 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi all,
I'm trying to plan something of a last-minute snow holiday for me and my girlfriend in the Alps and was wondering if anyone had some pointers on getting the best value? I've got a bit of experience having spent quite a few weeks boarding in Scotland and Les Deux, but she has none.
Ideally we'd like to be at a glacier for the guaranteed snow but realise this comes a cost.
Does anyone know of any good connecting towns near to major resorts where we could stay to save some money?
We're planning on booking everything individually and may also stay in a air B+B.
I realise I'm asking a lot but anything you think would help is most welcomed 
Thanks,
Kieran
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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When are you planning on going?
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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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Planning on going next month or march.
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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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Doubt you'll have to head to a glacier then, especially if you go next month. I'd choose somewhere less massive, more attractive as it's your gf's first time, and somewhere with lots of nice easy slopes for you to ski together plus decent ski school. Edit - sorry, board!! 
Saalbach could suit, or Westendorf which would be slightly cheaper and has access to the whole Skiwelt. When we went to westendorf there were airbnbs around in March.
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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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Take a look at Sunweb. Lots of good deals with lift passes inc. If you prefer france over austria, the Maurienne Valley resorts would offer good value for money.
Your not going to need hundreds of Km of Slopes, so there is no point in paying the hefty lift pass price that comes with such thing.
Alternatively, if your flexible, you could find a cheap last minute ski in/ski out catered chalet.http://www.ice-fire.co.uk/ has a few places for early feb for £400 per person
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Dr_TobogganMD, for best value, 9 March onwards better than Feb. Less crowded more enjoyable experience, especially for a beginner.
If you do go in Feb then I’d avoid the big French areas and possibly
France altogether.
If beginner taking lessons then I think being based in resort is more convenient than being in a ‘connecting town’.
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| Quote: |
or best value, 9 March onwards better than Feb
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Yes - though first week of February also OK. There are 4 weeks of French school holidays, best avoided. Some of the best value is in UCPA centres - look at the Action Outdoors website. Some centres have double rooms, which would obviously suit you better than dorms, at a small supplement. Everything except transport is included, including lift pass, gear, tuition and full board. Only extra needed is beer money so you know what you're up against at the outset. For cheapest prices, you can travel by coach - flights will be quite expensive to book now and transfers are an extra cost too. Lots of information on the Action Outdoors website.
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[quote="Dr_TobogganMD
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Ideally we'd like to be at a glacier for the guaranteed snow but realise this comes a cost. |
Why do you need a glacier? Austria has enough snow to last through to early summer.
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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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Go somewhere like Alpbach. Pretty. Don’t worry about snow cover. It will be there. Especially for your girlfriend if she hasn’t been before. And somewhere like Alpbach may tempt her to keep returning to the slopes
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If your girlfriend has never been before March might be a better option. Often less cold and will be less crowded. @JohnHSmith, gives good advice, go for pretty and easish access to slopes (no need for ski in/ski out). There is no knowing if she will love, hate or just be lukewarm about it, so you need to think carefully about the non-sking element of where you are located. A holiday in the snow is not just about the sliding down the mountain (waiting to be flamed  ) but the whole experience. That way even if she does not fall in love instantly with sliding down a mountain, she still can fall in love with winter holidays giving you more options for the future.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Cheesie168 is wise. Other fun things could be a winner. Now thinking back to my first winter holiday which was in Zakopane, Poland. Apart from the lessons and mountain time, we did skidoo-ing, a sleigh ride, skating, and drank copious amounts of vodka with friendly people. And it's cheap. I organised all the skiing and extras through Discover Zakopane, a family run company. Zakopane is pretty and fun. Might be worth branching out from the alps - Italy also a good shout for smaller ski areas and other things to do.
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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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How about Passo Tonale in the Dolomites? Pretty snow sure, really cheap last minute deals and great for beginners. Plus nice cheap Italian food and drink!
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