View Full Version : Ski Holidays
Time to start looking for next year's ski hol.
Want to go in late jan early feb
Hopefully will get at least 8 people.
Have been to pas de la casa in Andorra, Risoul, Val D'Isere and Tignes in france.
Can anyone reccomend any good resorts or companies?
We'd love to go for a chalet but we're skint so self catering apartment is probably more realistic!
the white rabbit
29-08-06, 08:00 PM
Val Thorens for snowsure and ski to door and a huge ski area, connects to Meribel and Courcheval so get all of that. Run down to Meribel used to be a pig in the afternoons tho. I really like it there. Fast and efficient lifts too. High so prone to wind problems.
Serre Chevalier is lovely but not very dependable so better for last minute booking. A lovely proper french village about 1/2 mile from the resort bit too. But its low. If you do get snow though its lovely in the trees.
I enjoyed Les Deux Alps too.
Never been keen on Italy. Went to Cervinia and it was a pain to get around and souless in the village oddly. Only plus side is you could ski over into Switzerland...cant remember the place, but pretty. Always fancied the Sella Ronda (Gardena etc) but have been there in the summer two times and the lift system didnt look up to much.
Some people like Flaine, never been tho.
I fancy Austria next.
You wont go wrong with the Reuters Guide 'Where to Ski and Snowboard' its the best.
Oh and I always went with Thomson or Cyrstal. My ex went with SkiWorld last year and said they were awful. Crystal are pretty good.
cheers.. lots ok good things to look into!
just been going through my photos from last year!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/gladey/Val%20D%20Isere%202006/val2006-33.jpg
walnuts
29-08-06, 08:16 PM
Can anyone reccomend any good resorts or companies?
Oooh, the mountains, my favourite subject :D
Can you give us some more info on what you're after.....
What's your experience level?
Whats more important a good resort or a good mountain?
Do you stick to the piste or dissapear off the back of the mountain?
How big is your group?
What's your experience level?
Whats more important a good resort or a good mountain?
Do you stick to the piste or dissapear off the back of the mountain?
How big is your group?
Group size, hopefully 8+ We have the usual 4 people and this year friends of freinds have said they'll come but haven't comitted. Its the chicken & egg problem. Can't get a price or package without numbers, and people won't commit unless they know the price. Happens to us every year!
We will mostly be sticking to the piste. We started venturing off last year but it was hard going and we didn't enjoy it as much.
We will want a decent resort as well as the mountain. I'm not so bothered about going boozing but the others will want a few good nights out.
There will be 4 of us that have 4+ years experience and are very confident on piste on all runs, can flow through mogul fields etc. The others have some experience but i don't know how much. There may be 2 people who haven't skiied before. I imagine they will get ditched though :twisted: We will prob have a snowboarder too but we've got used to leaving him behind. :wink:
walnuts
30-08-06, 11:28 AM
Ok....
Well I'd definitely agree with Dr Rich about Serre Chevalier, the area is massive and can suit most levels of skier (although the run down to resort-level is an Olympic standard black so not to everyones taste), it's also very pretty with loads of trees at mid-height which is great during a storm. Make sure you stay in Villeneuve though, the other sub-villages are deathly quiet at night.
Would probably disagree about Deux Alpes , it's quite big but very narrow and not very varied. The town is a bit Blackpool-on-snow, but good for a night on the p*ss, however it's the only resort I've ever been to where I've seen a people fighting. Don't get me wrong, I had a nice holiday but I'll never go back.
Chamonix is my favourite resort in Europe, it's impossible to get around all the pistes in week the place is so big.
It's a town, not a purpose-built resort, so it looks nice, and theres lots to do in the evenings.
However, it doesn't suit groups as it's made up of several different hills which makes meeting up for lunch awkward.
Also, it's pretty damn steep for the most part so beginnners never see much of it.
Zermatt in Switzerland is quite good. Big hill, nice car free town, a few bars. Very civilised. But very expensive (it's swiss after all). Very high up so the snow is good, and if you get to the top you can ski into Italy.
Alpe d'Huez is very good, suits all levels, good snow. Been there twice.
Umm, oh, but if the budget can run to it, forget all the above and go to Canada :).
Where was that pic taken? Looks terribly familiar.
the white rabbit
30-08-06, 12:32 PM
Well I'd definitely agree with Dr Rich about Serre Chevalier, the area is massive and can suit most levels of skier (although the run down to resort-level is an Olympic standard black so not to everyones taste),
There's a nother run down on a track, bit narrow but graded green or blue I think. id say a blue as its narrow realistically. It crosse s the fast one.
Lovely tho, as you say. I'd go back if I was doind a last minute and knew the snow ok.
Would probably disagree about Deux Alpes
Ah...I meant Alpe d'Huez!! :lol:
Zermatt in Switzerland is quite good.
Ahah..reminded me again, thats where you ski to from Cervinia.
Alpe d'Huez is very good, suits all levels, good snow. Been there twice.
What about La Plagne? I wasnt overly taken with it, but that trip was tainted with bad weather. Might be good for mixed ability tho? Unsure...
trickywoos
30-08-06, 04:09 PM
Went to La Plagne this summer to search for apartments. Haven't skied there before, but now that it's all joined together, it's meant to be fantastic.
Would def recommend 3 valleys, as there's something there for everyone. Esp Val T.
Also love Chamonix, I used to work near there in a resort called Megeve (quite low, so prob wouln't recommend, just in case!)
I really want to try St Anton though, as I have heard nothing but good from there.
Also check out the Snowheads website, as there's bundles of information on there.
fizzwheel
30-08-06, 04:28 PM
Another vote for Meribel / 3 Valleys.
I've always used Crystal or Thomsen never had a problem with either.
Meribel had some small runs that werent as busy good for geting the dust out of the system / novices. Plenty of stuff to do in the evenings and a great apre ski if thats your thing.
The instructors were good and english speaking. We had some novices in our party and they got on fine.
Of all the places I've been I would definately go back to Meribel again. For the more adventurous they had a board park and lots of off piste stuff to get your teeth into which I really liked. It was great fun on the board. Dont know what it would be like on ski's though.
Ooh, time for pics, me at Chatel/Torgon, which is in Portes De Soleil.
http://upload4.postimage.org/1002547/P1010068.jpg (http://upload4.postimage.org/1002547/photo_hosting.html)
As marcdbl says, if you have the money, go for Canada, preferably Whistler. Best boarding holiday ever. Biggest credit card bill too...
In France, Val D'Isere/Tignes is huge and has some nice runs, plenty off piste too. Val D'Isere has good range of bars too. Like most places in france your appartment will be tiny but very near piste.
Portes de Soleil is even bigger, masses of resorts linked together (though some buses may be involved). All sorts of pistes. Slopes near Avoriaz get pretty busy but stay in one of the smaller villages and your local slopes will be quiet as anything. If you like long tours, not a bad choice. Its a bit low though, so don't go in April.
Sauze Doux: Drinking resort, I didn't get much boarding in.
Good info! Thanks all!
I did a bit too much research at work today. I like the look of the three valleys resorts because of the big ski area. I love exploring the quieter runs and then always worry about getting back at the end of the day! Might try to focus on Val Thorens. Found lots of decent prices and created a spreadsheet... I'll post if up if anyone's interested.
Where was that pic taken? Looks terribly familiar.
That pic was taken on one of the higher slopes in Tignes. Here are some more pics... makes me excited looking through them!!
Andorra 2004 (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v669/gladey/Andorra%202004)
Risoul 2005 (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v669/gladey/Risoul%202005)
Val D'isere 2006 (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v669/gladey/Val%20D%20Isere%202006)
EDIT: Oops looks we didnt get much skiing done in risoul. End of season, crap snow and went with the british uni ski club main holiday so plenty of boozing.
Think this was one of my favorite places, right at the top in Tignes. It really was breathtaking!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/gladey/Val%20D%20Isere%202006/val2006-d.jpg
the white rabbit
30-08-06, 09:30 PM
VT is good. But the rider is that it is high, so subject to bad winds etc. But I must say in late Jan/ early feb Ive had the best trips in VT. I cant remember the run's name but the high lift to the Col with the little glacier on top and the big drop off down the run is an absolute hoot. Look at a map and youll see where I mean. Its a red but great fun. The VT reds are really nice, some are tricky...not really reds IMO :wink: but probably wider than a black. Theres some shocking blacks in VT if you fancy them, I wouldnt. VT is good for keen intermediate red run skiers, thats why I like it, plus you can 'tour' which I like especially, much underated touring on blues and reds.
the white rabbit
30-08-06, 09:31 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/gladey/Val%20D%20Isere%202006/val2006-d.jpg
Ooooh, that snow looks so good. I can just feel it....
Ooooh, that snow looks so good.
Aaahh! Moguls! The boarders worst nightmare! :)
But might be something interesting if you drop off behind the piste markers on the left....
trickywoos
31-08-06, 01:00 PM
Urgh, Moguls are my worst nightmare as well. Climb up to the top of Grande Motte and then go down the right hand side (as u look at it!) ! Brilliant Off piste after a dump.
Damn, i need to go skiing!! :D
Brilliant Off piste after a dump
You crap in the snow? Eugh :shock:
SV1000s
31-08-06, 04:35 PM
Urgh, Moguls are my worst nightmare as well. Climb up to the top of Grande Motte and then go down the right hand side (as u look at it!) ! Brilliant Off piste after a dump.
Damn, i need to go skiing!! :DCan you actually ski though??
Never really got the skiing thing, maybe having f**ked knees doesn't help.
i was really -pleased with myself at the end of the last holiday, i can float over light moguhl fields like that now!
Going to the gym and working on your legs before the hol is the key!!
We're looking at £470ish for a ski-in ski-out appartment in Val Thorens (including everything - lift pass, hire, flights transfers & accomodation. Perhaps an 11 person chalet for the same price depending on how much transfers cost.
trickywoos
01-09-06, 01:03 PM
Can you actually ski though??
Never really got the skiing thing, maybe having f**ked knees doesn't help.
No, I spent two years in the Alps looking at Mountains!
Got screwed knees now as well because of the skiing, (or the crashing into trees off piste) but they'll never stop me skiing. I think you'd like it Tim. Get Andy to teach you.
SV1000s
01-09-06, 01:09 PM
Can you actually ski though??
Never really got the skiing thing, maybe having f**ked knees doesn't help.
No, I spent two years in the Alps looking at Mountains!
Got screwed knees now as well because of the skiing, (or the crashing into trees off piste) but they'll never stop me skiing. I think you'd like it Tim. Get Andy to teach you.
Just wondering, I mean your post on a bike site and can't ride...just wondered if you could really ski.
I've got a few friends who are real instuctors and one who owns a chalet in France, I'd ask them if I was going to give it a go.
the white rabbit
01-09-06, 01:14 PM
We're looking at £470ish for a ski-in ski-out appartment in Val Thorens (including everything - lift pass, hire, flights transfers & accomodation. Perhaps an 11 person chalet for the same price depending on how much transfers cost.
Doesnt sound bad for VT if thats including lift pass as that must be abiut £120 now.
We're looking at £470ish for a ski-in ski-out appartment in Val Thorens (including everything - lift pass, hire, flights transfers & accomodation. Perhaps an 11 person chalet for the same price depending on how much transfers cost.
Doesnt sound bad for VT if thats including lift pass as that must be abiut £120 now.
I was assuming £160!
Just had a look and it's actually €215 = £140 for the Three Valley Pass.
£261 for the apartment, flights and transfers, £140 for ski pass and £50 ish for half decent skis.... £451 wouldn't be bad at all!
need to book now though to snap up the deals and can't get everyone else to commit :hackedoff:
Dave The Rave
01-09-06, 03:51 PM
I prefer Andora. El Tarter ... Nordic hotel ... ski to the doorstep, fab food, cheap drinks and great skiing.
Peter Henry
01-09-06, 04:03 PM
Ok me and my big mouth! The best kept ski ing secret in Europe is.....Sierra Nevada. Fly to Malaga and it's just over an hour away by car. It's so close that you could find a base camp in Malaga itself at afraction of the cost and ride up there each day?
I assure you will not be dissapointed with the standard of facilites and snow available.
My son spent a week up there last January with two friends who are competition snow boarders if that gives an indication of the standard?
and ride up there each day
Ride a bike up to a ski resort? :shock: I've needed chains for the car everytime I've taken the car to the alps, wouldn't want to do it on a bike...
Peter Henry
02-09-06, 02:28 PM
Did anyone suggest doing it on a bike? Did they? :?
the white rabbit
02-09-06, 02:31 PM
you could find a base camp in Malaga itself at afraction of the cost and ride up there each day?
I think it was assumed :wink: I guess you meant bus.
But in any case you cant beat ski to door convenience. I'm lazy, thats what I like :wink:
Peter Henry
02-09-06, 02:52 PM
Rich...So wise for one of such tender years. Amazing really. :wink: :)
trickywoos
02-09-06, 04:32 PM
Peter, thanks for the tip on Sierra Nevada, will have to do some research.....
Hi,
First off, here's my tip for bargains - most people have heard of crystal, but not crystal finest.
All fully catered to a high standard and there are plenty of offers for France within your price range.
http://www.crystalfinest.co.uk/specialoffers/t_specialoffers.html
There's an offer for Morzine from 6th Jan (£369) that would be worth a look if it ever snows in France this season. Morzine is a really lively town, completely overrun with Brits, and the whole Portes du Solieil area is on your pass so you've got massive choice.
Then of course the standard Crystal offers page
http://www.crystalski.co.uk/specialoffers/t_specialoffers.html
I see there's an offer for 7 nts SC in Vail for £399
Vail is an awesome resort and huge, plus there are other nearby resorts to try if you fancy it (Copper Mountain, Beaver Creek (funny for it's poshness - a bit like Courcheval but with better everything), Breckenridge, A-Basin, Keystone).
Anyway, that's my 2p worth. Have fun :)
You could always try the scottish resorts :wink:
http://www.boardnlodge.com/accommodation/p/4/51/chamonix_france/catered_chalet_chamonix/le_tour_mountain_lodge.html
My first ever snowboarding experience was here... Awesome atmosphere. :)
I was at Decathlon over at thurrock on saturday and the place was crawling with people buying ski gear...I think I'll stay at home this season coz all of essex will be on the slopes....feck that! :wink: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
netsurfer
04-12-06, 06:40 PM
Try searching for a few bargains over at www.igluski.com - got a real good bargain last year with Crystal to Austria - in fact going with them this year again, to Austria.
Pete
Try searching for a few bargains over at www.igluski.com - got a real good bargain last year with Crystal to Austria - in fact going with them this year again, to Austria.
Pete
I've only been once but can def recommend Austria i had great time boarding
We got a deal to andorra, Pas de L:a casa. Same hotel we went in a few years ago so we know its ok.
about £360. just need to get some skis.
only 55 days until we go (not that i'm counting)
gettin2dizzy
04-12-06, 11:56 PM
how about skiing in textile bike gear? waterproof windproof tough warm and armoured. Surely this is a good idea?
the white rabbit
05-12-06, 08:49 AM
how about skiing in textile bike gear? waterproof windproof tough warm and armoured. Surely this is a good idea?
Funilly enough my Dianese armour is also adverised for mountainbiking and for boarding and on the flyer for my new BMW Boulder jacket markets it as good for bike and for outdoor sports incl skiing. How good is that :lol: (alright I guess if you want to avoid having lots of stuff)
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