 Poster: A snowHead
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Hey guys. Planning a very first ski trip with my SO early January (first or second week of Jan). Hoping for some guidance and recommendations. We've got 2 options:
1) Zermatt. We'd book everything ourselves (flights, train transfers and accommodation - I found one and booked it but can still cancel it). Zermatt seems to be beautiful and this is mostly what we're after - lovely views. However, since we're total beginners we would have to book lessons and we could realistically only afford 1 or 2 half day lessons in Zermatt. I've also heard (and got replies on another thread I created some time ago on this forum) that it's not the best place for beginners though there are some blue pistes with incredible views. The whole place feels more romantic and... alpine? Wintery? If you know what I mean. The price of flights + trains + accommodation (self catering) + ski passes + lessons and snowboard rental would be around £3000. Quite a lot and that's without food and drinks.
2) Alpe D'Huez. We'd be booking with one of the UK travel agencies so wouldn't have to worry about flights, transfers and accommodation. It's still a self-catering accommodation (ApartHotel Odalys, anyone ever been there? Seems to be pretty ok). We'd have 5 or 6 days of 2 or 3 hour lessons included as well as ski rental and ski passes. I also read that Alpe D'Huez is way more sunny than Zermatt so better chance for nice views but don't know how true that is. Will there be enough snow and sunshine in early January do you think? How's apres / evening scene there? I assume cheaper than Zermatt but is it that much cheaper to be worth chosing this resort over the other one? Total cost of this one would be around £2200.
I'd really appreciate it if you could please help me choose what's better suited for us and where we will enjoy our very first skiing / snowboarding more. Many thanks.
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Thu 14-11-24 14:38; edited 2 times in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@majkkali, Zermatt is lovely, but I think for beginners like you Alpe d'Huez would be the much better bet-it's so much more beginner friendly, -you can ski easily to the foot of the slopes as a beginner. In Zermatt you have to go up the mountain to get to the foot of the easier ski slopes. Alpe D'Huez will also be significantly cheaper than Zermatt which, as I think you already realise can be eyewateringly expensive. You will struggle if you only have one or two expensive lessons and could freak yourself out if you end up straying onto a difficult piste in Zermatt (not good for your relationship if that happens and one of you is "at fault" either  ) .
Save Zermatt for when you have built up your skills and confidence.
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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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@majkkali, Slam dunk ADH - principally for the lessons and access to easy slopes.
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As absolute beginners you really need to be booking 6 days of (morning) lessons. Don't expect to ski much without supervision, at least until day 2/3.
Zermatt is fabulous but a massive overkill to what you need at your level. The smart move is to find a small and much cheaper resort that is suited to beginners. The money you would save could buy you a load of lessons in a UK snowdome, or even an extra ski holiday.
And if you're after lovely views, you'll find even the smallest ski station in the Alps will be pretty stunning in the right conditions.
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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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| snowheid wrote: |
| @majkkali, Slam dunk ADH - principally for the lessons and access to easy slopes. |
That ^^^
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If you're budget is tight, you will probably find all the ancillaries in Zermatt very expensive.
I wouldn't be concerned about the sunshine, Zermatt on average is apparently the sunniest place in Switzerland.
Have you not investigated other possibilities that offer a better mixture?
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I'd definitely say Alpe d'Huez for beginners - the bowl is great for that. It does supposedly have some decent bars, although I can't say I've investigated many.
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I agree with @HilbertSpace, 6 mornings of lessons much the best idea. If I was thinking of resorts in January for a beginner I might add these thoughts to the list:
Snow sure over 1800m resorts are good, but in mid Jan as a beginner you might want to consider resorts based below the tree line. Trees offer shelter and help if its snowing as poor visibility/white out is hard work-especially for beginners. January weather systems can be very cold, stormy and windy up high (which closes lifts)-another reason to look slightly lower for you base. My advice (as someone who skis almost exclusively in France these days) would be to also look at Courchevel 1650 (officially Courchevel Moriond). On the downside, it's likely to be more expensive that Alpe d'H, but it's below the tree line, has lovely gentle beginner slopes, and there is a good range of ski school options.
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@majkkali, Curious as to why you chose those two spots for a first trip. Never been to AdH but sure it would be fine, Zermatt save for another occasion. If stereotypical winter mountain scenery is a factor then perhaps also look at the Dolomities / Südtirol in northern Italy, not as expensive as Switzerland but it has stunning scenery and excellent food. If you find you hate skiing (and strange though it might seem here some people do) there are plenty of mountain walks etc to do (less likely in the French large resorts). The area also has a large number of sunny days (I would guess more than most of the French alps). The downside is that access is not so easy, flights into Venice, Verona or Innsbruck (can be issues with weather and concerns about roadworks next year). There is even a Snowheads trip (though think sold out). If that seems all a bit too much look at the area around Salzburg, very easy for flights with short transfers, plenty of ideal beginner resorts or if you fancy France then not far from Geneva maybe Flaine or Les Gets/Morzine/Avoriaz
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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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 first European trip was to Zermatt at age 13, in the early 80s. I knew how to ski a little but we had a classic old Swiss "bend ze knees" instructor. Unforgettable and got me hooked on skiing.
So, why skimp? Go big with Zermatt. There's enough beginner terrain and it's cool to take a train to ski. If for some reason you hate skiing you'll be a lot happier wandering around Zermatt than AdH or Bourg d'Oisans
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You know it makes sense.
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Would also put Livigno, Italy into the mix.
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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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@Perty, @snowheid, @HilbertSpace, @adithorp, @luigi, @Shakira, @munich_irish, @Pasigal, @Kenzie,
What about Les Deux Alps or La Clusaz? Good for beginners? Snowsure?
or how about Nassfeld-Hermagor in Austria?
Last edited by Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name: on Thu 14-11-24 17:14; edited 1 time in total
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Poster: A snowHead
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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 expect La Clusaz would be great for beginners. I notice Crystal Ski have a deal there in Jan, and it has the added bonus of a very short transfer.
It's also where Candide Thovex learnt to ski 
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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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BTW, the deals on Iglu are usually Crystal, Inghams or Neilson. Best to Google the hotel name & resort and you'll soon spot which tour operator has the deal. Best book direct for added security and sometimes you can get discount or cashback. 
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@majkkali, As a beginner you really dont need to worry about 'snowsure'.
Anywhere you go to will have plenty of machine made capacity to ensure beginners areas are complete.
Also, as I believe was mentioned on your other thread, try to get as many lessons/introduction at Hemel as you can before you go as it will make a massive difference to how much you progress once on the mountain and consequently how much you enjoy yourselves (which after all is what it is all about )
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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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| majkkali wrote: |
@Perty, @snowheid, @HilbertSpace, @adithorp, @luigi, @Shakira, @munich_irish, @Pasigal, @Kenzie,
What about Les Deux Alps or La Clusaz? Good for beginners? Snowsure?
or how about Nassfeld-Hermagor in Austria? |
There will be nursery slopes with snow at all of them. Probably depends where the accommodation is in relation to them and the ski school meeting place.
Les Deux Alpes does have a very steep pitch into the resort, but there may be ways around that.
La Clusaz is a traditional French village, not that high to be sure of snow in the valley in January, though I'm sure there'll be snow to learn on, even if you have to go up the mountain.
Nassfeld, somewhere I've wanted to visit, is the accommodation near the ski school meeting place? If it's in Tropolach, maybe not.
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@luigi, @snowheid, @HilbertSpace, @Kenzie, @Pasigal, @munich_irish, @T Bar,
What about Trentino, Italy? Is that good for beginners? Found some nice deals there!
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| majkkali wrote: |
@luigi, @snowheid, @HilbertSpace, @Kenzie, @Pasigal, @munich_irish, @T Bar,
What about Trentino, Italy? Is that good for beginners? Found some nice deals there! |
Sure, you can learn to ski in just about any resort, nice places in the Trentino region, some parts of Trentino are in the Dolomites, I've skied some places there.
It just depends where the accommodation is in relation to lifts and ski school as to whether it would be good for you. You don't want to be schlepping across town with all the equipment or getting on ski buses ideally.
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Is it the one in Folgaria??
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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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| majkkali wrote: |
@Perty, @snowheid, @HilbertSpace, @adithorp, @luigi, @Shakira, @munich_irish, @Pasigal, @Kenzie,
What about Les Deux Alps or La Clusaz? Good for beginners? Snowsure?
or how about Nassfeld-Hermagor in Austria? |
I’d cross Les Deux Alpes off the list. The runs back to resort are usually terrifyingly busy (you can go down in the gondola but it’s not ideal); the weather is more often than not rubbish with high winds and you can find your accommodation is a very long way from the lifts. It’s fair to say I’m not a fan but others may disagree 
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I agree with @Red Leon, L2A was where I went for my first ski trip (never to return). For building up confidence there is so much merit in staying somewhere with a number of wider gentle slopes immediately above the resort to end your day on-not one single narrow track that every man and his dog skies back to the resort.
The aim is not to get stuck on the side of the hill at 4pm with your thighs quivering with exhaustion, terrified to ski a narrow chopped up slope that you need to get down to end your day, with your spouse/ partner driving you nuts shouting their own amateurish advice.. when it was their bright idea to venture down this blue piste as "you'll be fine" (I've been there, though with friends not romantic partners).. At best guaranteed to cause a stoney silence for the rest of the night, or at worst a desire to punch him/her in the face or petition for divorce...
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@majkkali, If you still also want somewhere with romantic charm then I would rule out Alp d'Huez and most of the larger French resorts. Maybe Swiss or Austrian smaller resorts or somewhere like Wengen. Inghams do some good deals there.
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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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You know it makes sense.
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The most important thing for adult beginners is ski-in-ski-out.
Makes life so much easier.
First impressions count.
Try...
1. Les Arcs 1600
2. Courchevel 1850
3. La Plagne 1800
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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 gentlest, most flattering slopes for beginners I’ve seen in The Alps are in Colfosco and Courchevel.
I visited Zermatt with a party one of whom was on their third skiing week, it wasn’t an enjoyable skiing experience for them. Although a stunning location.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Arc 1600 is not ideal for beginners. It is generally too steep. A few years ago I was there with a party including beginners. The beginners were told to get the bus to 1800 for lessons where the slopes are wider and less steep. In fact any of the other Arcs will be a better choice. Vallandry, in particular, has an excellent beginners area.
Similarly La Plagne 1800 is not a great place for beginners. Bellecote is better (if you can brave the terrible lift queues and crowds)
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@majkkali, Bear in mind that if somewhere is offering a "cheap deal" there is probably a reason for that, for instance you dont want to be in accommodation a long walk away from the lifts. I havent been to Nassfeld but know people who go and it sounds fine though the snow can be in short supply (it is in a different part of the alps - Julian alps, than most other areas and can get huge amounts if the weather systems cooperate but the north westerlies that generally bring snow to say France and most of Austria are not a factor here). However it is a long transfer from Salzburg maybe you can find flights into Klagenfurt.
As others have said pretty much anywhere will suffice for your skiing needs but look for ease of access and also the scenery.
"Trentino" covers a lot of places from big areas like Madonna di Campiglio and the Val di Fassa part of the Sella Ronda to small local places that are really only of interest to local weekend skiers in decent conditions, again be careful.
Personally I would stick to one of the larger areas not too far from an airport, you are more likely to find a decent ski school and things to do if skiing doesn't work out.
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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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I haven’t been to ADH for a while, but I have fond memories and it is quite maligned. If you search out apres ski, bars and restaurants the are there. It is well connected and January is a good month. We managed to find ski in ski out, though not sure that anywhere is too long a walk from a ski lift.
Not sure 1850 would be my first choice for a first ski holiday, there are much nicer places in the 3Vs for beginners.
Personally I think French resorts are very over rated, having recently been introduced to Austria, about thirty years too late, it is worth investigating.
Crystal can be a very affordable way of accessing a skiing holiday
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I'd also add Norway to the mix of options. Crystal are offering £390 per person self catering plus two for one ski pass. The slopes will typically gentle, snow excellent, and instructors' English as good as ours!
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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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| Quote: |
Personally I think French resorts are very over rated, having recently been introduced to Austria, about thirty years too late, it is worth investigating.
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Indeed, I am entirely the other way inclined finding the Austrian resorts massively overrated (and I have skied quite a few). But then each to what they prefer.
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@HilbertSpace, nah Norway is a no. I want beautiful Alps, in Norway the views aren’t that great from what I’ve seen. Plus it gets dark like reaaaaly early.
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| majkkali wrote: |
@luigi, @snowheid, @HilbertSpace, @Kenzie, @Pasigal, @munich_irish, @T Bar,
What about Trentino, Italy? Is that good for beginners? Found some nice deals there! |
There's a Crystal deal to the Savoia Palace Hotel in Madonna di Campiglio for around £850pp HB. MdC is a nice resort and the hotel looks decent and it says only 3 mins to Ski School meeting point
EDIT: Scrub that. I can't see any nursery slopes near that location 
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We learned in Rauris in Austria. With your budget you can comfortably stay here to give you that bit of luxury, with two ski schools literally next door as well as the nursery slope, and the main gondola up the mountain once you're ready (usually about the Tuesday if you start lessons on the Sunday).
https://alps-resorts.com/urlaubsresorts/details/carpe-solem-rauris
Just over an hour by both train and car from Salzburg, and absolutely beautiful Alpine scenery all around.
Small town with a few bars and restaurants and because its a living, working Alpind town,it doesn't feel manufactured.
We used both Adventure Rauris ski school (the first year) and Karl Maier (the second year). Our preference was with Adventure, but that was more to do with the organisation of the children's lessons, so that's not relevant to you.
Very easy to book independently.
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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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@luigi, @HilbertSpace, @DavidYacht, @munich_irish, @johnE, @DCG, @Whitegold, @T Bar,
what about La Clusaz? Any good?
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| majkkali wrote: |
| @HilbertSpace, nah Norway is a no. I want beautiful Alps, in Norway the views aren’t that great from what I’ve seen. Plus it gets dark like reaaaaly early. |
I see what you mean there. I've been there in Summertime. Norway is unspoilt and beautiful and there are dramatic mountains and fjords, but a lot of the ski hills tend to be lower in less dramatic scenery compared to a lot of places in the Alps. And the short daylight hours in January would be a bit depressing! 
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