 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi
We are looking for a resort to learn to ski , first week in April . We have got Banff and Val Thorens on list at moment .
Are there any others we should think of? Has anyone been skiing this time of year ?
Also is it best to wait till last minute to book?
Manythanks
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Alorko, Last year we went with some learners to La Rosiere. Nearly all the skiing there is above 1850 metres and the place is generally very sunny with an enviable snow reord. The learning facilities are good, the slopes quiet, and the ski schools excellent.
We re-booked to go back this year.
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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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Alorko, as FTS says, La Rosiere is a great resort for learning to ski; it's high - 1850 metres so very snow sure, south facing so it's nice and sunny and the slopes are wide and fairly constant, so beginners aren't stuck on the nursery slopes for days on end. There are some reviews of La Rosiere in the resorts section, we've also got an ad in snowShops or go to our website www.tracksvacations.com for more details.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Alorko,
Booking late is often a good idea as you get an idea for where the best snow is but this year first week of April coincides with Easter holidays and popular places may well fill early so personally I would book early.
Generally speaking I would not recommend a resort to beginners in April that mainly faces south as you may get a combination of ice and slush if it has not snowed recently. La Rosiere has an excellent snow record but a beginner is unlikely to be able to exploit the north facing slopes over at La Thuile. (Personal opinion)
In general I would say you want your nursery slopes to be over c1600m and North facing with other easy slopes to progress to. Other resorts to consider would be Flaine, 2 Alpes, Courchevel (If rich), Saas Fee & many others. Val Thorens is good as well Don't know if I would want to go for Canada for just one week with the jet Lag but Banff is said to be excellent.
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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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when in april? last year the very best skiing in colorado occured in mid april. if it's the first two weeks most of the major resorts will still be open. if the last two weeks, arapahoe basin and loveland will be open and i assure you the skiing will be superb. neither are "destination resorts" or in other words no condos/housing on site. rent a car and a condo in frisco colorado and i promise great skiing will be had by all. to date this year we have had record snowfall. we'll be skiing till june!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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We learnt to ski in Val Thorens - I reckon its quite a good resort to start off at. Good nursery slopes with magic carpets and some nice gentle greens and blues to progress to. As its so high the snow should be OK for that time of year as well. The only thing is Easter, as already mentioned.
Personally, I wouldn't go all the way to Banff if you've never skiied before, unless you want to make it more of a general holiday. There's certainly lots of other things to do there.
I hope you enjoy the skiing wherever you end up.
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Alorko, You should definitely consider Les Deux Alpes. We have a very good late snow record, we also have nursery slopes at 2.200m and if push comes to shove we can teach beginners at both 2,600m and on the glacier (do so in summer). It generally snows loads in April, + we're relatively cheap, easy tranfers or drive to. Accommodation is whatever you want, and in resort. We're open every year until the end of April, and I've never not been able to ski down to resort at the end of the season (although beginners may not be able to). I skied the whole mountain on 8th May last year - fab!!!! PM me if you want more info or look at my website which has lots of general stuff on it - not just ads for me!!! 
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Alorko, resorts I have been to in April: Nendaz, Zermatt, Verbier, Chamonix, Belle Plagne, Val Thorens, and Whistler.
All had excellent conditions. But what about learning? Well, Tom (now 14 yrs) learnt in Nendaz. There are lots of easy slopes high up in Zermatt. Maybe not Verbier. La Tours at Chamonix is excellent for beginners, but a disjointed resort and not ideal for beginners. Belle Plagne, Val Thorens or Whistler would be fine. I would go for Whistler - the instructors speak English and the whole place is wonderful.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Thanks to you all for your replies , very helpful . Gives me plenty of ideas to get stuck into.
Many thanks
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Alorko,
Have you thought about La Clusaz - it's a fab resort for beginners and they offer bargain lift passes for beginners too. Check out www.gravite.co.uk for some good deals - especially in Jan and Early Feb
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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graviteski: not sure La Clusaz (1100 - 2600m) so good in April.
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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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Jonpim,
Don't be put off by the height it is a common misconception. We have mostly North facing slopes so they keep the snow very well! Last year we had tonnes and tonnes of the stuff after all the holiday makers had gone and the lifts closed on April the 30th and there was still good skiing to be had.
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