 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi guys,
I'm a beginner going abroad with a group of around 10 in early March - mostly beginners, some more advanced.
We are struggling to decide on a venue so i'd appreciate any advice.
The main criteria : Slopes not too busy, good ski school, middle-range price, accommodation still available, variety of runs and snow! We aren't too worried about nightlife as we are going primarily to ski / board, but good local facilities would definately be a bonus. We think a package option is probably the best bet. We've considered Levi - Finland, Andorra and Val Cenis so far.
Thanks.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Welcome to snowheads, wanderer9. What sort of budget are you working on? And what sort of accommodation? You have a huge range of places to choose from. If you head to France, go the week beginning 8 March, as the previous week is a busy school holiday week.
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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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hi,
thanks for replying - budget i'd say is £500-600, seems to me like most packages include ski pass/ equipment.
accommodation-wise, we are quite flexible...
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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wanderer9, Geilo in Norway is good for beginners. It's a small resort, with limited advanced pistes - but lots of choice for beginners/intermediates.
You should be able to get a cabin or maybe even a catered chalet for that sort of cash (we did). I think only Neilson organise package trips to Geilo - so try them.
Most package prices do not include equipment/lift passes - these are nearly always additional charges on top of the basic holiday price - so make sure you take this into account.
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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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wanderer9, some beginner packages do include everything, but on the whole they don't. £500-600 is a fairly tight budget (and you'll spend money on lunches and beers over and above that) so we'll get thinking about some ideas. Norway is a very expensive place to drink! I don't know Andorra but that is probably a good idea - the ski schools there have a good reputation. If there's any snow.....
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Hi wanderer9, Have you thought about Livigno, Italy. I've been about 4 times now, always in the 1st or 2nd week in March and the snow has always been great. There is a wide range of accommodation available to suit most budgets and the real plus is that the whole place is duty free so (especially) drinks are very reasonable. The ski school is pretty good and with two mountains to choose from, plenty of choice for beginners and intermediates.
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I would also plump for Italy for value for money resorts.I've done Passo Tonale 3 years-compact resort well suited to beginners/ints and linked to Ponte de Legno which has great advanced tree-lined skiing,and the snow quality is very good-2.5m high up!Ryanair fly to Bergamo-2 hour drive.Try a search for hotels there-quite often availability.Better in an apartment/residence and eat out every night as it's so cheap and the food is great
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appreciate the help everyone - let me just point out that the budget can be a little flexible and that figure was only for flights and accommodation.
For me, one of the most important things is quiet slopes - i don't expect to have the runs to myself (!), but would like to be able to concentrate on my boarding without worrying about wiping out some poor kids (or more to the point, being shown up by them!) would the italy resorts fall into this category?
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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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wanderer9, I can only comment about Livigno and to be honest it does not have a reputation for empty pistes, that said with two mountains to choose from, i'm sure you can find the space you need.
Try typing Livigno skiing into youtube, lots of recent videos- may help to make your mind up.
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If you want really quiet slopes, and don't mind the apres being equally quiet, come to Les Saisies. Good for beginners - the more experienced skiers can go to the lift linked Notre Dame de Bellecombe. But you'd need to get private lessons (groups all French). They're good value here. Being used to skiing here I get a culture shock when I go to places like Tignes, Val D'Isere or Flaine. Heaving.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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What about the Italian Dolomites. Our place in San Cass is excellent for beginners as it's on the piste and ski school is brilliant. All booked up thought except for 15th - 22nd March and the cost is £399 including transfers from Venice. Beautiful mountian restaurants that are easy to access by all levels of ability.
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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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The slopes in Levi are normally not to crowded, it's a great place to learn.
Some bargains to be had too 
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