturdays are normally really quiet on the slopes.

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Good to know....

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Originally Posted by PNWbrit

Just a suggestion. Most Euro's (and particularly the Brits) package ski vacations run Saturday to Saturday and transportation resources are stretched to the max as hordes pour simultaneously in and out of the alps.

If you can avoid travel, particularly flying, on Saturdays.

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Good days to go skiing ;)

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Originally Posted by hafjell

I wouldn't worry about it. We've flown in on changeover day without problems. If you're hiring a car-service, best to reserve in advance. If you're on public transportation, you should be fine. (You might want to reserve a seat on a train though.)
From the sound of your itinerary, there are so many trains running so frequently, you should be fine without a rez. But you can book online cheaply and easily.

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I was mainly just giving him grief. Thanks for the info. I’m all good. Little travel logistics hoop jumping is good for a guy.

Okay with other's plans starting to gel, my updated plan looks kinda like this: Get into ZUR Tue AM, train to Luzern, check in to hotel and decide if I have the time/gumption to run up to EBerg. If I do, ski half day then express back that night and sleep in Luzern. Wed AM, take early train to Rueras and hopefully get there in time to join a BBI group ski thang. Leave with everyone else on Fri to EBerg, ski Sat with BBI-ers then head back to Zurich Sat night, since I have to fly out Sun.

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Originally Posted by Tri-Ungulate

Okay with other's plans starting to gel, my updated plan looks kinda like this: Get into ZUR Tue AM, train to Luzern, check in to hotel and decide if I have the time/gumption to run up to EBerg. If I do, ski half day then express back that night and sleep in Luzern. Wed AM, take early train to Rueras and hopefully get there in time to join a BBI group ski thang. Leave with everyone else on Fri to EBerg, ski Sat with BBI-ers then head back to Zurich Sat night, since I have to fly out Sun.

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Here's a thread and poll for keeping track of potential schedules: https://www.tetongravity.com/forums/..._19-DANCE-CARD .
The poll is multichoice, intended to allow marking which days people are intending on being at mt-lodge in Rueras.

Also, it's possible to leave Engelberg by train at 18:00 and be in Rueras by 22:00. Just a thought which would make linking up with the main pod easier.