Points to note:
- we do not have a car
- we will have to rent skis
- as few people as possible (yes, I know the absurdity of this request)
The offerings in Germany look good, but there is no easy way to get there that I can find. Feldberg is two hours by train/bus, which isn't too bad, I guess. I was just hoping for more options. Thanks!
If you can hire a car, then go to Belchen Seilbahn in the Black Forest. If you're nervous about the pistes, there's a sledge path where I've taught people the basics of skiing.
I learned to ski at Belchen and Klostermatte.
Feldberg is fine if you want to do more.
Nice choice!
I was browsing through SBB's Snow ' Rail book book and see that they only run the special to Engleberg - which I'm guessing it not close enough to Klosternmatte to make it doable? Does anyone know? I'l stop by the SBB tomorrow if not (might find some other deal while I'm there )
I also found this other thread on the subject, for those looking for more information
Yes, but we're in Basel. Engelberg is closer to us.
The Vosges resort of Markstein mentioned earlier is very limited, not ideal for beginners (not much gentle terrain) and very low, so not a reliable choice either. Feldberg in Germany Ive not been to, but like Markstein is small and low, so probably not the best choice. And in either f these cases you need to drive, and it'll take longer than you might think.
Flumserberg's not bad, but yes, a bit far from Basel. Grindelwald doesn't really have much in the way of Nursery slopes, as far as I remember. Adelboden is another option if you're heading that way.
Engelberg has already been mentioned, and yes, the Klostermatte area (only 5 mins on the shuttle bus ar a 15 min walk in ski boots) is great for absolute beginners, with a 2-stage moving carpet and two drag lifts, and is fine for the first few lessons. After that the Gerschnialp area, first stop up the lift on the Titlis side, offers more scope for advancement with a choice of three runs and varying terrain, with a steep but too if you want to use it.
To get to Gerschni you need to take a little taxi bus (2chf) from the first lift station, until you're good enough to ski the easy track through the woods. Get the bus back to the station ad it's possible to ski the home run to the village from there.
Be aware that the Snow+Rail options only (I think) apply if you want a whole area lift pass, so for either of those areas you'd probably be better to just buy the limited area passes separately.
And last, but far from least - why hasn't he booked any lessons with me or Skichick? Just contact Prime and ask for us by name, mentioning the English Forum.
If he's trying to learn without instruction I'd caution strongly against it. The first few steps are critical to the learning process, and we can cram into a couple of lessons what it may take weeks (or never) to find out on your own. It's one of the main reasons we love instructing, sharing our passion for skiing and enabling other people to get to love it as we do, with the minimum of fuss and effort, and we can really make a huge difference for a skiing beginner or improver.
He's had a lesson and some previous experience. He knows - and understands! - the basics of skiing. He just feels that he needs to practice and I agree. That's why we're looking for easy slopes, so that he can focus on the skiing and not flying off a cliff But thanks for the suggestion! Like just about anything, learning from an instructor is infinitely better than learning from a friend. And nothing helps more than practice! practice! practice!
Thanks for the heads up on the all-area pass - I'll be sure to ask when I go in to the SBB!