 Poster: A snowHead
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Just recently come back from a small 5 day trip to Bansko, mainly to introduce the wife to skiing, as she had never been before did not want to waste funds on a more expensive trip for her to hate it, well she as returned loving the time we spent in Bulgaria wanting to get another trip in before the end of season (beginning March), so my options are return to Bansko for a full week, or do the alps for the week.(Traveling time greatly reduced, took 12-14 hours to get to bansko)
Before you advise us on where, I will tell you our ability, mine is beginner/intermediate and the wife as only really just learnt snow plow turns, part of her 6 days will be first 3 days of group lessons to hopefully getting her towards paralleling. Snow conditions are my main concern, as wife will probably need nursery/beginner slopes for lessons, will there be enough snow for this?
So really my question is, from your guys and girls experiences and knowledge, would you return to Bansko and hope there's some snow still, or would you invest a little more funds into introducing her elsewhere, we were thinking Chamonix, whats snow like in beginning of March? is it suitable for our levels?
I would really appreciate some advice from you guys maybe suggest alternative locations which suit our level and time we have chosen to go.
Kind Regards
David
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@dlpeters, welcome! Great news that your wife is keen to continue.
There are loads of places that would suit, but Chamonix is unlikely to be one of them. Fantastic place for advanced skiers and boarders; intimidating and complicated for learners. It's also unlikely to be your cheapest option.
Beginning of March is unlikely to be an issue for piste skiing in most major resorts. If there's just the two of you going, you could consider looking for a last-minute package deal to one of the major resorts in the Alps. If you get a good deal it might be price-comparable to Bankso, and perhaps better value for money. Then come back here and get advice about ski schools.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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welcome to snowheads @dlpeters 
I've just replied on another thread to a very similar request here http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=130472
I'd think Chamonix wouldn't be a great choice to be honest for your wife; the area is spread out, generally known for harder runs and the beginner areas are down in town and as such more likely to not be in good nick (though at the beginning of March, they may still be fine). Only area in Chamonix valley which I'd say would be worth it is Les Houches based on what you describe.
Are you looking for self catering options too or hotel/chalet? You might be better waiting a week or two and seeing if there are any deals about. That way you can check snow records before you book and make sure you get somewhere with decent coverage.
I've just returned from a long weekend in Saint Gervais, first time there but really enjoyed the town and the snow conditions were very good on piste. Lots of easy runs for you and the wife to get used to as well, some nice greens and easy blues covering most of the mountain. You could also look at places like Morillon, Avoriaz or Samoens, all should be fine for snow at that time I think and have lots of easy learner areas high enough up to suit. A bit further a field, Les Deux Alpes has lots of high altitude learner areas though I am not a big fan of the resort itself. That's just France, I am sure others will have more thoughts on alternatives in France too, and then there is Austria and Switzerland options too. EDIT: oh, and Italy!
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wow thanks both for the feedback, we were looking for self catering, or B+B, just the two of us, gona wait till maybe 1 week before going to book so can check on snow, but will look into the resorts you have mentioned, Saint Gervais sounds perfect for our needs TBH.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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No problem. St Gervais isn't ski in, ski out, you have to get a lift up to the main slopes, but its not much of a problem and you can leave hire skis at the slopes if you hire your kit there too. I liked it as a town as its not purpose built so has a good feel to it. Views of Mont Blanc are outstanding too.
There are countless other good resorts out there though, have a good search and come back on here with some suggestions and you'll get some honest feedback. I can only comment on the places I've been, which unfortunately isn't everywhere (yet!  )
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Early to mid-March you don't need to worry about snow conditions. Anywhere will be fine. In your position I'd be looking at the mid-size resorts like Les Contamines, Chamrousse or maybe the slightly larger Alpe D'Huez. You'll generally get better value in those places than the mega resorts where you really want to skiing the full range to be taking advantage.
If it's just the two of you I'd be thinking catered chalet last minute deals rather than self catering.
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never really thought of catered chalets , will research that option also, and check the resorts you mentioned also Layne, thanx all much appreciated
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The place that's brought on beginners/early intermediates more than any other, in my experience, is Cervinia (not that I've been to loads of different resorts though).
I'm not sure whether you'll be able to satisfy the accommodation type, but it might be worth a look.
If not this season, it could be a good place to go next year, as a confidence builder to progress from blues to reds.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@dlpeters, in general I do prefer a self-catering place for the two of us, but price-wise, a super last minute catered chalet can be irresistibly cheap. You've got to hold your nerve right up to the minute though, and it only really works if you can get to Gatwick (or can arrange your own travel and transfers).
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We have found alot of the budget flights seem to leave London airports where as we are in the midlands and would prefer Birmingham, as a London airport adds pretty much 2.5-3 hours travel time for us, but that isnt a deal breaker.
Think whatever we do accommodation wise will be very much last minute to see if we can snap a bargain, the bonus is we have pretty much all of March to chose from, only really was thinking beginning for better snow, but seems like all of March will be OK.
Also looking at some of the videos and such from the resorts you all have mentioned, the slopes dont seem to be overcrowded as much as what we experienced in Bulgaria, is this common? or these guys filming videos where just lucky?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@dlpeters, Bansko was exceedingly over crowded when we went over new year and again in February. However I am assured by my parents that mid January and march are absolutely fine from the POV. Just no good for us as we have children in school.
Yes other resorts cope better at that time of year.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Looking at the deals being advertised aim for a high resort 18th March, a la plagne courchevel, alpe d huez, flaine and go for a catered chalet or hotel.
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@dlpeters, can offer you 5 nights in my apartment in Serre Chevalier from 5th-10th March or 7 nights from 25th ? Saturday and Sunday flight with Monarch from Birmingham, but not sure about the return ofr the shorter stay. If you want more details PM me, and check my signature for website. Nursery slopes just 200m from the door.
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You know it makes sense.
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Serre Che is lovely and @Hells Bells's place is very well situated for some excellent learning terrain. Some great instruction available there too!
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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great thanks all, will be looking into all this asap.
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Poster: A snowHead
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wanted to thank you all for some great advise, it was much appreciated, and we have decided to visit Saint Gervais at beginning of march, and have been surprised at what was available, managed to get 10days 9 nights, self Catering, ski hire, transfers, flights with extra bag, and worked out 6 -7 days of skiing for under £850 which i think is a real bargain. Note,.....so cheap due to beginner day passes for 4 of the 6 ski days.
So thank you all.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@dlpeters, great news! Sounds like an excellent deal. Have fun, and come back here to tell us all about it afterwards 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I think you'll like it @dlpeters, lots of easy runs to go at, generally a good lift system which avoids having to use drag lifts and a nice town to stop in as well. A few things from my trip to bear in mind;
The shuttle bus only runs every 10 or 20 minutes so check the times for your stop and get there a little bit earlier; we were stood waiting for 20 minutes the first day as just missed the previous one. And the walk from the town centre to Bettex lift base is probably only 15 minutes even in ski boots. Timetable can be found on here http://www.ski-saintgervais.com/us/
Green runs Chateluy and Pierre are both very steady runs, Chateluy is nice and long, gentle and has some great views of Mont Blanc.
Carrefour and Casino supermarkets in the middle of town are both well stocked and of a similar price. Casino is perhaps slightly larger. The bakeries on the main road between the two supermarkets are both excellent.
Bar La Grange just up from the church is a nice low key apres spot for a beer and does a good value charcuterie and cheese plate as well as snails if that takes your fancy.
We only ate out one night but went to Pizzeria L'éterle and it was very nice indeed.
Oh and don't expect to have settled snow on the ground in the town itself and don't panic if there isnt; Le Bettex is a good 500m or so higher up.
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@bigtuboflard, brilliant info there mate, much appreciated, allways nice to go pre armed with the info 
I actually can not wait as we had a little bit of a nightmare stay over in Bansko, so really looking forward to showing the wife a "proper" ski break.
Thanks all, will give a report when we get back.
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