 Poster: A snowHead
|
I was just becoming a committed SH when a surprise, but much wanted, pregnancy derailed my plans! I now have a gorgeous six month old and I’m thinking ahead to next year and whether I can manage to go skiing still. My partner does not ski which is actually quite good as he is willing to take on the childcare while I’m on the slopes. I’d love to find a resort where we could get a nice chalet with friends (hopefully some other non skiing partners). Ideal criteria would be:
- Not insanely expensive for food and drink, so possibly Italy rather than France?
- High altitude enough that we could go quite late in season
- Ski and ski out options or close in case I need to come back quickly to the Baby.
- Things to do in the town, eg gentle walks, ideally with a bit of mountain village character rather than a purpose-built resort.
- availability of childcare is not an issue this time as it will only be me or my partner looking after him.
It does not need to be a large resort as I may just ski the mornings.
Any ideas? Even better if someone has done a trip like this and has a specific accomodation to recommend!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
(sh family bash for sure in a couple of years!!!)
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
@nikki_c, worthwhile considering Praz de Lys if you're not aware of the location.
Close to Geneva, but not often on UK radar in ski community. Smaller than the well known areas, but with good variety of slope grouped around the two villages (Sommand the other) and at very good cost for accommodation/food/lift pass etc.
Extremely relaxed and very peaceful area, reasonably sized village with slopes directly into centre and great access out into surrounding ski area. Most property have direct ski access with layout over extended village arranged to facilitate that from outlying properties.
This one https://en.prazdelys-sommand.com/hebergement-locatif/chalet-les-rhodos/ an example that is village centre and surrounded by the amenities there. Its not a very highly trafficked area for road or amount of people using it, making it beautifully relaxed environment in which to stay.
We've visited with children from under 1 year old (May & April babies) a great mix of ski non ski interaction with no effort at all. You can ski right into main village centre as routine, no awkward connection or specific arrangement.
Good cafe and restaurants are dotted all over. Ideal access with pushchair/baby toboggan etc in moving around and meeting between ski runs. A lot to offer in very nice environment.
We really enjoyed taking two children as babies and growing, usually mid March in bright sunny days and generally warm conditions. Its formed a lasting life interest for them in skiing, being completely normal to go and participate and enjoy visiting mountains in winter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| Quote: |
a resort where we could get a nice chalet with friends
|
Do you mean a catered chalet, or one where you just rent the accommodation and organise the food yourselves? Either way, you are probably more likely to find one closer to "ski in/out" in France than anywhere else, and food and drink (whether provided by your chalet hosts or bought in a supermarket) need certainly not be "insanely expensive".
The key to success will probably be the group of friends you go with. I've done a holiday like that with 11 people in a 6 bed/bathroom self-catered chalet in Les Gets. 3 non skiers, including my elderly mother. Each bedroom organised one evening meal - we had three rented cars from Geneva airport. Does it have to be late season? That does drastically cut down your options, if you want "snowy surroundings" in your chalet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
As example of food prices https://restaurantlefarto.menu-res.com/ this located on the piste, which is also centre of village too.
There are rooms above to rent, if you are unaccompanied and just immediate family. The chalet above is scout 200 mtrs from this location, all with more or less flat access to walk around.
Aspect, the village sits up on a plateau with great views of surrounding mountains and very sunny open outlook/panorama , with no need of the pedestrian to use lifts at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
Praz de Lys sounds lovely.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ski in/ ski out, late season and traditional mountain village are incompatible. Why choose to build a farming community where there is snow 5 months of the year.
My recent Italian experience is from the Dolomites (the richest area of Italy) and it is no less expensive than France. Therefore I suggest either looking at the aosta valley where somewhere like gressony may be a good choice but you will be sacrificing easy access to the slopes or if you really want to experience Italy try high season in one of the Apennine resorts that never appear on the British tour operators radar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| johnE wrote: |
| Ski in/ ski out, late season and traditional mountain village are incompatible. Why choose to build a farming community where there is snow 5 months of the year. |
That puts the problem in a nutshell. It depends what you want to prioritise.
My feeling is that a purpose-built high altitiude resort - even a nice one - might feel a bit limiting for the non-skiing partner. You need to ask them what sorts of things they might want to do for a week with a toddler in tow. My suspicion is that a valley-level base where there is less likely to be snow in (say) March would work better for exploring with a buggy, finding a swing park, and possibly making short trips elsewhere. You would obviously want accommodation close to the ski lift connecting to the pistes, both for an easy return by you the skier and to allow short spells playing in the snow on a pedestrian pass.
For example St Gervais is an architecturally attractive town to push a buggy round, though for gentle country walks you would need a backpack carrier. There is a swing park just off the main square. And if your partner wanted a change of scene it is easy to take a lift down to Le Fayet (another swing park!) or a bus to Chamonix or Megeve.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
PdL has a good vibe too. Weekly food market and other stuff going on. Also has a very sheltered valley in trees below the village if weather/vis is poor. Long level walk down to the Nordic ski area and snow paths for another mile or two around them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Oh thank you so much for these replies (and the reality check on some of my asks). Praz de Lys looks just what we are after will do some more research on there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Does IT hast to be in France?
Why Not Austria ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
