 Poster: A snowHead
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Hello,
I've narrowed down my trip to these 3 but I'm not sure which one would be best for these dates. I'll be flying in to Geneva and transferring via alpinefleet.
From what I've seen, Flaine seems more family-friendly. Deux Alps has more nightlife and is at a higher altitude, but I'm not sure if this is something that is a point of concern in March.. I haven't been able to find out much about Chamonix, but it is a lot closer to Geneva than Deux Alps.
Les Arcs was my 1st preference but is likely to sell out before I'm able to book the holiday.
Deux Alps Venosc: 07/03 - 14/03
Flaine Les Lindars: 14/03 -22/03
Chamonix: 22/03- 28/03
Les Arcs Classic: 22/03-28/03
Any insights would be highly appreciated
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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All of those dates are outside school holidays, so even if you can’t get your first choice accommodation, I can’t see that Les Arcs would “sell out”=@Riaa2311, What exactly are you looking for in terms of accommodation, level of skiing etc, they are all very different resorts.
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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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| Perty wrote: |
| I can’t see that Les Arcs would “sell out”=@Riaa2311, What exactly are you looking for in terms of accommodation, level of skiing etc, they are all very different resorts. |
I'm booking through UCPA/Action Outdoors, so it's their organized, all inclusive trips I'm talking about- especially since I'm looking at the 18-25 discounted options, there's a limited number of places.
I'm not looking for anything specific- I've never had a snow holiday so a ski trip sounds nice- especially since I like outdoorsy activities. This would be my 1st time skiing.
I'd say I'm looking for a 1 week getaway, to try out a new experience and see if it's something I'd like to do more often, and maybe meet new people since this will be my 1st solo trip. I'm a 24F in case that's relevant.
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I’d probably say don’t do chamonix then if it’s your first time on skis.
Les deux alpes is a busier, more party focused town. I don’t recall it being massively beginner friendly, though there are some blue runs there.
Les arcs would have been my choice out of your selection.
Flaine is good for beginners, close to GVA though a bit more reserved in the evening.
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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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March - all three will be fine.
L2A is a bit of a schlep from GVA but not impossible by any means. What it does offer is a huge area above 2000m and some really superb runs and a brilliant park, but I’m sure the others have equally good slopes in March and I’d be looking more towards what criteria for a resort are you after, as those all differ greatly.
Are you a beginner/intermediate/advanced?
Skier or boarder?
What won’t you want from
A trip?
EDIT: you answered some of this while I was typing
L2A is a great party town, loads of food and drink options along a main strip that runs the full width of the town, really well set up overall and offers two great mountains. The Vallee Blanche side is great for beginners and it's generally quieter. The main mountain has more beginner-friendly runs up the top towards the glacier, all very easily reached by a super fast Jandri 3S gondola - bottom to top station is about 17 minutes. We went at Easter with some beginners and they loved it. It’s not the cheapest resort for drinks but it’s France after all, it’s rarely bargain skiing these days.
Last edited by Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do. on Sat 25-10-25 11:07; edited 2 times in total
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If you are a beginner I’d say none of these are ideal but Flaine would be my recommendation.
It has a good snow record and is close to Geneva. It has some beginner terrain. However also bear in mind that it has quite a few red runs and as a beginner you would not be able to make the most of the whole Grand Massif. It is an area that is best for intermediates in my opinion.
If Les Arcs is still available I’d go there. If not I’d suggest Flaine.
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| Specialman wrote: |
L2A is a bit of a schlep from GVA but not impossible by any means. What it does offer is a huge area above 2000m and some really superb runs and a brilliant park, but I’m sure the others have equally good slopes in March and I’d be looking more towards what criteria for a resort are you after, as those all differ greatly.
L2 is a proper party town, really well set up and offers two great mountains. Went at Easter with some beginners and they loved it. It’s not the cheapest resort for drinks but it’s France after all, it’s rarely bargain skiing these days |
Thanks, this makes it a lot more clear. L2A might be better than Les Arcs then? I know Les Arcs is highly recommended but not sure if because of the slopes or the atmosphere, or both.
I'm thinking I book the trip today and then figuring out transport.
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As a Beginner, I'm with those who suggest Flaine and to avoid Chamonix.
I didn't enjoy L2A when there....but I'm not into partying.
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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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@Riaa2311, have only been to the La Plagne part of Paradiski so can't comment on Les Arcs specifically, but if it's anywhere near what La Plagne offered, that was a great place for beginners in terms of beginner areas (we learned to snowboard there over two trips within three months of each other).
On L2A, one nice thing about it is it's hard to get lost or isolated there... all roads lead back to resort so to speak, and wherever you end up it's a short walk or a ski bus back to any point in the village. We let our kids go off on their own feeling confident they were never far from a way down the mountain, be that a run or a lift. If it's your first snow holiday then you want to feel safe and not have issues if you happen to find yourself solo at any point - I know you'll probably be in a group lesson most of the time but that's a consideration IMO.
Head really good things about the UCPA holidays and I reckon wherever you choose, it'll be a right laugh and you'll meet people and end up being able to share slope time with like-minded people.
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| Quote: |
I reckon wherever you choose, it'll be a right laugh and you'll meet people and end up being able to share slope time with like-minded people
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This. You will presumably be booking onto a "beginners" option with UCPA so worrying about snow, and which runs are suitable, won't be your problem! In Les Deux Alpes you will probably be going right up the mountain from the beginning - which really gives you an insight into what it's all about. That week is probably the optimum in France - immediately after the French school holidays end.
It's a great idea for someone your age who wants to go and do something completely new with lots of good company and support. Don't forget to write and tell us how it goes!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Riaa2311 wrote: |
| Perty wrote: |
| I can’t see that Les Arcs would “sell out”=@Riaa2311, What exactly are you looking for in terms of accommodation, level of skiing etc, they are all very different resorts. |
I'm booking through UCPA/Action Outdoors, so it's their organized, all inclusive trips I'm talking about- especially since I'm looking at the 18-25 discounted options, there's a limited number of places.
I'm not looking for anything specific- I've never had a snow holiday so a ski trip sounds nice- especially since I like outdoorsy activities. This would be my 1st time skiing.
I'd say I'm looking for a 1 week getaway, to try out a new experience and see if it's something I'd like to do more often, and maybe meet new people since this will be my 1st solo trip. I'm a 24F in case that's relevant. |
As already mentioned, Flaine is ideal, all week long over the others.
The other choices of destination are very good too, but more real ski skill experience would be of quite significant benefit in those. This to facilitate a little more far reaching ski exploring as primary benefit in making good use of them
Flaine is one of the the best places for skier introduction, in my view. It just has so much to start from nothing while offering immediately useable piste for early progression. Even a relatively raw beginner will likely be able to ski from more or less the highest access point to. Its particularly good in facilitating this aspect while enhancing a genuine feel of achievement by offering that range.
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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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| Old Fartbag wrote: |
As a Beginner, I'm with those who suggest Flaine and to avoid Chamonix.
I didn't enjoy L2A when there....but I'm not into partying. |
I agree to avoid Chamonix. The beginner ski areas are limited and to get to them you are on and off buses. Plus even when you feel able to ski on the greens and blue runs there are not many of them. It is really an off piste and ski touring resort.
Re Flaine I’ve stayed at ucpa there and loved it. Short transfer from Geneva. Ski in ski out. It is in a snow bowl so loads of runs take you back there. True, the nightlife is more limited but I remember there were a couple of great bars and a nightclub. The bar at ucpa is super social though so you might stay more in the centre. Plus don’t underestimate how tired you will be as a beginner. You will be using muscles you never knew you had and falls, even at low speeds can bruise.
I have not stayed at ucpa in Flaine but went there in a hotel. There will be more nightlife there and more shops but a longer transfer. Skiing was similar to Flaine and they have a glacier.
I don’t know when you are planning to book but I know you only need pay a £100 deposit.
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Sorry, meant to say not stayed at ucpa in l2a
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You know it makes sense.
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Sorry, meant to say not stayed at ucpa in l2a
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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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personally I have been to L2A a few times and last year I found it too crowded and the vallee blanche is ok but can be not very snow sure ..and you mention Venosc ...that is quite a long way from the resort down a bubble ....personally go for Les A or La Plagne
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Poster: A snowHead
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@DaveD, uhhh you’re not going to be worried about the Vallée Blanche on your first ski trip (and I have no idea what you mean about it not being snow sure  ?)
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@DaveD, and why mention the Vallee Blanche in a sentence about L2A? The OP didn't mention La Plagne as a possibility for the weeks/courses she is looking to book. And where does Venosc come into the picture?
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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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| under a new name wrote: |
| @DaveD, uhhh you’re not going to be worried about the Vallée Blanche on your first ski trip (and I have no idea what you mean about it not being snow sure ?) |
It's a heresy I know, but there is another Vallee Blanche, at L2A - I think they have recently put in a green piste there. It is lower altitude than the one in Chamonix!
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@schauspiele, ahhhhh, doh!! well that explains it!!
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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, Venosc was part of the original post ...if you care to look ...there is a bubble connecting it to the centre of L2A ...L2a was the meadow for the villahe of Venosc ...and La Vallee Blanche is one side of L2a ....https://woody.cloudly.space/app/uploads/les-deux-alpes/2025/10/HIVER-2026-VALLEE-BLANCHE.jpg
I was there in 23 in Jan and there was not much snow there ...it is quite low
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Isn't everyone overthinking this? @Riaa2311 is a beginner and will only use a fraction of the terrain wherever s/he goes. What's needed is somewhere that doesn't add obstacles to the learning curve, or s/he will be put off ever skiing again. Flaine fits the bill well, short transfer from Geneva and beginner skiing on the doorstep.
Les Arcs and Les Deux Alpes won't really offer any advantage, but the transfer will be more of a pain. Chamonix is less suitable, the skiing is strung out along the valley and although there are decent areas for learning the UCPA isn't near them (I think I am right in saying) and @Riaa2311 would have the problem of catching buses each day. I don't think alleged nightlife should sway the decision, it is the skiing that makes you catch the bug and come back for more; in any case staying in a UCPA there are options in-house.
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Whichever option the OP (who seems to have just the right attitude for this adventure) chooses should work fine - the UCPA formula is what matters.
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@j b, I think UCPA buses folks around, but, no, Cham isn't really a perfect beginners' resort.
@DaveD, yeahbut there's any other vallée blanche and there's the actual iconic Vallée Blanche 
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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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Flaine would be my choice for a beginner, good range of easily accessible beginner areas plus it's the nearest to Geneva (Chamonix a bit further but not really suitable for beginner imv).
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@billb, Flaine definitely better for a beginner but Chamonix a lot faster to get to, motorway +/- all the way.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@under a new name, thanks, I stand corrected, was only considering autoroute distance. It does take a while up to Flaine off the A40.
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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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| under a new name wrote: |
| @billb, Flaine definitely better for a beginner but Chamonix a lot faster to get to, motorway +/- all the way. |
Could always stay in sameons or morello and take the lifts up, prettier than flaine too
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But the OP is staying in a UCPA!!!!!
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You know it makes sense.
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@billb, getting down at the end of the day not fast either 
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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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@DaveD, @Origen, the UCPA in L2A is at the Venosc end of town - I recall that end of the town is referred to as 'venosc' on some maps (there is a ski bus service called the Ligne Venosc that serves the neighbourhood), a bit confusing TBH when the actual village is down in the valley, but it is what it is.
Anyway, I digress....
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Poster: A snowHead
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That's useful clarification, @Specialman. There is a lift, I think (I dimly recall using it getting back up one afternoon after morning lessons on the glacier and a walk down in the afternoon, in summer) but it would still be inconvenient if the UCPA were right down in Venosc village!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Origen, I stopped down there once ..kept my skis up in the village and there is a large car park and the bubble takes about 10/15 minutes ..there is a ticket office down there..it actually saves nearly an hour rather than drive up to the resort ...
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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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@Riaa2311, sounds like a great way to get started, learning as a group is fun and the UCPA all-inclusive set-up leaves you with little to worry about.
As to which resort and which week, the collective has pointed out some of the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
Just looking at the UCPAs and the locations, it looks like the ones in Flaine would be best located for you as they both look to be close to the beginners slopes, the Altair one looks the nicer building. I think also at Flaine they have some free beginners lifts, so you might not need a lift pass for the first few days. The brutalist architecture in Flaine is a bit Marmite, but it offers good progression of slopes up the bowl.
Les Arcs would be the place I would want to go as an intermediate, but beginners have different needs. The UCPA looks to be on the edge of Arc 1600 with great views out over the Tarentaise Valley across to Mont Blanc. You will feel you are on a mountain here, as opposed to be at the base of an enclosed bowl or valley bottom. There is a blue that runs above it, but you won't be able to use that for the first few days, so I reckon they will have to bus you down to where the ski school meets.
The UCPA in Chamonix is a pretty building that is handy for the Town Centre and nightlife, but the nursery slopes are a distance away on the edge of town. The views in Chamonix are great, looking up at the towering peaks, but you will likely be stuck on the valley bottom for most of the week unless they bus you up to Le Tour or Les Houches.
The UCPA in L2A is indeed in the middle of the Venosc end of the resort and not in the valley village of Venosc. There are nursery slopes not too far away. The slopes either side of the resort are steep and not great for beginners, but I think there are ways round it now.
They would all be valid options as the UCPA beginners package will no doubt overcome any of the location disadvantages mentioned by bussing you about if it's too far to walk.
Is one option significantly cheaper than the rest?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| Quote: |
The slopes either side of the resort are steep and not great for beginners, but I think there are ways round it now.
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The way round is to go both up and down in a lift!
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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 wrote: |
| Quote: |
The slopes either side of the resort are steep and not great for beginners, but I think there are ways round it now.
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The way round is to go both up and down in a lift! |
Sure, but they created some new green pistes that zig-zagged their way down too 
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Those sort do tend to be well worth avoiding at the end of the day. I wonder if easiski takes her beginners down them?
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Just to add to what others have said (take with a pinch of salt as I dont know the specifics of the UCPA locations):
You are a beginner staying with UCPA - you'll have a great time at any of the sites but each has pros/cons - so have a think what matters most to you:
Flaine - easy transfer from Geneva, great for beginners, all accom is close to the slopes - Flaine is a bit brutalist concretey as a town and not much nightlife (but you can socialise at UCPA so prob wouldnt be a problem.
Chamonix - easyish transfer, not greatest or most convenient for beginners (its ok just not as good as others) - most accom requires a bus to and from slopes, decent nightlife.
Les Arc - longish transfer, good beginner setup, good nighlife.
Les 2 Alps - longest transfer (but certainly bearable), once youve learnt the basics there are good beginner slopes at the top of the mountain (vs lower down for the other resorts) so you'll get the full-on top of a mountain view which you might not get elsewhere. Great nightlife.
Unless you are big into partying, I'd prob recommend Flaine as it just makes everything easy which counts for a lot when you are learning...
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FAQ
