 Poster: A snowHead
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| Draig wrote: |
As a Noob, my knowledge of particular resorts is currently almost Zero. Is 3 Valleys towards the top end of the market?
All I'm able to jusdge by so far is what's listed as being included in a travel package and how fewer shekels will be in my wallet. |
Yep, 3V sits higher in market based on extensive available ski area (cost of pass can be considerable % of budget) but mitigated a little in Aliafro eg by paying reduced cost for restricted range within that.
Most large ski area Tignes, Val d isere, 3V, 4V etc, etc will be at top of pass cost cost as they do offer extensive lifts and piste distance. Much of which may not be used in your early progression skill projection. Full pass cost will just be throwing money out without seeing much of that whole area.
Smaller areas will better match how much area you can practically cover at lower pass/ticket cost. Effectively you'll miss out on nothing.
3V has wide accommodation cost range with likely something suitable within that, finding it is more nuanced  the "Bash" option discussed effectively does this for you if it fits your time etc as they know that market in organisation terms.
A destination like "Val Cenis" while less headline in size etc, offers good balance of ski area, accommodation cost, lift pass price, food cost (generally very good) at market price level below those big areas noted above. A smaller area by straight comparison, but lacking nothing in facilitating what you'll need. Its particularly good to learn and develop skills with blue graded piste right from the highest lift accessible peak complete back to village. Very, very good boarder progression orientation (I ski and board) great lift provision and very well interconnected ski area. It offers alot if you can find a realistic deal there.
Lanselbourg is main centre, Llansvillard is further along the valley, but all connected by piste etc not mattering where you stay. All of it effectively walk out onto snow from any accommodation. Pass cost here very good value for what you'd need.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Yeah 3 valleys is one of the biggest linked ski areas in the alps and incorporates the highest resort in the alps (Val Thorens) so its about as snow sure as you can get - its probably overkill for your requirements but i thought it was worth mentioning one way you can DIY a ski trip to a top resort without breaking the bank.
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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'd 2nd Val Cenis as a good value option - its the next valley over from Val D'Isere, which for some brits is regarded as the best ski resort in the alps. So you get pretty much the same great snow conditions but at a fraction of the cost.,
We went with peakretreats.com and drove (the holiday cost includes eurotunnel) which was very economical with 4 in the car but might not be if you are on your own.
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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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Aw god love you. Make some new friends. Do one of those bash things they have on here (I’m considering also - my hubby wouldn’t be up for it and I resent him for having x1 week up on me skiing per year  so this seems a way of making it more even )
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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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@v1cky24, have you considered marriage counselling?
Actually, forget I said that. If you've got to the point of going on seperate ski holidays, your probably better spending the money on skiing.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Draig, Haha. He goes with his mates. I have no mates that ski!
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@Draig, @v1cky24, has the right idea with a bash. EoSB also includes lift pass (but isn't catered).
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@v1cky24, has the right idea with a bash
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Absolutely.
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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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@v1cky24, Good on you, too many couples ruin each other's ski time. 
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Booked anything?
Have you thought about doing a neilson? Pretty good value. All the neilson holidays I've been on have been well organised with plenty of singles?
Skiing is so communal, and many people are happy to ski in large groups.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@llywelyn1984, I've wondered about Neilson (their ad on the wall of the dome I go to is IMPOSSIBLE to ignore!!!) so it's good to hear feedback aboubt them.
The solo thing really isn't an issue for me. On a first trip, I feel at least a day or two of This is how the lifts system works and This is what to do if you lose your board down the slope etc would be worthwhile. I don't object to company at all, but that's not why I want to go boarding and I really am happy just to keep practicing on my own and sitting in the bar with the aformentioned Tolstoy for company.
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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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@shep, haha. No - I enjoy the peace
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half board packages for solos are typically about the same price as a couple would pay. And the littlest, cheapest, apartment will always sleep two! But if you have somewhere to prepare meals for yourself, and put your feet up with Tolstoy in the evenings, with wine and beer in the fridge at supermarket, not restaurant, prices, you'll save a lot. Probably for one person a DIY package will be cheaper than a tour operator deal. Plenty of advice available here on putting together a DIY package and suitable destinations. If you can afford some time with an instructor in the first few days it will be well worth it, not least to tell you which runs will be good for you. And get you on and off your first chair lift! I was a skier, not a boarder, but did a "learn in a day" boarding course, years ago, and agree with the advice above that if you are OK in a snowdome you'll be fine if you pick the right resort without too many flat bits and lots of wide blues to start on. Narrow, busy, tracks are a nightmare! But if you have to carry your board for quarter of an hour, no big deal in comfy boots. And unlike some beginner boarders you won't be spooked by drag lifts!
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You know it makes sense.
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@Draig, I go solo at least once per season and while I am neither a boarder nor a noob, there are a couple of ways to bring down the price, so I hope the following is helpful (and sorry if this is covered elsewhere or comes across as blindingly obvious):
- How: DIY arrangement or Tour Operator: given you are a noob, a TO may take the strain and hassle away from you. If you go online now to look at last minute deals, there are some decent ones available, and you have the option of kit rental and lift passes, making it even easier for you.
- Where: Most TO sites such as Crystal, and others, have filters and resort guides by runs for beginners/intermediates etc. So even if you end up self-arranging, you could use these filters to narrow your selection.
- Tuition: most locations have excellent ski schools, however consider a post on Snowheads, possibly the Snowboarding forum for recommendations https://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewforum.php?f=3. If you can go in the quieter times of the season then availability shouldn't be such a problem.
- When: Avoiding school holidays is a must but not just UK schools but other countries as well, check this thread for school holidays, it should help inform your dates https://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=167136
- Solo: Consider a post on the solo skiers forum if you want to share transport/accommodation costs https://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewforum.php?f=19
There are lots of other ways to get on a real mountain cheaply: seeking out accommodation directly through tourist offices, going for satellite resorts, creating your packed lunch from a catered breakfast/ self catered etc but they require you to know a little of your desired location. Personally I would balance a beginner-friendly resort with tuition availability and accept that you may have to pay slightly more this time due to single person supplements, but have a fantastic experience that whets your appetite.
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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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Poster: A snowHead
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@Snowmadmum, really useful, thanks. And yes, I'm loosely coming to the conclusion that the first time might need to be a tad more expensive.
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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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Try Heidi.com
a quick search shows Andorra leaving 25/1 for a week for £386 for a bed in a shared dorm. Andorra is good for a first time boarder and in a dorm you would make friends
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FAQ
