 Poster: A snowHead
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We’re looking for our first family ski trip. 2 little bit unfit adults that have skied a long time ago and two very fit teenagers that are total beginners.
Looking for a small quieter resort that we can drive to that is not expensive. Probably asking for the impossible. I don’t want to be scared or put the girls off.
Any ideas? Will be a week in March - maybe 9th of 16th.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Zell am See, Austria! Perfect balance of beginner slopes, beautiful village, reasonably priced, easy to access
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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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It's also worth mentioning that a lot of resorts will be quieter 9-16th March because of schools being "in" all through Europe 
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@LogiC, 9th or 16th March should be fairly quiet and snow sure everywhere. So definitely not "asking for the impossible". Quite the opposite really.
If you are driving it means it probably France.
Somewhere like Valmeiner would suit.
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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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| Layne wrote: |
@LogiC, 9th or 16th March should be fairly quiet and snow sure everywhere. So definitely not "asking for the impossible". Quite the opposite really.
If you are driving it means it probably France.
Somewhere like Valmeiner would suit. |
Thanks, I’ve looked at videos at a few places in March and at resort it was slushy. Is that unusual?
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Happy to fly for the right resort
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@LogiC, Ste Foy...small but with seriously good learning topography, very friendly relaxed place to ski / start skiing, lower pass cost as not paying for a big area pass that'll not be fully used, good food all around (restaurants and self catering) great instruction at ESF there or others, particularly good week to visit anywhere as snow usually good and weather warm.
Also Val Cenis for more extensive area, Blue access right from highest point to give great use of pass and learning progression. Decent cost of accommodation, likewise pass cost. Favourite location there is Llansvillard. Very good food again for self or restaurants at decent cost.
Both these are walk out onto snow access, no bus or transfer needed. Have taken my family and other families to both with wide range of ski skills.
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Thanks, I will look at these resorts now.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| LogiC wrote: |
Thanks, I’ve looked at videos at a few places in March and at resort it was slushy. Is that unusual? |
Slush at resort level is fairly common in March, it will depend on temp. sun , altitude what direction the slopes face and the time of day. As long as it is not so warm that it is there all day and as long as you have access to easy slopes at higher altitudes it is not usually a problem. Personally in March I like access to North facing slopes as the month progresses.
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Thanks - so I need to find a resort that I can get a chair down if it’s slushy? Does that mean I don’t need to worry about resort snow? Sorry I’m like a rabbit in the headlights with all of this!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Early March is IMHO just about the peak of the season with usually excellent snow, but you do need to choose a suitable resort. Some times the snow is slushy at the lower resorts such as Meribel. Of more concern to beginners is not the slush at the end of the day but when it is frozen rock hard in the morning. In most of the French big resort this is more often a problem at the end of April not the middle of March.
The Mauriene resorts such Valfrejus should be suitable and very drivable from the UK. Though I've never skied at St Foy others rate it highly. In terms of driving it takes us 3-4 hours to get to the tunnel in the UK (the most stressful part of the journey), 2 hours to get across the channel then 9-10 hours to get to Les Arcs.
Though not a small resort I would suggest Vallandry. The excellent beginners area is at the top of the telecabine at over 2000m so good for snow. It is designed so that it can be used for descent and most beginners use it. The options on buying lift passes online are limited, but beginners passes and local area passes are only available at the lift pass office. Though you may want to buy the full Les Arcs pass after a few days.
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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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Drive from where?
I would also suggest a good ski school so the girls get off on the right foot. I gather that French and Italian ski schools are of very variable quality for group lessons, Austrian seem more consistent. Or maybe get a private instructor for the two girls together as they are of equal level (age difference unlikely a problem), lessons will be shorter but they will progress faster.
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Be aware of when ski school starts for the week. Sunday or Monday usually. Accommodation is easier for a standard week too, especially in France. Being within easy walk.(in ski boots) of the meeting place
is important. Quality does vary and smaller groups ( more expensive) are good. But keen, fit, teens will have a ball, regardless.
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You know it makes sense.
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Why drive? Unless you're on a budget (eg Easter / peak periods) / have your own kit . . . .if you're going for a week you can find cheap flights that will save a lot of agg and a massive (knackered) drive on the way home
Would def say Austria over France if only that ski school is better value / better tuition on the whole IMO and all day meaning the kids / yourselves will progress faster. Zell is a nice resort with very cheap transfers from Salzburg (will be there next week yay!) however total beginners areas (whilst good) are limited and can get busy; would argue Lech would be a better choice with a huge amount of easy runs.
If you do fancy France you could do worse than L2A - I took my kids there (after their very first, broken-leg disaster experience in Wengen the year before) and its was excellent for beginners; easy nursery areas at the bottom and gondola accessed massive blue runs right at the top (3000M+) should conditions be warm / they develop confidence quickly. . .
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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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Not sure why a bit of slush at the end of the day is an issue tbh.
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Poster: A snowHead
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For a cheap family-friendly resort you won’t find much better than Albiez-Montrond at the lower end of the Maurienne Valley.
https://www.station-albiez.com/fr/
Their last day this year is 24 March.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@LogiC, Have a look at Andorra, many of the instructors have English as their first language which I found helpful, trying to stand up and understand an what’s being said is much easier when you share the same language ( I’ve tried to say that so it’s no contentious, I now like to ski where there’s as few Brits so I can enjoy the culture more)
Soldeu and El Tartar both have the option of downloading to avoid end of day slush. One thing to be aware of though is roaming charges for date, is very expensive, get a local sim for the kids 
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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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As you’ve said you’ll fly now go to Norway. Both my kids learnt there. Trysil or Geilo are both great.
Everyone speaks perfect English.
Instruction groups are very small and very responsive. Ava was a little worried about skiing backwards so the two instructors in her group of 3 (regular class size that week) talked her into doing a red run backwards with one in front and one behind and she was so energised and bouncy after it, it was unbelievable. Seeing their confidence grow in huge leaps and bounds from dedicated staff was great.
Resorts are perfectly formed.
Pretty much snow sure.
If they hate it then you can do other snow sports or events like husky sledding or swimming pools.
Negatives - geilo is a bit of a Train journey as well. Easy to do and incredible scenery but it’s a 4 hr transfer. Trysil just a 90 min drive from Oslo. Drag lifts more than chair lifts.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| Belch wrote: |
Why drive? Unless you're on a budget (eg Easter / peak periods) / have your own kit . . . .if you're going for a week you can find cheap flights that will save a lot of agg and a massive (knackered) drive on the way home
Would def say Austria over France if only that ski school is better value / better tuition on the whole IMO and all day meaning the kids / yourselves will progress faster. Zell is a nice resort with very cheap transfers from Salzburg (will be there next week yay!) however total beginners areas (whilst good) are limited and can get busy; would argue Lech would be a better choice with a huge amount of easy runs.
Where is L2A please?
If you do fancy France you could do worse than L2A - I took my kids there (after their very first, broken-leg disaster experience in Wengen the year before) and its was excellent for beginners; easy nursery areas at the bottom and gondola accessed massive blue runs right at the top (3000M+) should conditions be warm / they develop confidence 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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Where is L2A please?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Les Deux Alpes, France.
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Thanks
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One thing I wouldn't do is worry to much that you have the wrong place . In March the vast majority of resorts should have skiing that is very suited to beginner and early intermediate skiers. Picking a smaller resort is often a good idea as they are quieter and cheaper.
Having some access to tree lined slopes helps if the weather is a bit stormy, having access to north facing slopes helps if the sun is very strong. Strong sun is
more common than storms, though overall I've lost more days skiing to the latter.
If price is a major factor I have found small french and Italian resorts overall a bit cheaper than elsewhere in Europe .(Big ones in France conversely are amongst the most expensive). Sunweb have a good reputation here for very competitive prices though I have not used them myself.
Personally I think you could do a lot worse than try some of the Maurienne valley resorts like Val Cenis or valloire.(I'd avoid Aussois which is south facing) or further south Montgenevre or Puy St Vincent
In Italy the Aosta valley has good priced skiing and is accessible in places like Pila or La Thuile.
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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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Thanks so much. Will look at those.
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I think 9th or 16th March would be a good time to go as past French school holidays but snow depths should be good.
We have been to a lot of French ski areas over a thirty year period (the last twenty years with our children who started skiing when they were pre school and are now adults) and I would recommend the following as having a good snow record and being good for beginners/ less confident intermediates
Les Saisies - Beautiful and lots of easy slopes in the village centre. Chalet des Cimes is centrally located
Montgenevre - excellent ski schools and lots of confidence building slopes including greens from the top of the mountain. Le Napoleon is the best located residence for beginners.
Sainte Foy - L'Etoile des cimes is good value and in a good position at the foot of the slopes. Ski area is small and not much apres ski but a pretty resort with mainly wide runs and a good snow record
La Rosiere - south facing but is high altitude and should have very good snow depths at that time. Lots of wide runs. Alparena apartments are very good but they may already be full for those weeks. Les Cimes blanches and Alpen Lodge are also well located. Alpen lodge is recently built.
If you are thinking of booking self drive with a tour operator I would recommend Peak Retreats who specialise in self drive including the Eurotunnel flexi plus (or ferry at a cheaper cost). We have used them many times and they offer all the above resorts, some of which are not covered by mainstream flight package TOs.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@LogiC, I am one who would say use a tour operator for what is effectively a first ski holiday. There are so many stress points (getting to resort, finding accommodation, renting skis, getting a ski pass, working out where ski school is) that having a rep look after you is well worth while. And often they will highlight resorts suitable for beginners and have deals.
Not to say you shouldn't also use the suggestions for resorts here.
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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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There are any number of resorts which would fit the bill. But we don't know what sort of holiday experience your family likes. Using a tour operator, as suggested by @j b, has much to commend it. Organising a ski holiday for the first time is really quite a lot of work. But if you are accustomed to camping, or living on a boat, with all the demands about clothing, weather, and feeding everybody that that entails, you should have no problem.
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One decision you need to make early on is whether you want to stay in a hotel, or rent an apartment and look after yourselves. Partly that's personal preference (personally I would always choose to rent my own place; I dislike hotels). Some resorts have more hotels than others - some, especially in France, have rather few.
That decision also depends on your budget, of course. Generally self-catering is likely to be a lot cheaper!
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You know it makes sense.
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Montgenevre a v good shout - lots of wide green tracks and a good snow record. Accom a bit limited unless you are cool with self catering apartment style and nightlife / eating options limited both on piste and in the vill.
Trysil also a v good shout - VERY safe, English speaking and good value in terms of liftpass / tuition / hire . . .food and alcohol however RIDICULOUSLY expensive and bars / restaurants v limited. If you have teenagers looking for excitement forget it . . .most peeps hire little cutesy cabins and drink copious amounts of duty free vodka whilst birching each other after extended hot tub sessions (massive assumption here lol!) . . .
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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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| Quote: |
Though not a small resort I would suggest Vallandry. The excellent beginners area is at the top of the telecabine at over 2000m so good for snow. It is designed so that it can be used for descent and most beginners use it. The options on buying lift passes online are limited, but beginners passes and local area passes are only available at the lift pass office. Though you may want to buy the full Les Arcs pass after a few days.
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We learned to ski in Peisey (the other part of the Peisey-Vallandry area) and would second this. I recall the beginner area above Peisey being really wide and gentle, and quiet enough that there was space and time to practise drills in the afternoon without feeling like I was getting in anybody's way. Vallandry probably better than Peisey as the run back to Peisey can get quite chopped up (although they do let you download in the chair or, at least, they did when we were there).
The advantage is that it's also part of the much bigger Les Arcs / Paradiski area. That made a big difference on our last day - we were finally able to join our more experienced friends, who took us across to Arc 1950/2000 on blues and we had a proper experience of eating in the mountain and the feeling of covering ground, etc.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Mmm maybe not vodka but rum!
I just had a quick look and skistar have taken over the Radisson hotel up the mountain at Trysil and currently a 70m2 6 bed apartment for 1 week including parking is 1843 euros commencing 16th March. Skistar.com for pics etc.
Ski run starts outside door and you can ski in/out and ski shop is in hotel as well next to the lockers.
Trysil / Fageråsen Panorama /
SKISTAR LODGE TRYSIL
APARTMENT
6 BEDS
MOBILE KEY
CHARGING STATION
Bed linen is included. • Departure cleaning is included. • Parking is included.
Apartments with a great location and self-catering facilities. The perfect location for an easy, relaxing holiday for all the family. The apartments have all the necessary equipment for a successful holiday. SkiStar Lodge Trysil offers restaurants, bars, sports shops and ski rental. The Kulpen Spa offers spa treatments, saunas, a hot tub, a swimming pool and a gym.
Cost: 1 843 EUR
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| LogiC wrote: |
| Happy to fly for the right resort |
Flights to Geneva should be very cheap for that time and gives you options as to where to go. Transfers to some of the highest resorts in Europe in under 2/3 hours, so the choice is extensive.
Regarding cost, "comfortable" accommodation in most resorts should be reasonable outside of school holidays. Other living costs will vary depending on your wants from the trip. If your happy to do self-catering and get a big shop in to eat at home, with packed lunches on the mountain, then most resorts are doable. Just a lifestyle choice really.
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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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@Agent Orange, I think Ski Star are the resort owners or marketeers (like Vail resorts) - not sure they own the Radisson hotels?
There are also two - one in the main Touristsenteret and another in the Hoyfjellsenteret . . .we stayed in the Trysil town itself (Trysil lodge / booked via Heidi) which is only a short bus ride away from the main chairs up the mountain. The Hoyfjell side has many more nursery slopes / poma lifts so better perhaps for total beginners . . .
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Another vote for Montgenevre, we were there late March last season and the snow on the main side of the resort (where all the beginners slopes are) was still good, slightly slushy on the south facing Chalvet side. Great the beginners with nursery slopes at the bottom and lovely wide green runs all the way down from top.
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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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| Belch wrote: |
@Agent Orange, I think Ski Star are the resort owners or marketeers (like Vail resorts) - not sure they own the Radisson hotels?
There are also two - one in the main Touristsenteret and another in the Hoyfjellsenteret . . .we stayed in the Trysil town itself (Trysil lodge / booked via Heidi) which is only a short bus ride away from the main chairs up the mountain. The Hoyfjell side has many more nursery slopes / poma lifts so better perhaps for total beginners . . . |
Yes it used to be a radisson when we stayed there in 2020 but the hotel is no longer listed on radissons website and instead just the tourist centre one with the surf zone is there. A quick scan shows that skistar - who own a bunch of stuff in Geilo and other bits of Norway as you said now have it marked as their hotel with a helpful note - Skistar Lodge Trysil (former Radisson Blu Mountain Resort & Residences, Trysil)
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@Agent Orange, Does this mean its cheaper or more expensive?
I went on lads trip there this time last year (as Europe conditions were struggling) and skiing was excellent; nightlife was non-existent!
Some jolly swedes we met recommended another Ski Star resort - Are (in Sweden) over Trysil in terms of all round Nordic experience (and cheaper beer)!!!
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@Belch, cheaper when I just looked. When it was Radisson I paid 2244.50 eur for Xmas week. Xmas week 2024 is currently 1996 eur for same apartment.
You’re spot on - nightlife is dead but with a 12 and 8 year old it was perfect. Big brekkie, full day of skiing, retire to massive pool complex, food and then zonk out.
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| Belch wrote: |
Montgenevre a v good shout - lots of wide green tracks and a good snow record. Accom a bit limited unless you are cool with self catering apartment style and nightlife / eating options limited both on piste and in the vill.
Trysil also a v good shout - VERY safe, English speaking and good value in terms of liftpass / tuition / hire . . .food and alcohol however RIDICULOUSLY expensive and bars / restaurants v limited. If you have teenagers looking for excitement forget it . . .most peeps hire little cutesy cabins and drink copious amounts of duty free vodka whilst birching each other after extended hot tub sessions (massive assumption here lol!) . . . |
That sounds great to me! Love hot tub chill time.
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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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| surferrosa wrote: |
| Another vote for Montgenevre, we were there late March last season and the snow on the main side of the resort (where all the beginners slopes are) was still good, slightly slushy on the south facing Chalvet side. Great the beginners with nursery slopes at the bottom and lovely wide green runs all the way down from top. |
I think we’ve shortlisted MONTGENEVRE. Looking at Nepoleon Hotel or Chalet Des Dolmines. Where did you stay?
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Which side would you recommend to stay please
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FAQ
