 Poster: A snowHead
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So, here I am with my tail planted firmly between my legs in admitting a proposed visit to a 'cash cow' of a ski resort. However, you'll appreciate that I am basically being coerced into this by a group of 'friends' who are keener on the nightlife than the skiing.
What's more, I am being sentenced here for two weeks over the Easter break in 2005. Can you think of anything worse? Still, it isn't Tignes, is it?
To add insult to injury, they want me to organise a nice hotel. So can anyone recommend a good 'un (not the Tsantelina) that isn't full of Brits, louts, drunks and next to or on top of a nightclub?
Direct access to the slopes isn't vital-I'm looking to put us somewhere that's tranquil (ie not next to the Dreaded Dickies bar).
Any suggestions?
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Tue 28-09-04 13:38; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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"Direct access to the slopes isn't vital-I'm looking to put us somewhere that's tranquil"......
kevin mcclean, Anywhere except Val D'isere will probably fit the bill!!
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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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Peter-yes, I agree with you entirely but this is being forced upon me so how about anywhere that's 'relatively tranquil'?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Sorry Kevin, but I haven't had the pleasure of visiting the resort, so I can't offer any useful suggestions. I'm sure somebody will be along soon who can.
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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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Pitch a tent?  Borrow a rainbow-coloured van from Greenpeace and kip in the carpark? Vive la différence....
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Kevin. Why not phone John Yates-Smith at YSE. He's the brother of the aforementioned Dick's and knows every inch of the resort. I'm sure he'd help, even if you don't buy a package from him.
If I was in your shoes I'd stay in the old town because it has character. Don't know the names of the hotels there, but some look v. good.
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We could kip in the under-visited Church-how about that?
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No problem, and a good place to pray for snow. They take online bookings
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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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kevin mcclean, I'm sure no one would object if you tried sleeping in the church of the old village of Tignes Les Brevières (also known as the 3 second village).... but I hear it's a bit damp
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Well, it would be - it's under several hundred feet of water.....errrr, oh no, that's Tignes Sous l'Eau (or is it Tignes Sous-Marin?).
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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One and the same. Wouldn't sleep too well in the '3 second village' just beneath the dam, either, personally...
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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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Try the Brussels - not too pricy but good food and very convenient.
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If it is any help - I keep going back to the same hotel which I cant remember the name of which isnt very nice but is very conveniant. Auberge something or other I think. Of course if you want tranquil then you'll want... CHALET DU LAC which is in Villaret du Nial. Two benfits - 1) miles from noisy bars and 2) you wont be asked to organise accomodation again.
Minor downside is that it is also miles from the piste...
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You know it makes sense.
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Mark Lehto, Why do you keep going back to a hotel which isn't very nice? Val is a big place. Try another convenient one. Go on, live a little 
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brian
brian
Guest
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kevin mcclean,
I stayed at La Galise last year. It's fairly quiet and good value B&B (it doesn't have a restaurant) and very centrally placed. What's more the clientele were mainly French although I think there were a few from one of the UK tour ops (Inghams?).
www.lagalise.com
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Poster: A snowHead
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maggi well largely cos my mate knows their number. Planning usually involves ringing them up on the drive down from Geneva... which explains why I have stayed in Chalet du Lac before.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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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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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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kevin mcclean, hi, stayed at the Kandahar last season. Try for a special deal through tourist office on the web. Close to everything. 5 mins walking to lifts. A really nice hotel, good food, good atmosphere but probably not very cheap at Easter. Like elsewhere in the resort, expensive to eat. Great free bus service to extremities of area.
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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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Thanks everyone. I have contacted the Lavancher directly who seem to offer a reasonable deal. Anyone been there before? Boardski, yes I have shot myself in the foot somewhat, haven't I?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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kevin mcclean, how about a chalet apartment? I think you islanders call them self-catered??? Cheaper & calmer than most hotels. Otherwise compare bookings through Tourist Office as they may offer better overall deal, with discounts on equipment rentals and lift tix.
Speaking as one who has done Val d'Isere two Easters in a row (2003-2004), I can attest it's ... overrun with hordes of Brits, indeed. And I unfortunately found that the Brits don't get friendlier with each glass. Unlike we Yanks. 
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Kevin, have you though about a chalet that you can take over with your doubtless oh-so-sophisticated friends? I'm not a "chalet person" at all but I stayed at one of VIP's (Val d'Isere Independent Properties - don't be too put off by the name) for the last week of the season. It was a luxury, fully-catered place which wasn't cheap, but was good value. They have several and I stayed at the Farmhouse which, although next to the Church, was very quiet on account of 3-foot-thick walls, and really rated for charm etc. The food was excellent and it was staffed by a very sensible couple who weren't only there for the beer, even brought us tea in bed in the morning etc. It's the only way I could bear to do a chalet holiday - but might be expensive over Easter. But you can save by arranging your own travel.
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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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We stayed in the Mercure (www.mercurevaldisere.com) which wa snot only decent (and quiet) but also right next to the bottom of the slopes. It's a chain so might not be to everyone's liking, but the staff were very nice and a good laugh.
Otherwise, I'd reccommend checking which hotels the package companies go to and find a different one (if you want to avoid the Brits).
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FAQ
........The shame 
........ KM has to SHARE moguls with mere mortals and watch as they pat themselves on the back when the "complete" a black run. Then off for a quiet drink and bite to eat with the sounds of "une bee-yur and une pullett and freet, seeeeez voooooos plays!" ringing in the ears. 