 Poster: A snowHead
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Just booked to Arinsal for 4th March - unbelievable Crystal deal and staying at the Montane hotel (3* HB).
Couple of questions:
Has anyone stayed at the Montane? If so, any info be interesting.
Best advice for ski school as there'll be a complete beginner in the group.
Recommendations for ski hire.
What's the nightlife like?
Any snowHeads going to be there during that week?
Thanks guys/gals.
Marcus
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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can't advise on Arinal, but the ski school in andorra are very good
try to get morning lessons as this leaves the afternoons for practise. Also the piste are likely to be in a better state.
have fun
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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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rob and sharon, which one of you do I thank? I'm a 10 week "Vet" and have done some fairly intensive training, but the SO is new to the game - I guess the title is a little ambiguous 
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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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It's rob here at present, a group of us learnt there (both boarders and skiers) and we had a great time.
The ski school runs either morning or afternoons, 5 days a week.
your ski reps should give you an idea on lift passes and rentals.
here's a link to our last trip
http://www.geocities.com/daggers_jones/ski2006/index.html
have a good time
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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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Marcus, Crystal have the morning slot 10-12 for lessons, much better than the dreaded 12-2 slot with First Choice. Montane is opposite the Gondola, not stayed in it myself but it seems very popular and you're OPPOSITe the gondola so cant complain too much! Ski school is fabulous, you however might need to get a guide and go to Pal/ Arcalis as you will get bored v quickly- could be a good op for some private lessons ( a minimal 35euro and hour) and tweak your technique.
Nightlife- in my experience the best in Andorra, plenty of variety, not too many beered up boys, mostly mixed groups and couples, 70's night on Friday is always a good laugh. Apres straight from the piste- Quo Vadia, El Cau and Ciscos all pull you in with cheap drinks and free toasties and nachos! ( the prs will get you at the bottom of the gondola-no ibiza style hardsell though!)
If your missus is a complete beginner book the learn to ski package- £140, learn to board £180, BARGAIN! you'll get all your clobber from Pic Negre at the top of the gondola, some fairly good gear- im guessing at 10weeks you might have some of your own though.
Give us a shout if you need owt else. My pics of Arinsal are on snowMedia zone.
Nade
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Marcus, Off to Arnisal soon - only 9 more sleeps!! I learnt there about 5 years ago and the ski school is at the top of the gondala which runs from the centre of the village. Throughly enjoyed it there last time. Not stayed at Montane but i'm sure someone else will have. There are several hire shops in the village all around the same price - i'm booking mine before i go with Pic Negre who are right opposite the gondala. Handy for getting your gear sorted on the Sunday night before the mad rush on Monday morning. They do a 15% discount with online bookings - have a look here http://rentasport.sport2000.fr/uk/. Lockers are a good idea as many places won't let you keep your stuff in the hotel rooms. the lockers are at the main base station at the top of the gondala. They have ones for 4 sets of skis and one for 10 have a look here www.vallnord.com. Another good tip i got off a snowhead was the bar El cau which serves up free toasted sanwiches with your drinks- great for when you've finished for the day. Another good web site is www.arinsal.com which has a map of the village. can't comment on the nightlife as i'm a real lightweight and usually in bed by 9pm!!!! Have a great time and lets pray for more snow!!
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Nadenoodlee, good info, thanks. Yes indeed have all me own gear and trying to get the "missus " to avoid an credit card busting trip to S & R's fashion emporium where she's already spotted gear worth more than the entire trip (Hotel and parking at Stansted included!!!!!) and to consider a mix of borrowing and matching at TK Maxx
Like the idea of falling out of breakfast straight onto the Gondola and the night life is right up my street.
Really think a guide is needed to get to Pal?
What's the deal with th learn to ski package? Seems like a good option.
SallyT, thanks also - good advice on the discount and I'm very keen to avoid the Monday crush as had heard that elsewhere. Nice links by the way  Have a great trip.
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Marcus, guide will show you more of Pal / Arcalis ( arcalis is amazing) than you would find on your own! Otherwise in all honesty, you're going to get a bit bored.
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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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Nadenoodlee, what with trying to keep the OH out of the boutiques, conquer her fear of heights, overcome the insatiable desire to pose? Boredom? Just kidding. That's really helpful, I'll check the guide thing out and see if I can combine it with some coaching or summat.
Marcus
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Marcus, boutiques? no problem there. there are none.
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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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Nadenoodlee, have you any more info on getting a guide for going over to Pal - sounds like a good idea - any idea on cost? Also i know it might be a long shot but on the Sport2000 site they list two shops for Pic Negre, would you know which one is the one at the bottom of the gondala in the village - the two address they list are C/Général Edifici Can Jan - La Massana- AD 400 ARINSAL and c/Général Edifici Areny- La Massana- AD 400 ARINSAL or would it really matter? Thanks
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You know it makes sense.
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umm no idea im afraid. SallyT,
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