Poster: A snowHead
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We are a group of 4 - 2 skiers, 1 boarder and 1 with knackered knees. Booked flights to Geneva - debating which resort to go for given that 1 of us is unable to ski or board but would love to do a bit of walking etc (still at loss why he's chosen to come out with us). The 3 of us can be described as strong intermediates - were thinking of Espace Killy or Verbier but would welcome any other suggestions. Any resorts that would fit our requirements for a combination of great piste kiing, walking possibilities, good nightlife? Many 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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franga,
Swiss resorts in general tend to have a lot more paths cleared for walking than French ones. Don't know about Verbier in particular but if you contact the tourist office they are usually very helpful with this kind of info.
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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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Les saises has walking possibilities
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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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franga,
I don't know Verbier but have been to Espace Killy two years running (both times to Tignes, not Val d'Isere). There seem to be limited opportunities for walking around Tignes in winter - there is a bit of information here: http://www.tignesnet.com/activities/tignes-for-the-non-skier.htm. It seemed to me that most pedestrians were just walking round and round on the lake, probably messing up the cross-country tracks
However, three years ago, I was a non-skier like your friend and went with skiing buddies to Peisey-Nancroix because I didn't want to pass up a vacation in the Alps. I suspect that's your friend's motivation too. There are quite a number of winter hiking trails based around Plan Peisey and Vallandry (info available from the tourist office) as well as some others they don't admit to. So, if you do have a free choice of resort, that's one I would recommend. It also gives him the opportunity to become a skier by the end of the week, as I did. As well as the Paradiski area, there is also a Nordic centre near Nancroix.
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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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Wengen and grindelwald have miles of winterwalking paths
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Maybe consider snowbiking for the kneeless one? It's pretty good fun, and as you're sitting down there's much less weight on you're legs.
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We were in Nendaz last year at Easter and my wife who only skis a little, spent days walking paths to various little villages, she took lots of photos and met people and generally really enjoyed it. If you search snowheads you will find lots of descriptions of the skiing at Nendaz from people who know it a lot better than I do, but imo its the best base for the 4 vallees.
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Zermatt and Arosa both have trails for walkers.
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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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can't say I've used them myself but verbier has lots of cleared walking paths, well signposted, and the folks in the tourist info will be only too pleased to provide maps etc
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I can second Nendaz as an option, they have loads of open paths, and we saw walkers everyday when we were out skiing
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Thanks everyone - will definitely consider Nendaz!
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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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franga, recommend Serre Chevalier for the ski/board and walking bits. Friend of ours has done that a couple of times - there are options for guided walks and snowshoe excursions and the villages themselves are pretty for excursions. The nightlife is not vibrant by anyone's stretch, but the available piste is fab.
It is a bit of a drive from Geneva though. Good luck!
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Snowbiking is certainly a possibility with knackered knees. I tried a few descents when my father tried it years ago (his balance had gone due to a nerve disease similar to MS). It was very easy and unstressful, assuming he keeps off icy steeper slopes. I am assuming he can already ski a bit?
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You know it makes sense.
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Again a bit far from Geneva, but I noticed last week that Alpe d'Huez seems to have numerous marked & "pisted" walking trails.
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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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If your walker was to strap on a pair of langlauf skis then he might find there is a whole world of possibilities for him!
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