Where next, for our 5th winter adventure ?

A snowHead

We started in Borovets in Bulgaria - a bit tacky, and the lifts are closed too often.

Then we went to Bankso - more queues.

Then Val D'Isere - they know how to get you up the mountain but they are kidding with the slope grading. Thought Le Face, although a little bit challenging for me, was a great buzz.

Then Courchevel last Feb - lovely, and never met a single Russian. We went in the shops for a look but didn't spend any money.

And each July we go to Les Deux Alpes (which probably beats the winter trips).

So, where shall we go this coming Feb ? Must have snow, and shops, trees are good,..what's La Plagne like ? It keeps popping into my head, as does La Rosiere.

Not over the Atlantic cos the flight is too long for a week, mind you it could be very cheap. France is favourite as I speak a little.

I sort of feel like I've reached a plateau with Courchevel.

A snowHead

micky, don't go anywhere in France in February, after the first week. That is, unless you positively enjoy lift queues and crowded slopes.

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

micky, As pam w, says - the whole of Feb after w/c 7th are half term holidays for UK and the rest of Europe. Try to go 31/1 or earlier, and 7/3 or week or two after, before Easter.

What kind of shops? La Plagne would have a lot of what you are looking for, but just the usual ski resort shops, not designer goods etc as you'll have found in Courchevel. What kind of slopes do you prefer? Are there any children in your 'we'? Catered or s/c apartment? Puzzled

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We will probably go last week of Feb, me and my son cos that's when he can get time off from uni. We will go in a large catered chalet. Any shops are ok just so long as there are some. We didn't find queues in Val or Courchevel in Feb but we do avoid the main UK half term week.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

micky, have pm'd Very Happy

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Lech, you will love it.

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

After all it is free

If you've found a way of having a cheap skiing holiday across the pond I'd do that while you have the opportunity.

micky, snow and shops and trees?
You want Zermatt.
Not France, but a real town with real atmosphere.
You'll never think so highly of Courchevel again.

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I'm a bit confused about the shops reference - and you're talking about going with your son? Shops should only be used for (a) a quick flick through the latest ski/board gear (aka ski porn) (b) stocking up on food and booze if self-catering or (c) something to keep the other half amused with whilst you're going down another run. Any other activity related to shops on a skiing holiday is either a waste of skiing or drinking time..

Given that you've talked about chucking yourself down the face, then allow me to suggest: -

Les Arcs - other side of the Vanoise from La Plagne - got some amusing blacks above the arc2000 bowl, and some good off piste opportunities.

St. Anton - good skiing, some easy off-piste potential with the itinerary routes, amusing apres ski and the opportunity to day trip to lech

Morzine - PDS domain so more skiing than you can ever get bored off, some good night life and more females to males (probably) than st. anton.

I don't understand why red27 has such a downer on la plagne - provided you stay in the right bit then it ticks most boxes - ok it's not chocolate box pretty but no much in the french alps is (flaine anyone). Whilst I haven't directly been to la ros (but I will do) I would guess that any resort which is positioned as good for learners/families you are going to want to move on from..

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Ischgl, Lech, Klosters, Davos, Zermatt make Courchevel look tacky. The 3V do have great slopes.

You know it makes sense.

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

micky, went to Belle Plagne a few years ago and that was supposed to be the prettiest of the villages - my God, how wrong could they be. La Plagne has great ski convenience but sadly lacking on the charm and apres ski front (certainly BP anyway). Also very expensive in my opinion for eating out etc, and more expensive than Lech for example to eat out. I would definitely give Austria a bash, but I am biased towards Austria, having skied France several times. I discovered St Anton in 2003 and have not looked back - great for a boys trip, not great for beginners. Going to Austria will open your eyes to proper apres ski, especially if you go to St Anton, Ischgl, Saalbach, Mayrhofen or Solden.

A snowHead

micky, The Sella Ronda/Dolomites resorts of Selva, Arabba, Corvara were great for snow and the scenery is far prettier than France and more dramatic than Austria (only been to Ski Amade region though). For shops though, I think you would need to stay in or near to Cortina to get a Courchevel like experience.

A snowHead

red 27, I agree that Plagne Centre was SHOIT. the underground mall type setting with rubbish resturants and the "smoking outside" was atually inside the mall so you had to walk through coridoors of smoke to get around... urgh !!

However, La Plagne as a whole is a good resort for skiing (which is the main aspect) loads of off piste and lower tree lined runs. Apres is generally what you make it. micky, if you are staying in a ctered chalet, coubt this will be a problem and you'll have a good night time wherever you go.

I actuall preferred les arcs to la plagne but i cannot put my finger on why as I was in arc 1800 which isnt too unlike Plagne center and the snow was good both times. I'd opt for Arc 1950 of the two tho with a day in la plagne on the lift pass.

I prefer skiing in france but prefer the apres in austria.

Why dont you try LDA in the winter ?? You can relive all those classic runs on a mountain bike when you go in July !!??

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

Actual shopping or window shopping? Three places for either plus great skiing and great atmosphere are Zermatt, Lech or Madonna di Campiglio in the Dolomites.

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Libertine, bertie bassett, Great posts.... it was the centre mall bit that I am thinking of.... truth is it was in 1992 and it's time I stopped whining on and went back for a 2nd look - thanks guys.

As for L2A - went there in '94 and hated it too - and I'm going back there this xams Puzzled

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Try Alpe D'Huez, it's a great resort - my only criticism would be that the pistes back to the bottom get crowded at the end of the day.

Also Les Arcs is worth a try and St Anton in Austria was one of my favourites.

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Where next, for our 5th winter adventure ?

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