Poster: A snowHead
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I haven't done any research yet but just seen a couple of comments on other posts about cancelling - that's a scary thought, I don't want to miss my white holiday.
Well maybe I'm lucky, we haven't booekd yet, so where is there plenty of snow ? We'll be going 2nd week of Feb (half term) so maybe I shouldn't worry yet. Is it likely that most resorts will be white by then ?
We will consider Bansko, Andorra, France (not LDA, that's for the summer) or Austria. Nowhere expensive and N. America is too far. I would prefer to not go above 3000m 'cos I get altitude sickness (yes, 2 yrs running in LDA). I guess the glaciers will be packed anyway if snow is poor elsewhere.
I've only been at this for 2 years so would value comments from more experienced members.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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mike.healy, I suggest that you go anywhere that you can find suitable accommodation!!
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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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Elizabeth B, There seems to be plenty on offer, I get emails several times a week offering stuff including Half term week. Or is this likely to dry up suddenly ?
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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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Fair enough....check out the snow reports and go somewhere that isn't likely to be full of Brit kids!!!
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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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I am more concerned about snow Elizabeth B, Brit kids are no problem as I've never really grown up myself.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Is it likely that most resorts will be white by then
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Yes, probably, but even in a more average year Bansko can be questionable for snow and, so far, Andorra is having a quite terrible year, a lot worse than the Alps. I think if I were you I would try to book fairly soon - once the snow arrives, which it will, availability will drop sharply. Do you have kids or are you tied to half term because you are a teacher? What sort of place do you like, apart from inexpensive? What sort of skiing? And what sort of accommodation - self-catering, catered chalet, hotel? Is quality of tuition important?
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Lastminute are offering catered chalet in Courcheval 1850 or Merible for £399 half term week- flights from Gatwick!
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Nadenoodlee, last occupants (Russian) left in a hurry!
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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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pam w, Thanks Pam. to answer your questions, it is me (53) and my 19 yr old son (on a reading week from uni).
We think we prefer hotels....but whatever it is we don't want to cook or wash up.
We are low intermediates and we wll take group tuition as a way of meeting people. Tuition in Bankso and Borovets wasn't very technical but certainly very social; we had a few good private lessons in LDA with Jeremy at the European Ski School.
The snow in Bankso last Feb was good, though the temp was -17 most days on the hill.
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Have you had a look at Passo Tonale, skiing would suit you there. There may be a lot of schools there that week though.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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"even in a more average year Bansko can be questionable for snow"
Not sure where Pam W gets her stats from but Bansko has an excellent snow record, in fact the best in Bulgaria - unfortunately this year (like the rest of Europe) there has not been a large quantity of natural snow falling.
Whatever you do Mike - have fun. It is around 6 weeks away so I would not worry too much about the conditions...
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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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Livigno would also fit the bill. 1800-2800m, tax free and currently has good snow
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You know it makes sense.
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mike.healy, I don't think that accommodation will be a problem at half term, it's the flights that sell out. I used to have to go at half term all the time when I was married as my ex was a teacher. We used to book a cheap flight somewhere that served a variety of resorts and then choose a resort and book accommodation nearer the time when you could see what the snow was going to be like. Alitalia flights from Heathrow were always good value.
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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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mike.healy,
It is peak holiday time in France with French kids so personally I would avoid it if possible.
Having said that France and Switzerland seem to have the snow at the moment.
For two people I might be inclined to wait and book in Austria if there is a further snow fall (Which is likley at this time of year.) Austria is cheaper than France and has the best value for money hotels of any country IMO.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Quote: |
but Bansko has an excellent snow record, in fact the best in Bulgaria
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Yes, I'm sure it does have the best snow record in Bulgaria. mike.healy, you could try a catered chalet - should be sociable and relaxing and if you choose one with around, say, 16 guests you would be able to avoid anyone really objectionable. We always found good company in chalets, and the availability of a ski guiding service is a real plus if you are in a big and unfamiliar resort. Nadenoodlee found a few good offers - go for Courchevel over Meribel any day, I reckon. Higher, better skiing, not quite so many Hooray Henrys and if you stay in a chalet the resort need not be expensive (just watch out, some of the slopeside bars are horrendously more expensive than others... look at the price list). Another option would be to take lessons with a British ski school with small groups - Courchevel also a great place for that - you would probably enjoy technically more proficient instruction and the Courchevel valley has some wonderful progressive skiing for intermediates who don't want to be bored or scared. Funnily enough, my daughter never seems to do any reading in her reading weeks, either...
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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 can second Courchevel as a great place to ski. Fair warning about slopeside restaurants but other than some spots its no worse than most of the larger French resorts. Be careful of the large and wonderful slopeside restaurant on the green run that is on the main run back in- unless you win the lottery!!!
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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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dan100, Do you mean the Bergeries? The one with the gold bows on it? It is wonderful, and you don't have to have the 2000 Euro wines! They did a decent spag bol etc for us poor people without complaint or the need for a mortgage!
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