 Poster: A snowHead
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I'm looking at taking the in-laws skiing next january and have no idea where to go!!
I'm a beginner-intermediate who was terrified by the blues/reds in chamonix, the boyf is a super skiier who thinks blacks are easy, the mother is worse than me and the father a little better.
Where would be best for us? I've looked at Courcheval, Les Arcs, Val Thorens and Valmorel so far but dont know any outside france. Ideally we could do with a slope outside the front door so no buses.
Having been to Chamonix recently and found the blues like difficult reds I would appreciate some input from people that have visted any of these places to let me know if they will be as scary!!
Thanks in advance xx
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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hereinmyroom, Do you have to go in January? I expect we'll be doing another of Butterfly's more nervous people's weeks in March! tip: Do not put them in ski school, they will need private lessons. A good nursery slope is important. Check out here - lots of hard stuff for your bf, good nursery for your parents - just not sure about you though!
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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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Courchevel 1650 could be ideal, the slopes above there are nice and gentle and usually very well groomed, ideal place to build your confidence
also your bf would have the whole of the 3Vs to play in
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| easiski wrote: |
| hereinmyroom, ...I expect we'll be doing another of Butterfly's more nervous people's weeks ..... |
Oh yes! It was fab this year! www.hp57.blogspot.com
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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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hereinmyroom, on the whole I find run grading a little easier in Austria and Italy which suits me much better (I've had some scary moments on French blues which were an alarming shade of red). You'll probably find Austria and Italy a little cheaper too (with a few notable exceptions). But you are less likely to find doorstep skiing, although it is possible...
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hereinmyroom, there are loads of places with doorstep skiing which would fit the bill. Courchevel 1650 is a good suggestion, though 1850 would be even better in terms of access to a superb range of skiing - but not the cheapest place in the world. Somewhere like Belle Plagne (part of La Plagne) could be OK as long as you're not looking for big range of pulsating "apres. Maybe it would help if you can say a bit more about the type of place you're looking for, and type of accommodation? You need a good range of skiing, particularly very gentle slopes, ski convenience, and what else?
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Loved your blog, Butterfly, and it brought back memories for me too. Glad everything went well 
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hereinmyroom, In a similar vein to the above, La Tania may be a good choice. Less pricy than other 3V resorts, but the 'local' lift pass covers Courchevel as well as LT - so plenty of skiing for your BF - and there is a village-centre drag lift (free) on a two sided nursery slope (one is quieter than the other) where you could build your confidence. The centre is pedestrianised and most of the accommodation is within a couple of hundred metres. or even closer, to the lifts and centre. We really enjoyed it, and had a varied group too.
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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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thanks everyone
money isn't important and neither is the type of accomodation as you only sleep in it really!! apres ski doesnt have to be exciting as i have two 50+ with me who wouldnt enjoy a nightclub i suspect.
i was quite set on france because i speak french and it makes things 100 times easier when getting about but i'll def have a look at Austria and Italy --> any suggestions on resort?
I have no idea what the 3V's are btw... ive never organised a trip before i usually just get on the plane, ski boots in hand haha xx
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hereinmyroom, 3V's = 3 vallees its the largest lift linked skiarea on the planet. It has something for eveyone. Courchevel, Meribel, ValThorens, Les Menuires, Saint Martin de Belleville are some of the areas in this ski area. Price varies a lot here Lift pass is expensive but worth every penny. But your outlaws may not need the full pass. Your BF will peobably want to cover the whole area.
Skihire is expensive here I found best value by hiring through www.skirental.net
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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You could look at Obergurgl, very good for ski in ski out, nice runs for those of a nervous disposition. While there are not too many hectic routes for your BF, if he gets a guide there is some very nice back country and some super tree skiing. I know it's shocking to suggest somewhere outside of France, but I am willing to take the chance! Hue to it's height, it is also as snowsure as anywhere else.
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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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hereinmyroom, I'd go along with LDA, also Lech or Zurs, Flaine and (close easiskis's ears) Wengen spring to mind. All have good slopes for beginners and intermediates, all have interesting blacks. LDA has pitches in its reds and blues that can be a little more demanding than other resorts - but with advice you should be fine. And easiski's instruction is very good indeed. Wengen does not really have ski in ski out - but the lifts are very close to a lot of the accommodation. Even if he is good a reading avalanche risk and prepared to take heed of local advice, if the bf goes off piste at Flaine, he should have someone who really knows the terrain because of the deep holes dotted around in the underlying limestone.
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So, 3x beginner/intermediates, happy with blue/red slopes, 1x better intermediate happy on blacks...no real requirement for major nightlife, prefer France, looking for ski-in, ski-out accomodation - catered or self-cater? Apartment? Chalet? Happy to share with other groups? Hotel? Any idea as to budget? (luxury, or more basic?)
I would suggest that any of the major areas can meet the requirements unless you can narrow it down a bit with regards to the accomodation.....
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You know it makes sense.
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hereinmyroom,
Is money really not important. If you have an unlimited budget look at the Grandes Alpes in Courchevel 1850. Staff are fantastic, hotel is right opposite the main gondolas. You would win lots of brownie points with the in-laws for the hotel alone. Lots of nice blues. Courchevel 1650 is also beautiful, seems much quieter than 1850 on the slopes which is fantastic.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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...also, I did learn to ski in La Plagne and the blues there are excellent, lots of them and wide and gentle. Belle Plagne is reasonably pretty if you are used to French resorts. Good luck, wish I was planning my next trip (though maybe not if it was with the in-laws!!!)
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Poster: A snowHead
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Found Valmorel in france thought it was perfect but accomodation looks shocking (i know i said i wasnt bothered but a real bed is a must for achey legs)
I've been hunting in italy now as it was mentioned.
Any ideas about Livigno? Also found La Thuile but heard its not very good for snow haha seems a strange idea for a ski resort but whatever...
Guvnor, I dont think the outlaws will like a huge resort, they last went to borovets and loved it so i was thinking small. Plus i have decided after being so terrified by the blues in chamonix that i would like to demote my status to beginner  very worried french resorts will all be the same and i will have that "oh my god i'm going to die" frustrated feeling again!!
The BF is happy to follow me around and laugh at me he has said, wont enjoy it if i'm not enjoying it (how sweet) so advanced slopes have become less important.
HH, money is important however a resort we will enjoy is more important if you catch my drift.
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Mon 6-04-09 13:06; 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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So, small resort, no requirement for kicking nightlife, nervous beginner/intermediate level looking to advance, Some good advanced stuff easily accesible for the BF, ski-in, ski-out.....Saintefoy 
(Actually, despite this being my standard stock answer to most questions, I think that this would actually fit the job very well...)
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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.
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hereinmyroom, Morillon, lez carroz or Samoens (all part of Le Grand Massiff along with Flaine and Sixt) in January should be really good (it is i was there this Jan  ). It is connected to Flaine as suggested above. It is a beginners paradise with a long green run Marvel 6km in Morillon. Blues only a little steeper and reds that are not rediculous. Good ski schools nice vilage and not crazy money. The adjoining resorts all have good skiing. The off piste in Flaine can be dangerous as mentioned above because of holes in the limestone. This I believe is mainly in one area so a guide is important there. The main criticism is that if the weather gets bad the links to Flaine from the other resorts can close. The other Grand Massif resorts of Samoens and Les Carroz are also very suitable with some steeper terain. Getting from one area to the other is easy and the lifts are mainly good (A bit slow in Samoens but new ones are promised). The harder runs and the easier ones tend to meet up at the bottom so its good for social skiing with different levels in a group.
Skiset in morillon 1100 provided us with very good gear at a good price.
My one word of warning here is that beginners are spoilt with short easy blues in Samoens and the long green in Morillon so that they dont go and try other runs and see more of the area and push the comfort zone and dont progress as fast as they could if they were more adventurous. I learned in Chamonix and I found it helped me to push myself but this is not everyones idea of fun. I think you will love Morillon its a pretty resort as well as is Lez Carroz and Samoens town. Flaines arcitecture is not pretty but the skiarea more than compensates.
The trees in Lez Carroz and Morillon make skiing in badlight day possible. Flaine is very open and suffers when the light is not good.
The Igloo is a very good Mountain restaraunt in Morillon just of the Green run Marvel and at the top of the Red run Bergin and lift of the same name. Eat out in La Table deFifne in Samoens one night its top class and not crazy money for the quality of the food.
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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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boabski,
It's fine, It's not Austria but its got great runs!
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hereinmyroom, I'm hopefully going to La Thuile next season, don't think the snow is any problem there, but it's not ski in ski out unless you stay in the big Planibel place. It's linked with French resort La Rosiere and apparently there is a big difference in piste grading between the two resorts...
Only other places I have been to in Italy are Andalo (very small ski area), Passo Tonale (mostly ski in ski out and generally easy slopes, but very small resort), Madonna (ski area would suit you but not ski in ski out) and Courmayeur (lovely resort, not ski in ski out in the slightest and not really very good for beginners)...
If ski in ski out is an important factor for you it's not easy to find outside of France. But the advantages to Austria and Italy, i.e. easier runs, better and cheaper accommodation, more nightlife, picturesque resorts, more than make up for this in my opinion...
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| queen bodecia wrote: |
| ...If ski in ski out is an important factor for you it's not easy to find outside of France. ... |
Oberlech, and, of course, Kleine Scheidegg offer ski in ski out - with a touch of class.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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In Colorado, Breckenridge has lots of easy blues. In France, Les Arcs 1800 and Peisey-Vallandry would also offer some easy groomers will still having a great variety of terrain available for the more adventerous.
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| hereinmyroom wrote: |
I'm looking at taking the in-laws skiing next january and have no idea where to go!!
I'm a beginner-intermediate who was terrified by the blues/reds in chamonix, the boyf is a super skiier who thinks blacks are easy, the mother is worse than me and the father a little better.
Where would be best for us? I've looked at Courcheval, Les Arcs, Val Thorens and Valmorel so far but dont know any outside france. Ideally we could do with a slope outside the front door so no buses.
Having been to Chamonix recently and found the blues like difficult reds I would appreciate some input from people that have visted any of these places to let me know if they will be as scary!!
Thanks in advance xx |
We went to Avoriaz inn jan this year with Crystal ski,staying in catered chalet Violette,which was excellent,with great food.The skiing is very good and there are plenty of gentle slopes in and around the village plus plenty of reds and blacks for the more adventurous.Great little village with good bars and good food also has a cinema.Forgot to mention the skiing is all ski in ski out.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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what about la rosiere - we took the 4 year old last week of the season, I would rate it a very beginner friendly - nice slops and a lot of space to get around on
especially for beginners
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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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Chose your ski school first. The wrong choice of ski school will mean no matter how good the resort it will be a disaster for you parents.
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You know it makes sense.
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Les Gets would be perfect. Very pretty resort, stunning scenery, about an hour from Geneva, lots of easy skiing along with some nice reds and blacks (esp on Mont Cherry side), and if the bf gets bored he could easily ski over to Avoriaz. It's a very family orientated resort, so ideal to take the old folks to. I've been twice, and it's one of my favorite places.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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davejsy, agreed, also a good British ski school there.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Alpe D'Huez. Great beginner-to-early-intermediate level slopes easily accessible from town for your first couple of days, some great cruising on medium blues and not-too-hard reds and yet also some fantastic black runs and off-piste. You can get somewhere that's pretty much ski-in/ski-out.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Go to the Dolomites - cheaper than France! Is utterly beautiful, fantastic ski schools, lovely blue runs to encourage the nervous and plenty of hard challenges for the more confident in a massive ski area where you can travel around and see other resort. Fantastic food and lunch places for days where the less keen want to take it more easy!!
Honestly - it's lovely : I'm not only saying that because we have a chalet there www.mountainsunltd.com/chalet/albergo-frohsinn , but because I absolutely love the area having spent a few seasons there and would be happy to advise on other places to stay totally unconnected with our company. Have a look at www.dolomitisuperski.com/en-US/ski-holidays-11EN.html and have a browse at all the resorts open to you.
Gorgeous - I could go on about it all day!! 
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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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Joanne Mountainsun, France expensive? Have you never been to La Rosiere? I'm told it's good value. We value the unbiased views of chalet owners here. 
And yes, I know the Dolomites are somewhere I should go to before I finally hang up my boots.
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Joanne Mountainsun, Dolomites are on my list of places to visit . I had hopes to make it this season gone, but hubby's accident ruined those plans.
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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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Joanne Mountainsun, seconded
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Helen Beaumont, it will be worth the wait. It is absolutely stunning - the only problem being, that the Alps look a little drab in comparison afterwards
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achilles, I am unbiased - because the majority of our company is in French resorts!! We only have the one Italian one, and it happens to be where my heart is. I've never been to La Rosiere - my experience of France is limited to Tignes, La Plagne, Les Arcs, 3 Vals, etc...and while the skiing is fantastic in France, in my opinion - especially for a mixed ability and age group, the Dolomites (and Austria in some resorts) is more suitable, the slopes are quieter, the scenary more beautiful and the booze and food nicer and cheaper making the all round experience very pleasant indeed!
Don't get me wrong though...I LOVE it in France too!!! And would highly recommend many places for a different set of people over the Dolomites any day!
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| achilles wrote: |
| hereinmyroom, I'd go along with LDA, also Lech or Zurs, Flaine and (close easiskis's ears) Wengen spring to mind. All have good slopes for beginners and intermediates..... |
I realise this is verging on heresy but I would take issue with the suggestion of Wengen. Last year's MSB showed up the deficiencies in the resort's beginner area (or, more precisely, deficiencies in the resort's attitude to maintainence thereof) and my own view is that there's no proper progression from the nursery slopes to anywhere else - there are nasty bits on all the slopes off KS, including Arven which is regarded as the easiest of the pistes up there. Some of the pitches on the runs across from Mannlichen towards Honegg / Arven are way too steep to be recommended for nervous types. In addition, I'm sure I read comments from some of the more accomplished  s that the (advanced) skiing around Wengen wasn't all that interesting either (hearsay, of course and I stand to be corrected)
My vote goes to LDA, although I had a brill week in Les Arcs - the Arc 2000 bowl has some great skiing for recent graduates from the nursery slopes[/i]
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Hinterglemm/Saalbach would be suitable. Arosa in Switzerland would be even more so, beautiful resort, fantatsic alps mountain train access in to the resort, 120 km of easy blues and reds, car free town with horse and carts, resort is snow sure at 1800 meters, easy train access from Zurich ........
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FAQ
- some have even been known to enjoy the odd bit of apres too 
