 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi,
We're considering doing a ski trip at the end of March next year, the only week everyone can do is w/c 28th, and I'm wondering where to take us. The group:
Me and my wife: Semi-competent on-piste skiers, mainly reds (pisted blacks at a push). Like a drink or two at the end of the day but nothing too wild.
Our kids: 2 weeks of lessons under their belts so not completely new to it, 9 and 11yo
My inlaws: Cruisy blues and a bit of apres please! Potentially one complete beginner if my sister in law's partner wants to come
My parents: Ex skiers, coming along to just to be in the mountains and help with childcare, but would like a nice town to potter about in during the day.
We like Les Gets and Chatel for family trips, but I've got a feeling that we'll need to go higher at that time. I've skied the 3 Valleys and Paradiski but only with similar ability skiers so not well up on what's good for beginners and non-skiers. We're on a bit of a budget so probably self catering (and self-booked rather than TO) but hopefully near enough to the slopes so the kids don't have to yomp far to get to lessons.
Where would be a good place to ensure everyone enjoys it? Thanks in advance!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@plasmastorm, you’ll get millions of views, but Arc 1800,1600 and Peisey Vallandry all meet your criteria for variety of runs and some Apres
Ski’d there many times end March and is high enough that you’ll almost certainly have decent skiing.
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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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Thanks, yep we did Paradiski in March (based in Montchavin) and it seemed to still be in great nick, especially higher up. Is there much to do during the daytime in and around the Arc villages for my non skiing folks? I've never seen my dad happier than planning a bus trip to the big Carrefour in St Jean D'Aulps from Les Gets. Maybe access to the funicular and BSM might be right up his street...
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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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@plasmastorm, there’s a pool in 1800. My parents (both in 80s) went on many of the marked walks lower down mountain around the old villages
From 1600 you can take funicular to Bourg
With pedestrian pass can also use various lifts to go to viewpoint at top of Aguile Rouge or meet top Trans Arc for lunch etc
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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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Sounds ideal, cheers
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Hi
What was Montchavin like? Is there much to do there looking at a catered chalet there any help would be appreciated thanks
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| plasmastorm wrote: |
Hi,
We're considering doing a ski trip at the end of March next year, the only week everyone can do is w/c 28th, and I'm wondering where to take us. The group:
Me and my wife: Semi-competent on-piste skiers, mainly reds (pisted blacks at a push). Like a drink or two at the end of the day but nothing too wild.
Our kids: 2 weeks of lessons under their belts so not completely new to it, 9 and 11yo
My inlaws: Cruisy blues and a bit of apres please! Potentially one complete beginner if my sister in law's partner wants to come
My parents: Ex skiers, coming along to just to be in the mountains and help with childcare, but would like a nice town to potter about in during the day.
We like Les Gets and Chatel for family trips, but I've got a feeling that we'll need to go higher at that time. I've skied the 3 Valleys and Paradiski but only with similar ability skiers so not well up on what's good for beginners and non-skiers. We're on a bit of a budget so probably self catering (and self-booked rather than TO) but hopefully near enough to the slopes so the kids don't have to yomp far to get to lessons.
Where would be a good place to ensure everyone enjoys it? Thanks in advance! |
Totally feel you — late March can be a bit of a gamble in the Alps, especially for lower resorts. This year we did Jungfrau around the same time, and while the upper runs had lovely spring corn snow, the valley runs were mostly slush or outright closed. It wasn’t a disaster, but definitely not ideal if you’re hoping for reliable snow for kids and beginners.
Looking back, I wish I had gone with a higher-altitude, snow-sure resort — something with most slopes above 2000m. Based on that, here are a few suggestions that might work well for your group:
Saas-Fee – Everyone said it would be Snow-sure, and trail map indicated beginner terrain right next to the village.
Tignes / Val d’Isère – Massive area, high altitude, and I think it can be excellent for mixed-ability groups.
Zermatt – If the budget stretches a bit, it’s a magical spot — amazing snow at altitude, great beginner areas, and a town your parents will love wandering around. That said, it can be pricey… though I found March accommodation rates were surprisingly 20–30% lower than Jan/Feb in many places across the Alps (probably because of Easter shifting school holidays). I absolutely loved it — felt like the full Alps experience.
Tip: Whatever you choose, just double-check altitude and lift access to beginner slopes. Not all high resorts are beginner-friendly if the nursery areas are down low or far from main lodging.
Good luck planning
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