 Poster: A snowHead
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
Zermatt, although it may not fit the reasonably priced bit. Having said that you would get reasonable discounts on the lift passes for the children there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
Lech would be a good option with pistes to cater for all levels. Access to the other Arlberg resorts too. You might find better priced accommodation in Stuben or around St Anton (Nasserein and St Jakob) though.
Dolomites - Cortina or the Sella Ronda resorts could be another option. I've skied them later in late March and early April and had some great snow but it is not always guaranteed, so the Arlberg might be a better bet for more reliable snow conditions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
karenhenry, Serfaus? Oberlech is great if you can afford it
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
karenhenry, Eeerm!!!! Easter is much later this year! Easter Sunday is April 24th!! So Zermatt, Saas Fee may be the options for you this year! Hope that I have not burst your baloon! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| Roy Hockley wrote: |
| karenhenry, Eeerm!!!! Easter is much later this year! Easter Sunday is April 24th!! So Zermatt, Saas Fee may be the options for you this year! Hope that I have not burst your baloon! |
Good Point.
I should have said that we are going in the SCHOOL Easter holidays, which around these parts have been moved to the 2 weeks from April 2nd.
Does that mean there are other resorts you would recommend?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
karenhenry, Take a look at Sölden in western Austria - it offers a lot of skiing a wide variety of accommodation and a good mix of après that needs only be as heavy or as late as you want.
Other good choices would be Zermatt - but pricey, Verbier again can be pricey
Many Austrian resorts do free children's passes later in the season by the way
Do you want to go with a Tour Operator or are you up for DIY'ing it?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Samerberg Sue wrote: |
karenhenry, T
Do you want to go with a Tour Operator or are you up for DIY'ing it? |
A Tour operator is simplest and best for us.
We've looked at Cervinia. Does that fit the bill?
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
I don't think even fans of Cervinia would call it pretty.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You will enjoy the mountain for sure, but it lacks one of your main criteria "should be pretty". A great place to ski, but not a pretty town! If you could afford it I would go over the border to Zermatt. Better skiing and a much prettier place, it is not however as convenient as Cervinia for getting onto the slopes! Love Cervinia, we are off there first week in December! But I would stay away if you are looking for beauty, you also will not see the Matterhorn in its glory! You can only get that iconic view from the Swiss side!
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
| Samerberg Sue wrote: |
karenhenry, Take a look at Sölden in western Austria - it offers a lot of skiing a wide variety of accommodation and a good mix of après that needs only be as heavy or as late as you want.
|
Sölden is a great place. Apres is fantastic, nightlife is excellent and the ski area is great. But it's got the main road up to Obergurgl running through it and is one of the least picturesque Austrian resorts going. Though what about Obergurgl? I've only been there on a day trip from Sölden, but it's pretty, the area is quite big and Sölden is a free bus ride away.
Arosa ticks every one your boxes, except it generally closes in very early April, so probably won't be open. I've looked around with similar criteria (my kids are younger though) and have chosen Saas Fee for Easter. Haven't been there yet, but looks great for families.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
[quote="boabski"]karenhenry, Serfaus?
Can't find any package tour operators going there.
Any recommendations?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lager, I've seen plenty worse and when the pass is closed as it is nearly all winter, you only get traffic going as far as the Gurgls!
If you leave the main drag, i.e. cross the river for example there are loads of pretty places. Aaaaaah but then you don't have the lazy man's "ski in ski out! Unless of course you get a hotel/chalet in Hochsölden 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
karenhenry, http://www.serfaus-fiss-ladis.at/en/ I thought a couple of TO's had introduced Serfaus last year? You could try these guys - Matt Brown is a snowhead and decent bloke - http://www.skiingaustria.co.uk/ I have not yet been to Serfaus but has been on my radar for some time - supposed to be Austria's best family resort and has had many good reports on here. My brother in law went a few years ago and rated in very highly. Based on the time of year though I would give Lech/Oberlech a good look. We've had two fantastic holidays in Oberlech staying at the Hotel Montana - not cheap though http://www.montanaoberlech.at/index.php?id=51&L=1 (Patrick Ortlieb's family hotel where he now works too - or was the last time I was there)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
| pam w wrote: |
| I don't think even fans of Cervinia would call it pretty. |
Plenty of snow at Easter always looks pretty good. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
| Quote: |
Plenty of snow at Easter always looks pretty good
|
Indeed - but that's not the point. If Karen can find somewhere fulfilling all her criteria, fine. If not, and she needs to sacrifice some of them, she needs accurate information to help her decide. Personally, going at that time of year, I think I might wait and see what the weather's doing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Be really different - try Aletsch Arena in Switzerland. Stay in one of the lovely car-free villages clustered on the slopes - Riederalp and Bettmeralp are my reccommendations. This is really one of my favourite unsung resorts, not much in the way of apres-ski granted, but whopping scenery across the Aletsch Glacier to Jungfrau and over towards the Matterhorn and the Pennine Alps. About 60 miles of piste, some black, mostly red and blue, some nice off-piste at all levels of ability.
Other suggestions in Switzerland - Flims (best park in Europe), Saas-Fee (and the nearby Saas's), Klosters (gives you access to most of the skiiing in Davos but just a nicer place to stay) or Scuol. Snow should still be OK at lovely Lenzerheide, Grindelwald for the Jungfrau should still be good and Engelberg always has good snow at the top until late. Me and my family tend to stay in the hostels if a resort has one that is convenient for the slopes because not only are they great value for money they are clean, friendly and provide a great breakfast - most do half-board and even provide en suite family rooms.
For some of these you're better off travelling independently because English tour operators haven't cottoned on that they are cheaper than France and more snow-sure than Austria or Italy. Very easy in Switzerland - you can even check in your stuff at the airport and it will arrive at the nearest station to where you're staying.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
Kitzbuhel, Westendorf or Saalbach could fit the bill, although they don't really have any genuinely challenging blacks (apart maybe form the one down from the Schattberg in in Saalbach), but for all of these it's probably worth waiting 'till mid feb or so to see how the season pans out snow-wise before booking.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
