 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 did write help please at the end and no idea where that went. Any recommendation greatly appreciated thank you 
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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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@snowskii, Welcome to Snowheads. It would help if you could indicate your general budget level and how long a transfer you would be prepared for (does short extend to 3 hours?). Will it be a long weekend or Monday to Friday?
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See also this very helpful guide to school holidays https://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=171512
Probably best to avoid the heaviest periods as no matter how charming the resort is your prime objective will be made harder if the place is rammed and queues are long
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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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@snowskii, welcome to snowHeads. 
As you're only doing 4 nights presumably you'll be making all the travel and accommodation arrangements yourself as tour operators are usually on a week's booking arrangement? If you're travelling from the UK then budget airlines fly to quite a few suitable airports, but I'd just suggest these three for a quick transfer from the airport to ski resort. Firstly for France the resort of La Clusaz is only about an hour's transfer from Geneva airport. Secondly for Austria one of the many resorts in the Ski Amadé area would be suitable as the area isn't far from Salzburg airport. Finally also for Austria you could fly into Innsbruck and ski at one of the many resorts in the Tyrol, for a resort good for a beginner I'd suggest either Alpbach (voted prettiest Austrian village by the Austrians themselves) or Westendorf.
Last edited by Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do. on Mon 13-10-25 19:56; edited 1 time in total
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If you want him to catch the ski bug, go somewhere where you can book private lessons every day with a good instructor. Which is another reason to avoid all the school holidays - that's really essential. Even out of school holidays, 4 nights accommodation can be difficult to get in many resorts, especially in France. And a "ski in/out" location is best - only people who have already caught the bug want to be clambering on and off buses, carrying skis, or walking any distance in ski boots!
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Thanks everyone, apologies I am new so don’t quite now how the forum works with replying yet.
Budget probably around 3k all in if we can that would make me very happy. So looking at the calendar (very helpful thankyou!); first two weeks of March look the best?
Flexible to either the week or the weekend. Weektime might work slightly better for quiet slopes?
I have spoken to a few operators and one did offer 4 days in La Clusaz which looks really pretty. Also a pretty tempting package with nice hotel for Zeel am see. Had another offer a wildcard of Norway with the ski train to Geilo with ski in/ ski out which looked interesting; quiet and relaxing. The train sounded like the wow factor here more than the skiing; although night skiing looked cool and would be a first.
Some other good suggestions here to look at Thankyou 
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Avoriaz may be worth a look. Quite a short transfer from Geneva. Or Morzine, but that's a bit lower if you're going in March.
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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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@snowskii, 3k including lessons while you're there?
You'll need private lessons probably as you're only doing a 4 day trip, so group lessons unlikely to be available for that period of time.
Where are you flying from? As your destination airports will play a factor in where would be good recommendations.
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First thing is first, book airline tickets for Geneva for a non-school holiday weekend, everything else can come after that. Loads of resorts within a short transfer time.
Then book a rental car for flexibility (plus to maximise the short tome you have). Ensure it cancellable (many are)
so you may arbitrage any better deals that might crop up later.
Plenty of time for research on resorts and even to wait to see where the best conditions are before you book accommodation. You’ll always find something.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Thank you, is 3k quite unrealistic. The package in Zeel am see is coming in just under 3k including everything (hire, passes etc) and ski school from 10-3 for 3 days. And stay at Hotel Neue Post which looks very nice!
I was thinking about switching to private but I did wonder is it more practice, or more targeted tuition which makes the biggest difference. It would be quite boring for me skiing around by myself all day! But the main aim is to learn to ski.
We could go over the 3k if required. But I would be very happy if we didn’t 
Can travel to any airport London or midlands.
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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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Just sitting here looking at private tuition. How much private tuition is best/ a sweet spot?
A couple of hours each day.
Stagger down; 4 hours day one, 3 hours day two, 2 hours day 3?
4 hours everyday?!
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Difficult to say without knowing the individual. A keen, fit, beginner could easily do four hours if broken into two sessions, with lunch in between. And that would be more productive than just pottering around on your own in the afternoons. Maybe do a two hour private lesson in a snowdome and then take stock? Is he as keen as you are? 
I don't know Zell am See but might it mean travelling to get to the slopes?
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You know it makes sense.
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| snowskii wrote: |
I have spoken to a few operators and one did offer 4 days in La Clusaz which looks really pretty. Also a pretty tempting package with nice hotel for Zeel am see. Had another offer a wildcard of Norway with the ski train to Geilo with ski in/ ski out which looked interesting; quiet and relaxing. The train sounded like the wow factor here more than the skiing; although night skiing looked cool and would be a first.
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Yes, La Clusaz is pretty. Unlike quite a few French ski resorts it's not purpose built in the mid 20th century but instead a genuine old village with a central market square and church (weekly market held every Monday morning with local products including Savoy ham, Reblochon cheese, and local liqueurs). If you can get a 4 day package with a tour operator I'd seriously consider it as that includes flights, transfers and accommodation. Was the package to Zell am See also for your required 4 night duration, if so then that's also worth considering. Zell am See has a nice lakeside location and if apres ski bars are your thing then it has several, probably the best known is Crazy Daisy. I've also been to Geilo, it has gentle skiing on the hills on both sides of the town. The train journey from Oslo is certainly pretty. One thing to be aware of is that Norway is quite expensive, especially alcohol, so if you want any alcoholic drinks during your stay it's a good idea to make maximum use of the duty free allowance you have when entering, Oslo airport has a duty free shop for arrivals. 
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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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@snowskii, Zell am See is quite a low resort and would not be as snow sure at that time of the season as other options. You are quite right that some resorts are busy at the weekends but quieter midweek (typically those that can be easily accessed by locals from large population areas), but conversely some resorts are very quiet on Saturdays as it is changeover day for resorts which are a long way from large conurbations and rely mostly on weekly stays. People on here will be able to tell you which is which for any particular resort.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@snowskii, One other thought: is 4 days set in stone? You would have better options if prepared to go for a week.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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My wife and I were in a very similar situation when in our early 30s. We did a morning (3hr) lesson in Milton Keynes to get the (very) basics out of the way to make the most of our time on the actual slopes. We booked everything ourselves and did a long weekend in Les Houches (just outside Chamonix) flying into and out of Geneva. Flights were cheap and small car hire reasonable, it's only around an hour to drive and really easy as straight along an autoroute so no snow covered or windy mountain roads.
We booked a private instructor (much better than group lessons IMHO) with ESF for three mornings (I think 3 hours) over the long weekend, she was great and her English very good (I'm a typical useless Brit so pretty terrible with other languages). She met us on the green slope at the top of the main gondola in Les Houches and watched us down the green before taking us straight off on the other slopes (thanks to time spent at MK). We were straight onto blues with lots of falling over and laughing at each other. My wife still quotes the instructor "Adam why you fall over" to this day. When we were done with the lessons we spent the rest of the day practicing what the instructor had been telling us, hoping to be much improved for the lesson the next morning. Personally I think not being afraid of falling over and just skiing (however badly) out on the slopes as long as you can is key to improving quickly.
Les Houches itself is a pretty little place with lots of restaurant options and there is enough skiing for beginners for a weekend. We booked a small self contained apartment (before airbnb etc made everything easier) which was central and close to bars and restaurants.
I couldn't recommend Les Houches enough as a first time ski trip and our experience has meant my wife and I, and subsequently our twins and wider family are all hooked on skiing. In fact with 2 days of being back we had booked a trip to Canada (god I missed those DINKY days).
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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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Oh and it's all in the shadow of Mont Blanc so amazing scenery on clear days and gives you the option of going into Chamonix and potentially going up the cable car to the Aguille du Midi which is a brilliant experience. You can actually ski down from there on the Vallee Blanche but perhaps not on a first trip
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| Quote: |
You can actually ski down from there on the Vallee Blanche but perhaps not on a first trip
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No, perhaps not....
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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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@Origen,
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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I found Les Gets was great as a short transfer fro Geneva, an easy-going resort where there's lots of beginner stuff. Nice little town, lots of decent eateries, really good slopes for beginners and it's connected to the larger PDS ski area if you feel you want to explore.
I'd also say Alpe D'Huez (but one of the satellites like Oz) would also be good if flying into Grenoble in particular, that's probably 75 mins transfer maximum. ADH offers a very good skiing experience, especially for beginners, although it's maybe not the chocolate box town you're after (Oz is quite pretty)
Maybe look at Innsbruck; beautiful city, loads of skiing accessible from within the city and on ski buses. Airport is in the city as well, so transfers are super quick.
Having only done one short break (4 days) I'd say you need to not only look at transfer length but arrival/departure times so you can tie-in with getting kit sorted quickly the night before, and can ensure you have shops open for food or you arrive at a time when restaurants are open. We did one to Andorra and it was a 10pm arrival (after a 3hr transfer) so a liquid lunch was required - major hangover the first day of skiing - and we left at 5am on the return day so that meant limited frivolities the final night. Still had a great time but could have been planned better.
Last edited by You'll need to Register first of course. on Tue 14-10-25 12:49; edited 1 time in total
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Yes, Les Gets would be a good choice - lessons with BASS, the British Ski School might be good. But 4 day accommodation might be a problem.
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| Quote: |
But 4 day accommodation might be a problem.
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It shouldn't be too much of a problem these days outside of the peak weeks, especially if you book local hotels or privately owned apartments.
Serre Chevalier is a short transfer from Turin, there are early morning daily flights from Stansted, and often evening returns to maximise the trip. Private lessons with Gavin Crosby or Ski Connections would complete the package.
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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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4 nights might not be enough to catch the ski bug... That's only 3 days on the slopes, as day 1 will be travel. And it's probably not that much cheaper than a 7 day package.
I'd also say 1st 2 weeks in March isn't the best time unless you go high (=long transfer). The snow can be pretty slushy after lunch at that time of year, which is miserable as a beginner. And if you're only there for a short time you want to max out your time on the slopes (another reason to go for longer - to give you the chance to have an afternoon off mid week).
I'd go 1st week in Feb if you can, so the snow will be better.
Lots of places in Austria have a short transfer and are pretty/charming. And also have good apres. Saalbach has lots of great blue runs (but as a beginner you don't need an area quite that big). Or Kitzbuhel would be good.
Les Gets is a short transfer from Geneva (and is good for beginners), but I def wouldn't go there in March as it's v low.
We skied in Finland when we were still beginners (our second week on skis), and it was great from a 'wow factor' point of view, and the terrain was perfect for our ability level. So that might be another one to consider.
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@snowskii,
Action Outdoors do twin room, 4 day breaks in Flaine - close to Geneva airport. Don't think they include lessons on short breaks, though.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| snowskii wrote: |
| Where can we go that’s short transfer (as only doing 4 nights), good for beginners, but will force him to catch the ski bug |
It sounds like you are doing 4 nights because hubby is a beginner. Personally I would be less cautious and go for a week. Costs aren't a good deal more and it keeps things simpler.
If you are going to a snow dome beforehand that may already be make or break. I have a couple who are friends who did a few lessons and decided pretty quickly it wasn't for them. Equally I've known people go on a skiing holiday for the first time and just not like it. It's never been down to the organisation, location etc. They just didn't like it. But it's quite a rarity and there was no reason to think they wouldn't like it before they went. One guy was a rugby player and sports car driver. But 4 days v 7 won't make much odds. If he hates it he will survive on mountain restaurant beverages and relaxing evenings.
| snowskii wrote: |
| We are open to all options / any time to go. But I want this to tick a box in terms of something special. Whether that’s the best mountain top scenery, quiet cosy romantic traditional town, or lively exciting apres ski. So we care less what the ‘character’ is; more that it’s inspiring and an experience if that makes sense |
Ski resorts and mountains (even the so called ugly ones) are pretty romantic and special IMO. And you can always find a cosy bar in the evening. I think it all comes down to lack of faff. So simple access to ski school, lifts and bars/shops.
| snowskii wrote: |
| Basically I have all future ski holidays resting on this being a good one! That’s a lot of pressure |
As above it will almost certainly not be down to you if there are no future ski holidays.
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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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| snowskii wrote: |
Just sitting here looking at private tuition. How much private tuition is best/ a sweet spot?
A couple of hours each day.
Stagger down; 4 hours day one, 3 hours day two, 2 hours day 3?
4 hours everyday?! |
In my (all be it limited) experience privates are more intense and best done in smaller doses. Assuming you are not a beginner or still learning the basics a good instructor will fairly quickly identify 2 or 3 of your worst flaws, technique issues, things you need to do next. And give you some drills, tips, things to focus/work on. You can then spend the next couple/few days doing just that. Rinse and repeat. At least that's how I think it works best.
You can of course do longer sessions, multi day sessions - if you have the money or need the company. May also depend on your personality/ambitions.
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But the OP's husband will be an almost complete beginner. And if he's fit and keen I reckon longer lessons would be fine, as they only have four days.
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You know it makes sense.
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@snowskii, Welcome. Plus one for flying to Salzburg and coming to the Ski Amade area. Maria-Alm is very pretty and has a good beginner's area. Flachau has better Apres. I'd avoid the first week of March in the German speaking areas as that's Vienna Week, but the second week will be great. Have a looka t the local tourist office websites for soome good deals.
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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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Thanks everyone, so the reason we want to limit the nights is because we have two preschoolers. They will be going with grandparents and will have the best time but we want to limit time away.
The idea is to test it out for my husband, give him a head start and then next year oldest will be old enough to start ski school and youngest old enough for ski crèche (might even bring non skier grandparents along). But the cost side of that is too much gamble for not knowing whether he will like it. Hence doing a short solo trip.
I am quite keen of the Zeel am option as there’s a really nice spa in hotel and we can make the most of this without kids. But worried the nursery slopes are going to be really chopped up at that time of year. But if we can get him up to a decent standard there is Saalbach just down the road included in the passes.
I have explained snow might now be perfect if we are going for blue sky skiing but that’s part of European skiing and I suppose is part of learning to ski different conditions?
If we are finishing lessons by midday latest; does anyone know if there will there be enough time to get over to Saalbach to enjoy some alternative cruises blues? Although we need to factor lunch in too. To come back down the mountain to go back up might be demoralising to a tired beginner. Maybe we should look at a bigger linked ski zone.
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Poster: A snowHead
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| snowskii wrote: |
| Thanks everyone, so the reason we want to limit the nights is because we have two preschoolers. They will be going with grandparents and will have the best time but we want to limit time away. |
The idea is to test it out for my husband, give him a head start and then next year oldest will be old enough to start ski school and youngest old enough for ski crèche (might even bring non skier grandparents along). But the cost side of that is too much gamble for not knowing whether he will like it. Hence doing a short solo trip.[/quote]
Thanks for explaining - makes sense now.
| snowskii wrote: |
But worried the nursery slopes are going to be really chopped up at that time of year. But if we can get him up to a decent standard there is Saalbach just down the road included in the passes.
I have explained snow might now be perfect if we are going for blue sky skiing but that’s part of European skiing and I suppose is part of learning to ski different conditions? |
if you go early Feb or mid-March you will get uncrowded slopes and great conditions. And if under instruction will be taken to the best slopes.
| snowskii wrote: |
| Maybe we should look at a bigger linked ski zone. |
Will be a waste of money - for a beginner on a short trip it will be much better to be somewhere small.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| snowskii wrote: |
| If we are finishing lessons by midday latest; does anyone know if there will there be enough time to get over to Saalbach to enjoy some alternative cruises blues? Although we need to factor lunch in too. To come back down the mountain to go back up might be demoralising to a tired beginner. Maybe we should look at a bigger linked ski zone. |
For four days with only 3hr morning lessons he won’t need much variety at all to practice unless he is very fast at learning to ski. I don’t think he’ll be cruising the blues comfortably for the first couple of days at least. For most people it’s pretty challenging learning as a slightly older adult.
After my first morning on the mountain I immediately signed up with the instructor for the afternoon! The thought of doing it on my own was rather daunting ( I had also done a 3 hr intro at MK). My quads ached from the effort of a snowplough going up and down a snowy Piste B in Morzine. I even bought a drink for a guy because he gave me two ibuprofen at the après bar at the bottom. But I was completely hooked after only two days!
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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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Sage advice there from @abricotine. You really are unlikely to need to provide any significant variety of "cruising" opportunities. Just getting down one moderately long, easy, run will be a triumph, needing some rest stops on the way. And getting on and off chairlifts can be a bit nerve-racking too. What makes best sense is to do the same runs you've done with the instructor. Trying for novelty can easily end up being a bit disorientating and demoralising. Snowploughing is physically very challenging for adults, even though kids of 4 master the "racing snowplough" with disconcerting ease.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I always loved watching the tiny kids doing a bombing speed snowplough! I think with my own kids it will be through gritted teeth. Probably a reason parents leave and don’t watch! Terrifying!
Hmm just been chatting to him this evening sounding out whether group or private would be a preference. He thinks I am being ridiculous and that he needs one morning lesson and he will figure the rest out 
We need to get to the snow dome! I told him everyone does lessons. It’s normal. I am not sure he’s even understood the basic basic levels of skiing ie. of a plough skier, scrappy half parallel skier, reasonably competent parallel leisure skier.
Do the snow domes teach parallel? Or is that just people ploughing around?
Basically he’s fit. He’s not going to have a physical issue with it. I can see now it’s going to be a psychological ego issue about being a beginner.
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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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@snowskii, to be fair I like the cut of his jib. I do know people that have binned off group lessons pretty quick. I did two weeks worth myself but that was partly because I went with someone who had more experience than me. People learn in different ways and at different pace. It also depends if you get a good group and/or instructor that makes it fun and push you.
Domes will teach you at that the level you are at. Yes, definitely parallel.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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He is very gung ho. Which maybe lack of fear is a plus in the early stages; also partly the reason I am demanding a pre-child trip! I think that could potentially be dangerous if confidence overtakes ability. I am sure we have all seen those skiers! My sister lost a front tooth to one when we were kids so conscious about that.
I am boring you all know
I am going to mull on this for a few days and check out some of the other kind recommendations further. Will report back on the final choice! Thanks again
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Les Gets is a cute village with short walks from hotels (we were there last month for hiking etc).
But would its home pistes be open in March? Looked like it suffered with rain going by webcams in recent winters.
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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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A fit and fearless beginner with tip top balance can certainly progress very fast. That describes many 6 year olds! See how it goes after a lesson in a fridge - he might be out-skiing you in a few days....
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Yes, the domes can "teach parallel" but most folk won't get there in one lesson!
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FAQ
