Poster: A snowHead
|
my son and girlfriend in their mid twenties are looking to go boarding for the first time... where would be some good places to go ?? not too expensive and a fair bit of night life...
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Mayrhofen. What's not too expensive? For an unbeatable package UCPA is the best it comes with lessons so they'll be riding by the end of the week. They are only in France so the nightlife isn't the best but why go snowboarding just for nightlife?
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
How about Soldeu or Pas de le Casa,Andorra? Still pretty cheap,great slopes to learn on and Pas in particular is pretty lively.
If cost is the biggest driver then dare I suggest Bansko? Small resort by French and Austrian standards but plenty to do for a first week snowboarder. Just avoid school holidays as the gondola queue in the morning can be awful.
Mayrhofen is a good suggestion too.
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
Borovets is also a possible low cost option. Night life is reasonable there
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
cheers.. they are not over flush with money but want to have a go at boarding... never thought about Andorra .. just wanted tips really on beginner snowboarder friendly resorts... as a skier I only see some struggling with drag lifts etc.
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
You should learn how to ride a drag lift on day 1. Beginner slopes have slower lifts and instructors to make that easy.
You can go anywhere. Avoid big places because unless you're athletic you'll not make much use of them. Look at where the beginner slopes are, and check out the ski school. So for example France is probably an extremely poor choice for snowboarding as lessons there are controlled by the ESF which ensures that your instructor will be a ski racer, not a snowboarder. Cheap-as-chips places should be good, assuming you like the teaching system.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quote: |
So for example France is probably an extremely poor choice for snowboarding as lessons there are controlled by the ESF which ensures that your instructor will be a ski racer, not a snowboarder.
|
Come on Phil, you know that's a load of crap. For sure, ESF aren't always the best, but there are plenty of good snowboard instructors in France.
|
|
|
|
|
|
<shrug> No need to be rude.
The ESF have a world-wide reputation for the poor quality of their snowboarding tuition.
People can easily search here and make their own minds up.
That's no reflection on the instructors themselves. If it wasn't for Regis I'd not be here (but he did go back to skiing).
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Another vote for UCPA, absolutely ideal for beginners. Their UK agent is Action Outdoors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quote: |
The ESF have a world-wide reputation for the poor quality of their snowboarding tuition.
|
Agreed, but in all honesty I don't think many of the other "Alpine" nations are much better. Switzerland has a snowboard instructor pathway at least (even if they do have some funny ideas), but the Italians don't. Not sure about the Austrians.
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
Quote: |
You can go anywhere
|
Whist you *can* go anywhere, it is more fun as a baby boarder to avoid places that have lots of flats and lots of crappy 'linking' runs which are tricky until you are confident.
ADH has got a lovely big bowl for learning in, I'd recommend that for beginner snowboarders.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
You can visit Bansko, before crismas holiday Dec. 14 - 22 if there is enough snow the prices for Gondola, equipment and Lessons are very good, also you can check deals for March.
You can find many deals in internet. Check INTER BANSKO they have new equipment and good instructors.
http://www.interbansko.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bansko unless it snows early only opens on or around the weekend of dec 15th each year, it is by no means snow sure at this time of year , if it does snow its not always fully open
Although I live there in winter 'im not being negative , just making sure , a new couple aren't put of by booking somewhere and then being disappointed by lack of snow .
If and when they book we can sort all their needs from transfer , accommodation, passes, hire, lesson's , night's out etc.
BUT personally would wait till at least 2nd week in January if they can
www.bansko-sports.com
If they message us mention snowheads for a discount
Kind regards BS
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
And regards queue lengths at busy times , either get to gondola early or pre book a transfer upto mid station / or secret chair .
We take guests up to this point
|
|
|
|
|
|