Poster: A snowHead
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Hi, looking for a bit of advice. We have decided to go to Avoriaz next year but cant decide which week would be best either 5th Feb or 12th March. Family of 4, one intermediate, one nervous early intermediate and 2 kids on their 3rd ski holiday. Have always skiied in Jan before and happy with the cold but by March will the conditions be more icy in the am and then slushy in the pm?
any advice on the pros and cons of both dates (and general advice on the resort)would be much appreciated
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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nicathy, I think either of those weeks would be fine. Snow is the luck of the draw. For several of the recent years conditions have been much better in mid March than in early February - and statistically I think snow depths are probably better in most places on 12 March than 5 February. But it could be entirely the other way round in 2011. You'll have longer days in March. If it's warm, then some lower slopes might be a little bit mushy, but it's not really spring skiing till a bit later.
Personally, I'd take a punt on March 12th.
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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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I was always a January man myself but went to Engelberg last easter and thought it was amazing so would probably bet on march.
March should be quiter as well
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nicathy, have been to Avoriaz twice in the last 3 years in Jan/early Feb but both times snow has been amazing (some photos here if you wanna take a look) but here's one from last year:
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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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Feb is when the french schools have their ski breaks so it tends to be busier, which might be something to avoid for your 'nervous early intermediate'.
We went to Avoriaz mid march last year and it was great conditions not too much slush and ice at all, but like others have said there are no guarantees (although I'll be keeping my fingers crossed too as I loved the PDS so much we are moving to Morzine for the winter).
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grottieottie, welcome to snowheads. The French school holidays this year 12 February to 13 March - which is why I thought either week would be OK.
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Thanks for all your replies. Yes,we are looking at these weeks to avoid french holidays.
Because we have not been skiing in March before it is the fear of the unknown which is stopping us taking the plunge and going for 12th March. Worried about icy runs in the am and slush in the pm.
On a different note, has anyone had any experience with the childrens village/garden in Avoriaz?
Thanks again for all your advice
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nicathy, definitely avoid French hols. As others have said, you get the snow you get. Mid-March is not high season for nothing though...
I hear (not having nippers) that the village des enfants is pretty well regarded. If they're a little older the Montriond ski school has a great rep.
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