Poster: A snowHead
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Hi SnowHeads.
Two weeks before Christmas, having never even stood on skis, I booked a spur of the moment solo new year skiing trip to Seefeld. Cue 2 weeks of panic buying gear, 2 dry slope lessons, researching as much as possible etc.
I went to Gschwandtkopf and took 3 days of lessons, 1 & 1/2 days solo and a 2 hour private to end the trip. There were times I loved it and times I didn’t want to put skis on again, but I got through it and am now looking at another trip maybe next month, but am pretty flexible.
I found the area not great for a first trip as I was either bored on the nursery / Sportalm slopes or terrified on the busy steeper main slope which was icy on occasion too.
I only used buttons and t-bars, so I’m still even scared about chairlifts. I think travelling alone made it harder as no-one to bounce off and laugh off the fear with.
I know that there have been hundreds of posts like this, but I have trawled them and I’m still confused.
So... best resorts in France for a solo travelling very nervous newbie please, preferably wide open forgiving slopes that aren’t steep. Not bothered about nightlife or shopping. Purely interested in the skiing. Despite a few hairy moments, I feel absolutely addicted! Would prefer a hotel so it’s less lonely, but don’t want to spend the earth so open to suggestions. I had wondered about Marillion or Sameons, but coming up with a lot of apartments. I’m desperate to get this trip right so that I don’t shatter my already very fragile confidence.
Please, please help!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I had wondered about Marillion
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Haven't we all.
Don't apologise; beginners are never Univited Guests.
So Welcome to Snowheads, I hope you'll find it a Fantastic Place for answers to all your questions. Be patient though since many are on hols so may be Incommunicado
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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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Hi @MissBambi,
I`m sure others will be along soon with more information, but though I have never been on a 'snowheads bash' if any of the dates work for you, from what I have read about them they would suit you!
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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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@MissBambi, Alpe d'Huez I think works well with good easy slopes immediately in the bowl above village.
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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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Oh and if the last week of Jan or first week of Feb might suit you, then the snowHead Bashes to Italy could suit very well, if there are places left.
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UCPA
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From personal experience, I'd agree with Alpe D'Huez, which is where I went for my first proper week of skiing (after a fair few hours learning in a snow dome). You'll find loads to do in the main bowl leading down to the resort (lots of green runs, from memory pretty much all of which are very wide, but you get variety too because there are so many of them - have a look at a piste map, and you'll see what I mean) - I found it very confidence building. I went in the first week of February, and it didn't seem too busy there - it wasn't exactly quiet, but it was generally easy to avoid crowds, particularly on those greens. If you're wanting to explore further afield, there are some nice blues to progress to, and a good sense of travel skiing from one area to another. Also, don't worry about chair lifts! I felt the same on my first day at Alpe D'Huez (having only used the snow dome button lift previously), but I soon realised they were actually much easier than most of the drags
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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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UCPA - like @Layne says. Provided you're happy to share a dorm room. The Action Outdoors website will fill in the details. The key thing will be to have good lessons, and some sociable times, and UCPA should be reasonable for both. The SHs bashes could be a good idea but you might not find any other very beginners. If France, last three weeks of March definitely a good time, as recommended by @PeakyB. Keep posting here as ideas are suggested, and you look at what's available - you'll get lots of interested responses, though they won't necessarily all be pointing you in the same direction.
Most, though (and certainly the correct ones!!) will suggest loads more lessons - especially on your own, just pottering round being unsure where you're going, or how to get there, isn't a great idea. Learning to ski should be a laugh, and shared.
For group lessons Austria, where lessons are often all day, could be a good idea.
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@MissBambi, it's good to see someone just getting on with it and the fascinating process of improving too. All of us have of course have been beginners.
Morillon, is a great place to stay and we as a family like it a lot, but for your requirements and a Hotel (think there's not one there on the snow at 1100 village, just down at base station) Flaine itself holds a much much better position.
Flaine is one of the best places for any beginner level skier as it sits right in the centre of a huge bowl with superb piste all around it. Gondola access direct to top with huge wide blue piste all the way back to the village. It's rare to find something so orientated toward progressing even very early level skills. Very good and gentle chairlift from nursery slopes up into the main ski area too to gain experience of that.
Hotel Le Totem is right in the centre and worth a look for deals to assess cost, but would be one of the best places to stay.
Also a UCPA there if you're interested.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@MissBambi, don't be nervous about chairlifts, they're what most of us would choose ahead of drag lifts, far easier IMO.
La Plagne has some good mileage for someone starting out, although can get quite busy at peak times. Les Arcs is apparently also a good option, although I've only skied there one day so don't have my own experience.
I'd echo the above though, try getting on a bash if you want people to ski with(preBB or Birthday would be good options), or look at Action Outdoors/UCPA trips. A lot of people also like the Inside Out trips but I'm not sure what level those are aimed at.
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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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MissBambi wrote: |
Two weeks before Christmas, having never even stood on skis, I booked a spur of the moment solo new year skiing trip to Seefeld.
...
I’m desperate to get this trip right so that I don’t shatter my already very fragile confidence. Please, please help! |
I'm massively impressed by the first sentence and therefore don't understand the second!
For your point about learning alone, just book half-day group lessons for a week. Learn in one half, do in the other half; probably hanging around with someone you've met in your group. And laughing at other people face-planting into snowdrifts, as they laugh at you, is absolutely part of the fun.
You won't learn as fast as in private lessons - and some teachers barely teach at all, more take the group on a fun tour of the mountain while teaching a few techniques - but it's a great holiday.
If you can do button lifts, chairlifts are a breeze. Getting on; poles in one hand, sit down as chair arrives, weight back, toes up to not catch the tips of the skis. Getting off; toes up on approach (pilots call this 'flare' ), stand up, weight slightly forward to encourage forward motion.
And enjoy
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@Gipfel, I had to read your comment twice as I thought I had written it myself!
@MissBambi, I started my foray into skiing with a few hours practice in the MK Snodome then had a few days over in Alpe D'Huez.It was a perfect intro to skiing as there is a huuuge number of nice blues to get comfortable on.
One thing to mention, there is a calendar on this forum with all the Euro school holidays. If you can, try and arrange your trip during the quietest period - you'll save yourself a small fortune!
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You know it makes sense.
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Hi, welcome to the wonderful world of snow sports! Everyone is welcome!
On the resort recommendation, if you are willing to head to Italy, I found Livigno to have long wide runs catering to beginner to intermediate abilities. Also cheap grappa at the bottom of the slope
Kaprun is Austria has some nice and wide runs too, blues and reds.
If you fancied going up in altitude in France, Tignes has areas for all abilities, but can get very busy.
Regarding chairlifts, the thought is scarier then the sit down onto the lift. REMEMBER: you can always ask the liftie to slow it down for you. But in most cases if they are the older faster type, the lifties are usually out and helping people get on them. Newer chairlifts slow down considerably to let passengers on gently.
Being a snowboarder, buttons and t-bars are a bug bear for me, it's not much fun being dragged up a hill by my nether regions.
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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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The best way to do a chairlift for the first time is with an instructor or an experienced friend who will take your poles and put a hand under your elbow and say "stand up" at exactly the right moment. Inside Out holidays are aimed at higher level skiers but would be a great idea in future.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Re, the chairlifts - if you are unsure either ask the liftie to slow it down for you or wait till a nursery group get on (whilst avoiding chaperoning them - you may be asked to but never forced to - I've seen really competent skiers declining) as the lifts are usually slowed for the little ones.
Oops - Mikey already suggested same...
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@MissBambi, well done to you for going for it. How fantastic that you enjoyed it and want to go again as well. I second the pitch for group lessons, in the morning as quite quickly they will get you on a chairlift and that is that concern dealt with. Group lessons are more social and may also mean there are some folks to ski with in the afternoons, if you feel like it. Another vote for Flaine, once you are there then it is very easy indeed. Also you get some breathtaking views of Mt Blanc from the top of the DMC, and there are blue slopes to get you back down again. Don't be tempted to do Cascades on your own though, as it is a long long slope (14km blue) and best done with company, as you need to bus back to Samoens and ski/navigate back to Flaine, which is a lot for a relative novice on their own.
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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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If you're in a quiet area on a quiet day (by far the best way to ski, of course) there will be no other skiers in sight. You shuffle to the spot you hope is the right one, before the chair whips round, whacks your calf muscles one inch above the top of your boots and whisk you off your feet. Then, provided you've stayed on, chucks you off at the top. Should you fall at the top the liftie who is having a quiet dream in his little hut will stop the lift and come and help (eventually). Should you fail to get off and start down again, he'll probably notice.
Personally I think it's perfectly reasonable to be scared of chairlifts before you've ever been on one.
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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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MissBambi wrote: |
So... best resorts in France for a solo travelling very nervous newbie please, preferably wide open forgiving slopes that aren’t steep. Not bothered about nightlife or shopping. Purely interested in the skiing. Despite a few hairy moments, I feel absolutely addicted! Would prefer a hotel so it’s less lonely, but don’t want to spend the earth so open to suggestions. I had wondered about Marillion or Sameons, but coming up with a lot of apartments. I’m desperate to get this trip right so that I don’t shatter my already very fragile confidence. |
Choice of ski school might be as important as choice of resort. You might be more skiing company if you signed up for group lessons with a ski school that specialises in the British market, perhaps one of the Brit ski schools which can be found in some French resorts. If you chose to stay in a catered chalet they can also be great for company, as everyone generally eats around the same dinner table and socialises in the same space. This can be better for meeting people than a larger, and sometimes more impersonal hotel.
Les Gets or Morzine might be a good option. Plenty of catered chalets, good choice of ski schools, plenty of terrain suitable for new skiers including those who are a little nervous as well as those who are progressing quickly.
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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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Fear of chairlifts is perfectly rational as Pam says.
It's worth noting that there are two types - the older fixed ones that come around quite quickly and can whack you in the leg (the trick is to time sitting down so your bum and back take the strain) and the newer type that come around more slowly and are much easier to get on. These work like the gondolas and actually get you up the mountain more quickly, the French call them "télésièges débrayables".
Pick one of those for your first ride on a chair lift and you won't look back - except to enjoy the view!
Welcome to the madness!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I've always found group lessons very sociable, especially if they are split into morning and afternoon sessions so everyone has lunch together.
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@pam w,
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Personally I think it's perfectly reasonable to be scared of chairlifts before you've ever been on one.
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Apprehension perfectly understandable. Easy enough to stand within viewing distance of a chairlift, both at base and top, to get the general idea first.
I think most skiers, even experienced ones, are more anxious about drag lifts and, it appears, the dreaded T Bar (lesser spotted these days) than they are about chairlifts.
All are better then repeatedly walking up, so better get used to them.
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Flaine or Alpe d'Huez would have my votes, but I must tell a cautionary tale about the almost horizontal chair at Alpe d'Huez which goes over the open air pool (heated!). My wife, also with deep doubts about chair lifts, managed to leave a ski behind as she started. I looked over my shoulder and said "it's OK, the ski is on the next chair" which did not go down well as she was much more concerned with how she got off! My advice of "Just push off on one ski for a couple of yards" was not well received and she ended up in a heap on the floor, so her doubts about chairs were well founded!
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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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agw wrote: |
Fear of chairlifts is perfectly rational as Pam says.
It's worth noting that there are two types - the older fixed ones that come around quite quickly and can whack you in the leg (the trick is to time sitting down so your bum and back take the strain) and the newer type that come around more slowly and are much easier to get on.
Welcome to the madness! |
I experienced these older ones for the first time in near decades in Morzine/Les Gets a few weeks ago. Might have encountered one in Andorra, I think none in Canada. I'd forgotten they existed. Yes timing is important!
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(the trick is to time sitting down so your bum and back take the strain)
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The trick is actually stopping the chair with your hand then sitting down on the stationary chair. For those of us with dodgy knees we can then actually lower ourselves gently onto the chair.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@MissBambi, are you set on France?
Personally I think somewhere like Soldeu in Andorra is perfect for you (it's part of the Grandvalira ski area). It's a big ski area with lots of cruisy blues - I learned to ski there and after a few days lessons we could ski so much of the mountain as the blues generally lack any steep bits (that you might see in France for example).
The ski school is first class as well, lots of Brits instructing there, and are very friendly and very socialable (they'll invite you along to see the ski instructor band play which is always a great night).
Plus the Hotel Himalaia is a great hotel in walking distance of the Gondola.
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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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johnE wrote: |
Quote: |
(the trick is to time sitting down so your bum and back take the strain)
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The trick is actually stopping the chair with your hand then sitting down on the stationary chair. For those of us with dodgy knees we can then actually lower ourselves gently onto the chair. |
I always thought the trick was to stand slightly forward of those others wanting to get on and let them get whacked first thus causing the chair to swing back a bit losing its forward momentum a little before it got to you.
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You know it makes sense.
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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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Another vote for Alpe d'Huez. As well as the blues / greens in the bowl it has the Marcel's Farm area off the signal lift. This is shown on the map as a purple, rather than one of the standard colours. It's as steep as a green, but it has a series of fun features that are suitable for young kids (and adults with a week's skiing experience). Features like tunnels to ski through, humps to ski over and boxes to ski over.
My company runs a schools hotel there, and offers some pretty good prices when they have vacant rooms. Currently that means the week of 22nd Feb for £539 HB with flights from Gatwick or Manchester, see https://www.skiboundholidays.co.uk/ski-deal-alpe-dhuez-february-2020/. (I'm not being paid to promote this, it's just a deal I'm aware of because I work for the company. I'd recommend Alpe d'Huez wherever you choose to stay, as long as it's somewhere in Huez 1860 or 1500.)
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Poster: A snowHead
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As a beginner snowboarder I followed three very wobbly skiers down the blue piste from my apartment to the bottom of the (fixed, four man) chairlift. They were so hopeless that I overtook them, and went straight into the completely empty lift, got my back foot out of the binding and was waiting for the next chair round when to my absolute horror, these three numpties arrived beside me and got on the same seat. I warned them that I was a beginner and not good at getting off at the top. "Oh, it'll be absolutely fine", they assured me, just demonstrating how very dopey they really were and so clueless about snowboarding (it was quite unusual to see three such hopeless adult French beginners in our area). I thought about the dismount on the way up (it was a chair I'd used loads of time on skis and never thought about, nothing difficult about it really). I needed to turn right and was on the left hand side of the chair. They were almost certainly going to turn right too, but I thought they might made a bit of a meal of it and although the dismount wasn't difficult, there was quite an edge to fall off, straight ahead, for anyone who failed to make the right turn. So I decided just to get off, get clear of the landing area, and deck it, hopefully without going over the edge or taking anybody with me (I was hopeless, and worse than hopeless with only front foot in the bindings). That all worked fine but that sort of thing does help experienced skiers to empathize with those who find chairlifts scary!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I spent a weekend skiing in the Appalachians in 95. I was on an ancient chairlift at Sugar Mountain with a girl from Tennessee in her early twenties who was happy but terrified. "I've never skied before: I'm here with my church group". I explained how to get off, said she could lean on my arm if needed, etc. Needless to say she faceplanted spectacularly with crossed tails as soon as she stood up.
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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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if your budget works the Club Med Samoens could be the answer. Lots of stuff included in the price so additional costs would be lower. Just a thought,
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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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Wow aren’t you all a lovely, kind, funny spectacular bunch? I was waiting for an email notification to say I’d had replies and didn’t get one. I just checked back and couldn’t believe all the answers.
Some great advice and I’m already filled with more confidence to know that I’m not alone.
I’ll take your various advice on bisrd about chairlifts and I agree that the best way is probably going to be in company somehow, with an instructor or new ski buddy.
Luckily I’m not shy to shout up about being nervous or of making a show, my first and only fall resulted in me laughing so hard that I was rolling around and generally couldn’t get up! Had to be dragged up by 2 instructors. Brilliant fun.
Today I’ve had a bit of a breakthrough I think, it’s looking like Courchevel 1650. Good decision?
I’ve posted another thread about ski schools in that section.
Still finding my feet with the forum, as well as the skiing!
Thanks again you lovely bunch.
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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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@MissBambi,
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Today I’ve had a bit of a breakthrough I think, it’s looking like Courchevel 1650. Good decision?
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Great choice of location. When? Or not decided yet?
Glad you found snowHeads advice useful.
Don't worry about chairlifts.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Yes it looks incredible for newbies. The piste map made my heart sing and I love that I can move over to skiing above 1850 when I fancy a change / bigger challenge.
I’m thinking 8th or 15th March. In the end February was just daft with the school holidays when I’m travelling solo!
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MissBambi wrote: |
Thanks again you lovely bunch. |
Clearly you haven't yet got to know how nasty or eeird everyone really is
Don't think you need to worry about fragile confidence. Normal people don't return from a first time hol and then immediately set about booking as many similar trips as they can ASAP.. You're an addict and will now be slightly saddened by scorchio weather forecasts and indeed the whole S word.
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@MissBambi, great choice of weeks too. You’re obviously a fast learner.
Usually the first of those 2 March weeks would be a bit busier than the other. But a bit dependent on snow and weather conditions.
Actually the ski area immediately above 1850 centre (Croisette) is even more beginner/early intermediate friendly than above 1650, in terms of gradient.
Both are VG and have easy to use gondolas for your first ride up the hill each day. Both have good slopes and chairlifts to use as you progress and become more confident.
Neither are cheap but I guess you know that. SnowHeads will know where the best deals for lunch, drinks, etc are. Sounds like you’re thinking of catered chalet, which takes care of most food needs.
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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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Courchevel 1650 is bang on the money for what you’re after, with good native English speaking instructors locally. Check out availability with Ski New Generation https://www.skinewgen.com/ski-schools/courchevel-1650/ .
A catered chalet is worth considering...you might be able to bag a bargain room without having to share, or ..if you can’t, and if you are prepared to share, see if you can “book to share”.
Like others have confirmed, your chosen dates are also good...
Chairlifts in 1650 are the nice modern gentle types too!
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@MissBambi,
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I was waiting for an email notification to say I’d had replies and didn’t get one.
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If you go into User Facilities (top L/H corner)>>>Forum Profile...then you can select your email notification preferences, privacy settings, etc.
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