Good for 2nd weeker suggestions please.

A snowHead

Hi Everyone,

Skied for the first time last year and now am completely hooked, I cannot believe wasted all these years, am 43 now!

We are looking at France (has to fly from Gatwick) for next year probably around mid January, there will be 8 of us.

1 experienced black run type
1 mad snowboarder who will happily do reds
3 red, will do easy blacks
2 nervous 2nd weekers and one more adventurous 2nd weeker.

We did La Plagne last year and to be honest found that a bit limited for easy blues, there were a couple which we did as part of the lessons and then redid in the afternoons but the majority of blues we tried seemed quite narrow which is not so good if you need a lot of turning room.

Searching the forums for beginners +wide +blues and reading the resort posts has given me a few to think about.

Courchavel gets recommended lots but gets knocked for it's prices, La Tania gets suggested by some.

What I would love is someone who has skied La Plagne to be able to suggest somewhere else with plenty of wider blues as well as challenging reds and blacks in France or if elsewhere accessible from Gatwick.

Thanks,

Noggin

A snowHead

there is somewhere I'd recommend...... but I can't bring myself to mention it's name.....do a search for 'worlds greatest resort...ever'

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

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Serre Chevalier
Les Arcs
Portes du Soleil - Avoriaz/Morzine

Oh there was one other, just over the border from La thuile, the name's on the tip of my tongue ....

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Noggin007, Courchevel 1650

The best place in the world for confidence giving blue runs. Prices not too bad in 1650 and plenty for the more adventurous skiers. I wouldn't bother with La Rosiere as the runs are not that gentle for the nervous 1 weeker.

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Noggin007, i did season in La Plagne-- and agree that a beginner might feel limited if you are just skiing around Plagne Centre. Look at Alpe D'huez- I did my 2nd and 3rd week there and loved it. Plenty for all abilities aswell

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

Noggin007, what are your other criteria? for example, do you want to have "ski in ski out" accommodation, or are you prepared to bus?

I agree the Courchevel valley is ideal in many ways, and you don't have to pay a fortune. Just go self catering or stay in a good value catered chalet (1650 is a good idea, that's where we stayed when we went to Courchevel, and you can bus up to 1800 for a change without having to do the liaison if you wish). The more experienced skiers can buy 3 valleys passes, but the Courchevel only pass would be fine for the less adventurous skiers. If you self cater, hire a car from the airport and do a BIG supermarket shop on the way!

Welcome to Snowheads.

At 43 you've not left it too late, got at least 20 years ahead of you...

After all it is free

Noggin007, try Bansko, Bulgaria. They have invested a fortune in infrastructure and when I was there a couple of years ago with a VERY mixed group it worked out really well. On snow - some great blues/reds (the blacks they have are not challenging so if you have a ski whizz with you they may get bored.. unless they find the nice little cliffs and powder stashes we did), good beginner area, lots of trees to play in for the more experienced. Off -snow.. Eastern European delights, great food, lively traditional and modern apres ski.. cuisine.. meat, meat, with a side serving of meat and a meat desert to round off.. but it is yummy. I have an apartment there but it wouldn`t be big enough for your group Crying or Very sad

You could also try Andorra - the resorts in Andorra are now lift linked so one pass gets you access to 5 resorts.. endless variety of blues and reds but again not so hot fo rthe ski whizz.

Our second week we went to Les Arcs, third week to Alpe d'Huez. Either of those would suit your criteria well I'd have thought and both have good ski schools.

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Thanks for all the great suggestions.

I can see myself concentrating on Courchevel 1650 or Alpe D'huez for a late deal in early Jan.

Thanks again all.

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

Noggin007, Late deals a plenty at that time. You could get something decent at a snip.

snow reports

Noggin007, as another late-starter to skiing (1st time November last year), I did a 2nd week in Courchevel. Stayed chalet-board in 1850, less than 100 metres to La Croisette lift station and all for £320 in late January. We went with Inghams and could not fault the experience and the value for money. Food was superb and the accommodation was grand. Our fellow skiers and boarders were excellent company too.

I would recommend Courch for the sheer wealth of runs. As 2nd weekers, I suggest you try the Reynards piste off the Verdons lift if you go. There is a good stretch with some nice rollers and a long run out where you can build up some good speed in a tuck and maybe even get some air Toofy Grin

.

Noggin007, we also did our second week in C1650, mainly because a friend of ours has a couple of apartments there. Perfectly situated and according to his web site, he has availability in the middle 2 weeks of Jan. PM me for his web site if you're interested

ETA: oops, just seen how many of you there are, so my pal's apartment is prob too small, but would still second the recommendation of C1650

You know it makes sense.

Noggin007,
You can get to loads of different places from Gatwick. If as you say you are waiting on a late deal I would not restrict yourself to France. If that's where the best snow is thats great (It was along with western switzerland last season) The year before it was much better in Austria, next season who knows? In January if it is cold and has not snowed for a while the pistes can get very hard and icy not ideal for the nervous second weeker.
Lots of places may suit, I would think Wengen Ischgl Obertauern are all highly thought of on this board as well as the resorts already mentioned.

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

Noggin007, you could have a look at La Rosiere, there are some nice long wide blue runs and enough red and black pistes to keep the more experienced skiers happy. The skiing is s[lit between France and Italy with mostly south facing pistes in france and north facing runs in Italy so there's a good mix of conditions. The lift pass is terrific value at just over £100.00 for 6 days and snow conditions are usually very good, the resort is close to Mont Blanc so it's very snow certain. Have a look at our website www.tracksvacations.com for details of our chalet we've got some tempting offers for January.

A snowHead

OK, who had 20 hours in the sweepstake? Laughing

A snowHead

Another vote for Courchevel 1650, and lessons with New Generation. Lots of confidence-inspiring pistes above 1650, and possible to ski across to 1850 for that sense of achievement for the 2-weekers, plus as much terrain as the more experienced skiers/boarders could want. Althouh staying in 1850 is more expensive, it doesn't have to break the bank and the terrain around that village is just as suitable for mixed ability groups as 1650. If you're based in 1850 another ski school option would be Supreme.

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

rob@rar, I would also add that it's plenty easy enough to use Supreme in 1850 even if you're staying in 1650, the bus runs every 10 minutes

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if you can get a deal in 1850, I agree with Rob and its more convenient for the more adventurous skiers who are getting around the whole 3V> There is a also a really wide blue run down to 1550 which is frequently deserted albeit a little steeper than other blue runs. I've ahd fun going up and down that run a few times. Don't rule out 1550 either- one chair/bubble up to 1850.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

I'm in a similar position, going with skiers more experienced than me. We've chose Vallandry for next Feb, which gives good access to both Les Arcs and Paradiski areas. I have got lessons booked with NewGeneration and have been told that V has the longest novice run in Europe - I think it is called Le Foret - sounds like my scene!

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NewSkier, the Foret run is lovely. Starts on a broad, gentle plateau above the resort then winds through the forest down to the village. In some places it's very flat (it's a road in the summer for part of it) but terrific for new skiers to be able to travel some distance without getting freaked by steep bits. New Gen in Vallandry is very good - small, but with very good instructors. I've skied a few times with the guy who heads the school there, John Thomas (who is also an occasional poster here on snowHeads) and will get some more instruction with him this season.

dan100, there's now a new green piste from 1850 down to 1550 - you're right, the original blue there has a fairly steep section in the middle of it. We've stayed in 1550 a few times - great access to the skiing, and a bit cheaper/quieter than 1850.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

rob@rar, ooh thanks - even more eager to get there now ... only 21 weeks to wait!

After all it is free

NewSkier, I'm sure you'll love it Very Happy

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eng_ch, any chance of your mates website please.

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

Noggin007, how about Tignes? Lots of nice wide blues, some approachable reds for when you feel a bit more confident, & plenty of stuff for the more experienced members of your party... and you can ski to Val D'Isere as well, of course, should you feel the need...

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Masque, you really are a piece of poo-poo aren't you, I suppose your opinion is based on your extensive experience of cowdoo because it certainly isn't based on your extensive ski experience.

You know it makes sense.

Noggin007, It doesn't have to be France.

If the snow conditions are decent, you will get more for your money in Austria, or in the Italian Dolomites - Selva would probably be a good choice for a mixed group.

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

Noggin007, We'd be happy to help you in Alpe d'Huez! Get in touch when you are looking to book your trip as we always give special deals to Snowheads and our flights are from Gatwick. If you have any questions on the ski area just ask

A snowHead

katski, I would recommend ADH too, great big wide blues served from resort level for the beginners, harder runs from the glacier down for the more experienced, you can have a morning of hard skiing, and then meet up with the beginners after lunch or so some easy blues with them.

A snowHead

David@traxvax, that's a bit harsh David, I should think my experience of La Ros with you illustrates EXACTLY why it's unsuitable for 2nd. week skiers. While we're on the subject of experience, both the people you said you skied the Vallée Blanche with are unequivocal in denying they were there Confused

perhaps you can enlighten us?

More to the point, WHAT exactly in my post is incorrect?

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

Noggin007, Good luck with your trip. I too found skiing late (ish) in life but am more than making up for it now

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My gf found most Selva runs too intimidating and found it sometimes just too much of a trek to get to the few easier ones- i'd agree with others that ADH has plenty of greens and easyish blues as well,the other resort that was reccommended to me was Passo Tonale in Italy-it got the thumbs up from my gf and a couple of beginners that came with us.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

I've skied la Rosiere: absolutely nothing wrong with it for 2nd week skiers, there are dozens of places in the alps which would be far worse.

And no, I am not David@traxvax in disguise! Smile

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I still think that for a mixed group les Arcs has a hell of a lot to offer.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

After all it is free

Noggin007, There are lots of places that fit the bill.

Have a look in one of the books like 'Where to Ski & Snowboard' or 'Good Ski Guide'. Then decide which places appeal and come back with a short list. Courchevel is very good but you can get to lots of countries from Gatwick. Sauze d'Oulx or Soll are other possibilities to name but two.

achilles, I do not know about any court case either. Both Masque and David can take care of themselves in 'good-natured banter'. Though I suspect the banter may be more damaging to David and an avoidance strategy would be more commercially sensible. I have never been to La Rosiere but it did sound fascinating. Main issue is that I prefer hotels.

if you like somewhere a bit more 'pimp' then what about Lech? It's a bit more upmarket than the french resorts and has got lots of really nice WIDE crusy blues. and the hardcore bunch can do things like the white circle (should take no more than 3 hours) or drop across to Stanton on the bus..

If you want to stay with france then I'd second Vallandry (les arcs) , Courch1650 + NEW GEN and Alpe D'huez..

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the ice perv, "there are dozens of places in the alps which would be far worse." Rizoul for a start wink

. There are also dozens of places better with a much larger and conveniently accessed gentle piste area. I've never said La Ros is a bad place but to get around the whole area you need to be confident (and relatively quick) on narrow cat-tracks and very tolerant of old jerky drags. Let's face it, getting down the back of Fort to the coll drags is not for the faint hearted, neither is getting to the Fort chair in the first place. There are worse places, but for all its charms, not the least of which is its warm hearted, sotto voce, philanthropic, chalet pimp, there are many resorts that will give the early learner a much larger, better lift served area and thus a better experience for their second week. They can always sample the hot spam of LA Ros at a later date.

Help!!

Good for 2nd weeker suggestions please.

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