 Poster: A snowHead
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Meeting New Skiiers and Families
We have a family
I've never done skiing and thought what the heck let's all do it as a family.
3 kids 8-10 storming through basics after 6 hours private lessons as a complete family.
Partner is slowest but she is the nervous type.
All family and friends we know are die hard proficient skiers and pointless going with them...thinking about Le Plagne and self catering self drive.....
The BUT
Going as a family can be solitary with no interaction with others and completely new to skiing at the age of 40. Not familiar with lingo and etiquette and how it all works.
I'm looking for tips/links to sites or places where families new to skiing can meet others in a similar position...
Super grateful for advice and guidance.
7 days 1 week in Jan or Apr 2022.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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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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@A4ever2021, A tour operators will guide you through all the pitfalls and etiquette things. It is one of the things you are paying for.
However, what is wrong with going with more experienced skiers. Almost every experienced skier I know loves taking novices under their wing, telling them, what clothes to wear, to apply lots of sun block, where ski school is, how to read a piste map, what to eat and drink etc. (though not all will be proficient in the lingo - it is French in La Plagne BTW, English in Val d'Isere).
You say that the whole family has 6 hours of private lessons. Did the instuctor not offer any advice on what to do?
We were all novices once.
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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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Arent you a polite and helpful bunch: Thanks 
The link to the bash brilliant.
As for Ski Instructors - its purely concentrated learning time and no chit chat as these lessons have taken place 1 hour at a time once a week...
Also the ski families they go skiing at times and dates where it isnt possible to meet and somewhat boring as theyll be off all day somewhere else!
Thanks for replies... wasnt expecting any!
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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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| Quote: |
Also the ski families they go skiing at times and dates where it isnt possible to meet and somewhat boring as theyll be off all day somewhere else!
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Yes, if the dates and times don't match, they don't match. If it were me I'd come back to join the rest of my family or friends when they have finished lessons on at least some days and ski with them. Do not rule out becoming friendly with the people in your classes in ski school. You are all in it together. In fact the commardarie in the beginners classes was really good. You will be in different classes to your children so they will make an alternative group of friends.
Out of curiosity how comfortable are you in general with travelling. Have you as a family driven to a campsite or apartment in France for a holiday in the past? A self organised, self drive, self catering ski holiday is really no more difficult than that.
Just to see how much TOs are charging I visited the crystal ski web site. Their prices are on the high side for a self catering trip. And they are not even going over Easter.
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We have had private ski lessons so it's been pretty intensive learning time...as we had 2 nervous members out the 5!!!!
Yes, many are travelling all ove the place and just fruitless to chase it all up.
We are well travelled but I find as the kids get older they are more about the experiences and meet ups than being with each and parents all the time! Self catering without family n friends can get dull (seldom) but can.
Thanks for the suggestions...
I did 10x sky dives and had a great time, this feels like I'm embarking in a new adventure. Also it's just a brand new cultural awakening skiing!
Tour Operators looking at Ski World!
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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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@A4ever2021, on the general point.... it's pretty difficult to mix/socialise on the slopes itself unless you are similar standard and like minded. For some it's more about the skiing than it is for others but clearly the skiing is a major focus of the trip - you don't pay hundreds of pounds just to spend a bit of time with friends/family. You want to enjoy the sport/challenge. Numbers are also an issue. As a group of 5 if you go with or meet with another family of 4/5 then suddenly you are looking at quite a difficult job purely logistically - meeting at the top/bottom of lifts, keeping track of everyone and route finding/deciding. It's even worse if you are beginner or have different standards. It can be done in small doses, you know a morning or afternoon here and there. And it can be done off the slope: lunch meet ups, Apres and dinner.
Finding apartments for large groups can be challenging also.
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Go to ski school for group lessons then you all have people of a similar ability to ski with and are not being held back. It also gives all of you the chance to meet people.
In pre Covid times many will go for a drink after lessons with others in the same position including families with children who will then play together or maybe have a run on the slope near the bar if there is one.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Chris thanks all for the reply ..
Ski School sounds good, will look into it
Thanks Layne too
May simply go as a Unit and take it from there...
The Bash sounds interesting but hard work.
All in all.... It's all new.
Many here grew up with it as a family or took it up young.
When it's an alien culture and not the done thing, when starting out at 40 it's daunting.
La Plagne by car, impossible with standard car and snow tyres?
Also it looks affordable is it good for beginners?
As for after ski drinks... Bring it on!
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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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@A4ever2021, for your first trip out you don't needed the biggest and best which La Plagne kind of is. That said, it's not a bad option and it may come down to whether you want to keep a lid on costs. For example somewhere like Valmeinier or La Norma would be good - cheaper apartments, lift passes, etc. compared to the bigger ski areas. And will still have enough skiing for a beginner group.
Winter tyres are a good idea if you travelling to the Alps once or twice in the Winter. They are not a bad idea even for the UK but the skiing trips arguably tip the balance. Some buy all season tyres. You should have chains either way and practice fitting at home. You won't them too often but will be legally required and necessary when you do.
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As beginners April is usually a better bet than January given a higher chance of sunshine, blue skies and warmer weather (it's far nicer to learn in good weather).
It also means that you are unlikely to have to use snow tyres or chains - especially if you already have some insurance in the form of all season rather than summer tyres (this crossed with Layne's advice above as I was typing).
La Plagne has lots of runs suitable for beginners, but the advantage of ski school is that they will take you to lots of different places which helps you to find your way around.
Expect your children to learn faster (and be less nervous) than their parents!
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You know it makes sense.
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I shall look into Valmeinier and La Norma.
Interesting point about April and the weather.
Seems all of you are switched on and helpful.
I might as going skiing with you all LMFAO.
Observations about La Plagne duly noted.
Wouldn't want to end up at the Pontins equivalent... In terms of rowdiness, we are s relatively quiet family who like a little bit of calm wherever we go!
Tyres, yup no BRAINER with snow tyres and a few ££££
Hotels around La Plagne seem soooooooo expensive, is that a norm?
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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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@A4ever2021, I've never stayed in a Hotel in a French ski resort except one weekend in Chamonix. I rent an apartment. For an apartment in La Plagne I would expect to pay 600 Euro's for a week. But obviously you can cheaper or much more. Somewhere like Valmeinier and La Norma I would expect 20% less. Any reason you want an Hotel?
If you want calm you may want to look at smaller villages within the larger ski area. For example I stay in Les Coches when going to La Plagne or Oz-en-Oisan when skiing at Alpe D'Huez. If you got to somewhere like Valmeinier and La Norma it's less of an issue as they are smaller anyway.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@A4ever2021, as well as bashes, we've met a number of sociable families on various catered chalet holidays run by family-orientated tour operators (in our case, Family Ski, other similar companies exist). If the chalet style of holiday appeals, then this is a good way to ensure that others in your chalet are child friendly, at least. From 5 holidays, there are 2 families that we've holidayed with again, another that we tried to (but couldn't make it work for logistical reasons) and one more that we're still in touch with. It is a bit pot luck, and there have been one or two groups that we've no desire to see again - but never anything bad enough to spoil the holiday. It's not a cheap option though, and the combination of Brexit and COVID might change the dynamics/feasibility.
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@A4ever2021, said,
The Bash sounds interesting but hard work.
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(my emphasis)
My experience is quite the opposite - bashes are generally very easy ways to have a ski holiday. I hope I haven't put you off with my "many kids" anecdote - it was intended to show how supportive and welcoming the family bash can be. There was no requirement for us to supervise large numbers of kids, rather that over dinner, several parents mentioned that they were struggling to find time for various things; having skiied with the various families already, two of us volunteered to ski with various kids (some of our own, many not) the following afternoon knowing that they would be a manageable bunch which enabled other parents to dedicate time to individual kids, grab a lesson of their own or just enjoy some relaxation time. Of course there are many different people and personalities on a bash, but in general most people are friendly and more than happy to spend time skiing with others irrespective of their ability. It's typical for ski school drop off / pick up to become a shared task within the first day or so, which can be really helpful for families with kids in different ski school groups. Similar things have happened on our other holidays, but not always.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@A4ever2021, Welcome to the forum.
As you can see you've got us all going, because many of us have been beginners with families.
I have not read every line of this thread, but you did ask about Tour Operators.
The one that comes to mind for the French is "Club Med"
For us Brits its "Mark Warner".
I've not been with them for many years and they may have cut down on a lot of their locations. But they are worth a look.
When I saw your post I immediately thought of the "Family Bash" at the Oxalys next Easter.
The Easter school holidays don't often at the end of the season when we can get such a great deal for the Oxalys, your children could well be parents themselves by then.
The weather is so much better in April ... sunny memories.
Have a great time whatever you do.
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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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All in all.... It's all new.
Many here grew up with it as a family or took it up young.
When it's an alien culture and not the done thing, when starting out at 40 it's daunting.
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Some people may have but I, for one certainly didn't. I didn't go skiing until my mid 30s but had a lot of experience of camping and climbing trips abroad, mainly travelling with my wife on motorbikes to the Dolomites. Your experience of intenational holidays will stand you in good stead. Don't worry you will be fine. It is a holiday and the resorts are geared up for holiday makers.
Don't get caught up in all this talk on this forum about winter tyres. They are not even reccomended for trips in April. Stick to your normal tyres and have snow chains - just in case.
I once worked in Pontins and La Plagne is nothing like it. To many people it is too staid without the dancing on tables and lap dancing clubs you might find in Austria. It is an ideal family holiday resort. The last time I went there we went into a night club and we were the only people there.
La Plagne is a good resort for April and the snow will stay in decent condition but there is one thing that you should be aware of - sun burn. After the equinox the UV radiation in the Alps is fierce and the snow reflects it back. That and the warm temperatures lead many people to strip off a bit, such as taking their jackets off. The result is often serious.
I detect a slight nervousness about getting ski lessons in the resort. As a beginner they are essential. There is a good English speaking school in the resort - get in touch with them and arrange lessons as soon as you have booked.
After these words of enthusiasm I must add a word of caution; skiing is addictive. You will find yourself wanting to go 2 or 3 times a year. Then buy your own place and overwinter in the resort. You are entering a dangerous pathway
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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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@A4ever2021, a bash is not hard work and is good. I have only been on three. I will go again.
Driving and self catering is good as a family and a bash is a good introduction to that. You will find people will have their own preferences and prejudices and I am a little surprised that we haven't yet had the usual France / Austria split.
In April I would go for France.
I do find Austria a bit cheaper and would go there earlier in the season.
Or Italy earlier in the season.
But as an introduction, a bash in April is good
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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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| JHS wrote: |
@A4ever2021, a bash is not hard work
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I'm pleased it appears that way 
| Layne wrote: |
| johnE wrote: |
| @A4ever2021, A tour operators will guide you through all the pitfalls and etiquette things. It is one of the things you are paying for. |
Not sure I agree with this tbh. Certainly not if you are going with the likes of Ski World or Crystal. Looks to me like the OP is better suited to DIY than TO anyhow. |
True, most tour ops can't be relied on for this sort of guidance. U might get lucky with a knowledgeable and helpful chalet host or rep but it's certainly not something to be expected as many, as well meaning as they are, are more clueless than lots of their guests. The exception being the ones that specialise in families eg. Ski Esprit. Although the big benefits are for those with small kids as they offer lots of child care services.
| A4ever2021 wrote: |
Seems all of you are switched on and helpful.
I might as going skiing with you all LMFAO.
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Now you're getting it - so you see how, when you get a bunch of snowHeads together, you get a load of useful knowledge, help, encouragement - so extrapolate that out to the ski resort itself, and that's what a Bash is like.
| A4ever2021 wrote: |
| The Bash sounds interesting but hard work. |
In what way? That's certainly not what people feedback about them.
OK, if you find chatting to people, being friendly, making a lunch plan with friends or sharing a beer on the terrace, hard work, fair enough. Or if your kids would feel that other kids wanting to go to the pool with them, or mess about on toboggans after the lifts shut was a hassle, then yeah, the Families bash would not be your cup o tea
| A4ever2021 wrote: |
| I'm looking for tips/links to sites or places where families new to skiing can meet others in a similar position... |
That is exactly what you've found 
I'm not trying to push it as the SFaB always fills up pretty quickly when the buttons go up (which will be soon) but really, imagine just having a bunch of experienced enthusiastic mates at your disposal who want to do exactly what you described in your first post - well actually, there's no need to imagine
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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 see that @mgrolf has already referred to a memorable afternoon of shepherding many, many children around Val Thorens. I should emphasise, this was memorable for all the right reasons - kids having fun on the snow, skiers of all ages and abilities getting to do what they wanted/needed, parents feeling comfortable enough with newly-made friends to entrust their kids to such a loose arrangement... No cowdoo, this is the genuine spirit of a friendly family Bash. I could add: Snowheads helping other Snowheads whose flights have been cancelled, who needed something picking up from a supermarket, whose kids are wanting to learn to snowboard, who just wanted someone to share a beer with.
Having driven my family of six to a catered chalet for our first family trip (Morzine/Avoriaz), then done self-catering with friends (Courchevel), then done self-catering on the SFaB (Val Thorens, X3), I can confidently say that the SFaB was by far the friendliest and the least hassle way of doing a family ski trip.
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@admin, your auto-link to the family bash has a spurious double quote on the end, which causes the frontline hamsters some concern... any chance of correcting it? I've checked through the active word list, and can't see where it is matching 
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We're another pack of SFaBs - think we've done 2 or 3 now. Key is that it aligns with your kids holidays - and we shepherd dear old Admin into that sweetspot. We've done the whole Ski Esprit et al scene and yes it worked for us for many years but now the kids are older (10,12 by next easter) and don't need that wrap around cover, and are comfortable with being on the mountain all day the bashes are pretty much the perfect model for us.
Don't fret about the ability levels too much either, mostly people gravitate to their own comfort zones, group up or split up accordingly - regroup for lunch and chop and change... some of the skiers even tolerate my subversive sideways ways too.
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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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Even with the prospect of 2 of the 4 J teenagers taking exams next summer, I'm already thinking about Val Thorens next April...
I hope we haven't put you off @A4ever2021, by being just too enthusiastic.
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@A4ever2021, it's a cult, they're just sucking you in mate
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Well Duh - It's Snowheads!
Our arcane rites bring about a successful EoSB, and require only minimal sacrifices of tartiflette and vin rouge.
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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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My goodness...
What a flurry of responses and all warmly appreciated ladies and gents.
I have looked into the Bash idea now, looks really nice - destination wise. Pricey?!
Thinking 3-7 days as a first ski trip.
It does seem like a cult but thats because its a community of fans.
Right, having digested all the advice you all sound like a great bunch, bit like my financial trading friends (in it for the rewards and banter).
FAQ seemed to cover most grounds. As a virgin skiier I couldnt possibly entertain the idea of having others in any apartment or room with us in any resort (so thats a no from me).
However I shall look at the destination.
Timing wise - definitely take all your points, April is the no brainer.
Worry wise, I have skydived and biggest fear for me was the stalling/bad landings not necessarily jumping out the plane (pee easy).
Skiing trip I have known and heard of too many ACL/Accidents WTF, I dont want ANY injuries as we have to DRIVE back.... ugh, risk vs. reward.... Caution is the operative word....
So, BASH sounds brilliant but pricey and sleeping/accommodation sounds faffy....
Otherwise - what a great set of responses!
You have brainwashed me I can see the light (however dim - think wife and kids would get alot out of the Bash too)....
UGH decisons!
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Hmmm pricey? No, not very. the SFaB and EoSB are held in good quality self-catering places in Val Thorens. With the Val Thorens lift pass included (and that is a couple of hundred quid each) it works out as very good value.
If you were a family of 5, you could pay for the spare bed in your flat to be empty. As a family of six we have found that @Admin has managed to secure a 6 bed apartment for us, even though most apartments are for four. So as a family of 5 you would be fine, I'm sure.
Skiing holidays aren't cheap, but by doing it this way I've managed to make it work out for c.£700/head, including ski school for my family. Driving, not flying, keeps the cost down a fair bit.
A faff. Yes, a little bit. In that each member of your group needs to have a Snowheads account, and you move funds into each account accordingly. A minor faff.
Otherwise, it's a self-drive, self-cater holiday. Bit of faff, but not much - VT has loads of restaurant options, there's a supermarket in the village and big supermarkets at the base of the mountain that you visit on your way there. It's an easy enough drive down the east side of France from Calais. Stopping for a night along the way will make it pleasant. Loads of good advice here about the drive. And tyres... (sigh)
You mention the risk of buggering up your knee or ankle and not being able to drive. Or something happens to the car; mountain roads, snow and ice eyc. Yup, it's a risk. I set against that risk EU-wide breakdown recovery and worldwide travel insurance. I'm confident that if I weren't able to drive back, I'd have some assistance. As I wrote, I've driven to/from the 3 Valleys a few times, many more folk on here do it several times a year. I'm sure that Covid and Brexit will add some twists to what was previously a fairly easy prospect. But still do-able, I expect.
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You know it makes sense.
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For the location it isn’t bad.
We have managed to do it in other locations for massively less (using Sunweb) BUT having people to share instructors with for ourself and our kids which you then get a chance to socialise with on evenings as well, does make for a nice experience
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FAQ
