 Poster: A snowHead
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Lol... Some usefull information to be taken out the comments
| CaravanSkier wrote: |
If you like tea, take some tea bags!
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| Hells Bells wrote: |
| If there are no mugs, just use the cereal bowls. |
Hehe..
Boiling water without a kettle makes me feel like bear gryls.. Once we even used snow whilst sea fishing lol
Checked it out on trip adviser but tried to turn a blind eye to all the rubish pictures of moldy silicone etc i must of skipped the kitchen area or just plain forgot after all the stuff i've read recently, the bit that must of listened to was the reviews of people moaning about stuff which was insightful but to be taken with a pinch of salt after the moaning about cant check in till 5pm and got told to move from the bar next door unless buying a drink which seams a no brainer to me..
I'm awear its not yhr ritz but if the view looks like any of thr balcony pics thats enough for me and its the skiing am there for and more than likely some apres up piste cafes or some cosy bars..
Its funny to be thinking of going away with a shopping trolley in my suit case, and do you think it will present a problem at the airport?
Any other tips would be much apreciated.. I like the hook one..
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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slippers or similar only to be worn indoors - change every time - will make cleaning up far easier. A little sharp knife if you plan to do any cooking. Small bottle with cooking oil, small quantities of sugar, salt, pepper, spices, stock cubes. Couple of toilet rolls wouldn't go amiss, along with stuff for a nice quick meal for your first night (you won't want to be faffing around shopping). A dozen dishwasher tablets (a big box will be expensive). Maybe a dish scourer, J cloth of similar, rubbish bags (will save buying whole packets), a few T-towels. If you have lots of electrical items a 4-gang electrical plug things, plus one converter, is useful.
Check whether there's a hair-dryer. If not the OH might want to take one.
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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 stayed in these apartments back in January, so can add a few comments. Yes, they are cheap, but compared to other places I have stayed in other, larger resorts, did indeed prove excellent value for money, being larger, newer, and generally a bit nicer.
The kitchen had 4 electric rings (this was a 2 room apartment for 6, so may be less rings if a smaller appt.), fridge with freezer compartment, microwave and dishwasher. As others have said, no kettle or mugs, only tiny coffee cups. Heating more than sufficient, and never had a lack of hot water. Yes, had to leave a large deposit (pre-authorised on credit card) but this is standard in any self-catering apartments. Floors were al laminate, so slippers a good idea. No hair dryers (never had one in any self catering place).
We also travelled from Grenoble to resort on Bens Bus. When you get there, they will drop you off outside 'Reception', but this is only if you booked direct with M Vacances. To get to the Snowtrex reception, you need to walk down the hill in the direction of traffic (its a big one way loop), till you get to a large metal obelisk type totem pole (it will be obvious once you see it) at the top of a beginner slope, then turn left along a path towards the Bachat bar/Restaurant where you will see the Snowtrex reception, right next door to the bar/restaurant. Apartments are then in various blocks spread around the area, so you could be lucky and right by the slopes/lift, or a bit of a treck away.
In this part of the resort there is not a lot else other than a couple of hire shops, a medium sized Sherpa supermarket, a creperie and a cafe/bar called the K-Dox (where the beer was cheaper than the bar by the pool).
There is a free bus that takes you to the other parts of resort where there are more shops/bars/restaurants, including in Chamrousse 1750 a much larger looking Casino supermarket (though this is not in the commercial/shopping centre, walk to the left after you get off the bus to find it).
We found the resort a little limiting in terms of the runs available, but I can see it should be ideal for a beginner.
Any other questions about it all, ask away!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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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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Hiking boots are fine for walking around resort, so if you've already got them no need to buy anything else.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| pam w wrote: |
| If they can't work out how to make their cup of tea without an electric kettle they probably shouldn't be allowed out alone. |
@pam w, but it takes forever to boil water in a pan on one of those old-fashioned electric hobs you get in cheap apartments. A kettle is far quicker. (And yes, I shouldn't be allowed out alone in a ski resort  .)
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@shaunyski, you made the hat and snood? I am impressed!
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There were plenty of pans, plates, bowls, glasses etc, and some sharp knives that did the job, only thing missing was a peeler, but got one in the supermarket so we could make our chips! It was all perfectly sufficient to produce plentiful filling food, but if you want a 7 course gourmet dinner party, then you would no doubt struggle somewhat!
I would echo other peoples comments about taking a few basics with you to save a fair few quid. Recent trips we have taken stuff like washing up liquid, kitchen roll, t-towels, scourers (the metal ones, not green ones, to clean pans with), dish cloth, bog roll, couple of bin bags. Also, as we have had plenty of luggage space as each had snowboard bag have also taken t-bags, rice, pasta, packet mixes of curry, chilli etc, oats for porridge, as well as bacon and meat for most meals, frozen and in small cool bags, and of course a jar of Marmite! Everything else just buy there, meat seems to be really expensive in the small supermarkets in all the resorts.
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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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Nice one shaunyski, I had those apartments on the radar when I was looking for 4, got to be value for money. I would add taking a sponge/j cloth/whatever your cleaning preference is, cost pennies here but you'd have to buy a whole pack out there.
We are hoping to hold out for a half board/catered deal as I worked the weekend so am going to be pretty knackered from day 1! Skiamis looks worth an enquiry, although I'm finding chalet only bookings come out more expensive than TO packages by the time you add flights and transfers. Eep!
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| Quote: |
I'm finding chalet only bookings come out more expensive than TO packages by the time you add flights and transfers.
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but on the whole I suspect independent chalets will give you a better quality experience.
Hiking boots would be ideal for round the resort (you only need to take them, and slippers - no other footwear needed apart from the ski boots you'll be hiring). But if you haven't got any, don't worry - just take what you'd wear out on a muddy wet day in the UK.
I like the hat but I don't believe you made it!!!  Looking forward to more pics of your progress.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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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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@shaunyski, nice one on trip! good luck and no one is going to miss you in that hat! have fun and look forward to the banter afterwards.
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Has taking a high factor sun cream been mentioned?
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good point.
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You know it makes sense.
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| pam w wrote: |
| Quote: |
I guess they were people who can't survive without their cup of tea.
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If they can't work out how to make their cup of tea without an electric kettle they probably shouldn't be allowed out alone. |
I concur. Personally I just take the filter assembly out of the coffee machine and use that instead. I'm always amazed by reviews on Trip Advisor, it's amazing what some people will complain about. You get reviews of people that pay a pittance for a room and then moan if it's small or the appliances are old, I always wonder what they're expecting to turn up to when they're paying £2 a week.
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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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| shaunyski wrote: |
Drum roll pleeaaase................................
Finally booked somwhere £1100..
The hotel dosent sound to neat with some hidden extras ie £300 deposit and rental of bed linen, towels, oven, tv..
But looks cool from the outside and hopefully the chance of a good view out the balcony.. Not looking forward to wearing speedos in the pool tho
The ski resort itself on the other hand sounds good and hopefully within the week we'll be going top to bottom with abit of night skiing chucked in there..
The funny thing is after all the hassel and head scratching i've ended up picking the very 1st place i was interested in 3-4moth ago and i think have ended up paying more but its still close to my "budget/target price"
Anywho.. For all thats been following this thread in suspense and anticipation.. The resort iiiiss Chamrousse booked thro snowtrex with basic ski package and lessons (i picked the level one lessons as we at least know how to put the skis on now)..
Booked flights thro skyscanner flying from Birmingham(took abit of juggling to find an airport with resonable price, not a million miles away and reasonable flight times so we didnt waste the 1st day traveling or ariving too late and not have chance to suss where to get gear from and head for lessons the next day.
And bensbus for transfers.. Was debating to rent a car and fly to chambry from leeds/bradford.. But the thought of loosing a chunk of excess out weighed instant transfer/short airport journey/chance to venture further afield.
So thank you to everyones help and advice and even the criticism to some degree.. Cant wait to go now and at least thats only a week away, hehe
@polkadot,
The closest i found to your budget was £825 RÉSIDENCE LES CHAUMETTES at SUPERDEVOLUY with gear liftpas and lessons off sunweb flights skyscanner to chambery and renting a car for transfer fuel wasnt included in that price but am sure its cheaper than uk
My experience of all this is as i was advised at the beginning.. If you see something you like book it! Or it will be gone or dearer closer to the time |
I was in Chamrousse the Christmas week last year with my young family and whilst the resort isn't very pretty the skiing for beginners/intermediates is excellent. There are easy blue runs from the top of the mountain (2250m) down to both 1700 & 1750. I think that it's a blue/red or black run back down to the gondola at 1650. Good for bad weather days too as the lower half of the mountain is tree lined.
As has been said, buy provisions in Grenoble as anything up the mountain is expensive, especially eating out.
I would not hesitate to return with the kids.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Wish there was an edit button! lol
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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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| shaunyski wrote: |
| Wish there was an edit button! lol |
There is - the middle one of the three little boxes to the right of your post.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@shaunyski, well done on the hat. Sorry for my scepticism. Glad you got the luggage sorted out - would cost a lot more at the airport, probably. You really deserve to have a great holiday after all this. 
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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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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Just used edit thanx @Pedantica,
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To update on our situation - we bottled and booked last night, Crystal package to Niederau for £364. Wasn't my first choice due to low resort and limited intermediate skiing, however for flights, transfers and half board it's a great price.
Overall disappointed with my last minute booking experience and would not recommend, although by the looks of it we picked a bad week. Could be due to the recent good conditions on the background of a poor january, but there was extremely limited availability (ie some operators had nothing left at all) and what was left was not coming down in price at all. We rang a good number of operators and were mostly re-directed to their websites, with no one offering anything extra over the phone (and in fact the package we booked was not offered over the phone). Notably this was for packages - there were some accom only deals if you are happy to drive.
At the end of the day we got a good deal, but we could have booked it a month ago for a similar price. So from our experience, we would not recommend waiting for a late deal on a package. On the upside, time to ski!
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Saw an email from a Rocket Ski today who had a few hotels at £249 for 14 March. Never been with them so no idea what they are like.
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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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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Big TO' s constantly review their prices and adjust them according to demand, budgets, availability, website views etc.
for instance this year, the very cheapest deals were available if you booked just before Christmas when there was the usual media rubbish about no snow in the alps ( which was combined with last years actual no snow in Austria !) etc. while you can still get last minute deals at great prices, you have to be totally flexible , the moment you put any restrictions on the booking the price goes up.
If it snows, the prices go up .
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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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@dking2001, I have been with Rocket Ski (twice) a long time ago (one last minute deal), i would use again. did one group trip (Claviere, took the whole hotel) and one with a mate (la plagne) with them, they were aimed at school trips and company trips i found. they gave a good service and the hotels are clean and nice, food was good when i went, always helpful.
I think that with last minute deals, its very much luck and i find very much dependent on that year as well. I have had some great last minute deals and some bad ones, the more flex in the trip you have the better. i generally find that people only tell you about the great ones and not the bad ones when they have been caught out.
@shaunyski, weather forcasts are only good for 3 days at a push i find. enjoy the bluebird days its looking like, i personally prefer slush (not to slushy) to ice, but looking at the webcams to me there looks like there is lots of snow. have fun and enjoy your week.
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@Joy Zipper, @Hadge8, thank you for the reassurance  does "bluebird" mean sunny days?
Cant wait now.. Even the missus is showing signs of excitment lol
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You know it makes sense.
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Been keeping my eye on things, (just so I know for next time..), if anyone is still looking then have a look at Crystal - they've reduced a few things, plus now have a catered chalet in ADH for £301.
Hoping conditions in Niederau hold - looks perfect for next few days but appears to be a heatwave coming!
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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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Poster: A snowHead
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And there are actually quite a lot of good value late deals around. But that doesn't necessarily mean cheap as chips. Travel, half board and lift pass for £700 or so is terrific value if the quality is decent.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@polkadot, we skied in march 3 years ago.
IMHO get up early and on the 1st lifts.
Ski your legs out till 1-2ish then have a few relaxing beers and soak up the rays.
We liked the place, but you do spend a bit of time getting to and from Auffach.
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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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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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That's brilliant. You must have started very early.
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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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set off last night at midnight n still only made check in by 10 min damn road works! Landed about 8 ish n had to wait till 10:40 for bensbus transfer... Not slept since yesterday morning lol
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Cool. Are you close to the lift? The arselle lift is a pain at busy times (it's slow, doesn't go high and is full of beginners) but you're there in a quiet week so should be ok.
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Good to hear you got there ok @shaunyski. Have you got all your gear sorted?
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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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If you have an ESF lesson you get to skip the lift queues via the extra entrance at the side.
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FAQ
and even worse looking at the forecast things are set to rocket up to 4degree @ 2200 
