 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi all. We usually have done either Xmas or Easter to 3V/alp d'Huez but this year have to go Feb 16 to 23. I know it's probably late but is there any such thing as a budget location where mid term might not be exhorbitant...any where within a day's drive of Calais considered....
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Val Cenis.
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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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The key problem with half term in France is that it's peak French school holiday time too and pistes get very crowded. I'd go to Italy. Driving will be hectic, wherever you go.
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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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I skied Valmeinier (privately booked apartment though Pierre et Vacancies might have ski in out options) at half term and didn't find it as crowded or exoebsive as I expected, though the last leg of the drive was a nightmare.....
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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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The peak prices for rooms at Hotel Orso Bianco in Sportinia (www.sportinia.it) Sauze d'oulx are really reasonable for catered, it should also be driveable, but for that very reason is usually booked and I don't think you can check availability online
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| Kagallag wrote: |
| Hi all. We usually have done either Xmas or Easter to 3V/alp d'Huez but this year have to go Feb 16 to 23. I know it's probably late but is there any such thing as a budget location where mid term might not be exhorbitant...any where within a day's drive of Calais considered.... |
Yes, drive to the Kitzbuheler Alps.
We have had a ski week for a family of 4 for £2000, 5 years ago, inc. travel, s/c appartment,2 hotel stops, insurance, lessons for the kids, equipment and passes, staying in St Johann in Tirol - the exchange rate was slightly better, but its still possible for under £2500. If you pay out £20 more per person, you can get the regional pass (Salzburger Super Ski) and you can ski at the Skiwelt, Kitzbuhel and Ski Circus (700km+) all within a 20 min drive.
You'll find your euro goes a lot further in Austria too. Mostly 4 euros for a large beer on the mountain, meals mostly under 10 euros.
Also, that week isn't an especially busy one for Austria.
The only caveat is you must have winter tyres for Germany and Austria. The drive is easy except the Munich ring where there is always a traffic jam. We do cross the channel on Friday night and have a hotel in Belgium.
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I was going to suggest considering Austria too. Long time since I have driven from London to French Alps but would have thought most places from the Vorarlberg to the Kitzbüheleralpen would not be too much further (done the drive a few times in summer recently, 10 hours Calais to Munich in a not particularly fast car). If you go through Belgium there are no tolls except for the vignette in Austria plus there is cheap petrol in Luxembourg. Half term is later this season for most German / Dutch / Austrian schools which form the majority of the visitors.
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| toyah807 wrote: |
| The peak prices for rooms at Hotel Orso Bianco in Sportinia (www.sportinia.it) Sauze d'oulx are really reasonable for catered, it should also be driveable, but for that very reason is usually booked and I don't think you can check availability online |
I enquires several weeks ago about a family room and was told they were fully booked for 16th-23rd so unlesd there's been any cancellations, you're out of luck there I think.
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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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Maybe google school holidays Europe, if there is a country that does not have mid term the same period as UK, would in theory be good value there
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February is busy everywhere, really, including Austria. Many places will be booked already. At this stage it's a case of grabbing something available. I have regularly driven to the Alps for many years, but would quail at the thought of a half term journey, with delays possible (even probable) at every stage, including the channel ports. If I were thinking of a family holiday, at this stage, I'd be tempted to cross my fingers and hope for a last minute bargain with a tour operator!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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What are you looking for / how many people? I know of a very nice chalet in Bourg Saint Maurice (funicular access to Les Arcs) which is still available.
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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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Does it have to a drive? How about Fly Friday night to Munich (cheaper air fare than Sat to sat) cheap airport hotel family room, and then train to an Austrian resort. Reverse the journey following Friday night. You'll be on the slope by lunchtime Saturday, ski hire shops are less busy, and you get almost a full day in on the return day too depending on what time you fly back from Munich.
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| Kagallag wrote: |
| Hi all. We usually have done either Xmas or Easter to 3V/alp d'Huez but this year have to go Feb 16 to 23. I know it's probably late but is there any such thing as a budget location where mid term might not be exhorbitant...any where within a day's drive of Calais considered.... |
Try emailing bob@skiaccommodation.co.uk to see if he's got anything. I think you need to just throw your net far and wide. I am sure there will be something still.
Assuming you are driving the biggest hit is on accommodation. Ferry/tunnel may be modest amount more. If you need ski school may be a bit tricky to get in. Lift pass of course will be same price as will be food.
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You know it makes sense.
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Are you really committed to driving? Cheap flights to Milan are almost always available, and it's within a few hours of many ski stations. As noted, euros mostly go farther in Italy than in France. I'm guessing that you could rent a car in Milan and it wouldn't be that much more expensive that what you'll pay in ferry/tolls/gas in France.
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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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| pam w wrote: |
| February is busy everywhere, really, including Austria. Many places will be booked already. At this stage it's a case of grabbing something available. I have regularly driven to the Alps for many years, but would quail at the thought of a half term journey, with delays possible (even probable) at every stage, including the channel ports. If I were thinking of a family holiday, at this stage, I'd be tempted to cross my fingers and hope for a last minute bargain with a tour operator! |
I drive to Austria every half term, the only delays really are at the tunnel and around Munich. Once you’re over the border into Austria, there isn’t a problem. We get a flexi tunnel ticket for the outward journey, so it’s not too bad.
The vast majority of visitors to Austria are the Germans, UK half term is pretty insignificant.
This year, for your dates, only Saxony, not the richest or most populous region is on holiday. The Some of the Dutch will be there though and some resorts attract a lot of them!
It won’t be that busy.
https://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=133261
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