 Poster: A snowHead
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I still class myself as a beginner and newbie as I only have one weeks experience on the snow (la Plagne 1800 last year). Looking to book next xmas or new year and want a location that would suit Newbies (me and 2 others) plus someone that does not ski.
I want to take the inlaws who will help with childcare and one of them does not want to ski. Therefore somewhere with ‘stuff to do’ or a chalet with facilities would be ideal.
I like chalets as the kids can sleep in peace in the bedroom whilst we have dinner etc. I like to be in ear shot and hotels do not suit my preference.
Any thoughts or suggestions welcomed. Thanks. Mike.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Mike-H, IIRC a similar question was posed quite recently. I believe Alpe D'Huez was mentioned favourably. Having been there personally, I can vouch for the skiing that you're after - very beginner and progressor friendly in an area close to the town. Being French, you'll find plenty of chalet type accommodation (Neilsons immediately spring to mind, but there are sure to be plenty of others).
The town, although a little spread out, provides ample non-skiing attractions and some itinerary walks which may work for you.
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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 1850. Better "non ski" facilities than almost anywhere I can think of. Easy access for non skiers to the main "front de neige", or up on a gondola. People watching is a speciality - Russians in bling. Expensive place to wine and dine in bars (ruinously so if you pick the wrong ones) but if you are staying in a catered chalet (I agree the best arrangement for a group like yours) you don't need to do that, do you?
Superb confidence-building skiing for new or newish skiers, excellent ski school (New Gen, and probably others too).
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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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Switzerland where (I'm told) the resorts tend to be in old towns rather than purpose-built new villages?
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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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One advantage of living v near the ski slopes is that is easy for grand-parents to see what's going on, take the littlies to meet you for a coffee, and generally feel part of the action. We did that v successfully with my mother, many years ago, in a tiny Austrian resort. No "facilities" at all but she was not interested in shopping, a casino, etc etc and loved being able to walk a hundred yards and sit and watch the tinies in ski school and soak up the snowy ambiance. She would not have appreciated being left behind in a "town" though for some people, obviously, that would be ideal. Our apartment building had a warm thermal swimming pool in the garden - a huge "plus" - but not one that's easy to find. Again, she wouldn't have been keen on going to some big "facility" with huge pools and water slides etc etc.
I am now the child-minding (and skiing) grandmother and I, too, would much prefer to be somewhere where all the ski-related stuff (lessons, main lifts etc) were very close to my accommodation. Provided there's a nice tea shop and patisserie (and I can't imagine anywhere French without one) I'd be happy. A few walks in the snow, a few local shops to look at. I wouldn't need any other "facilities".
The resorts with catered chalets aren't always convenient from that point of view - you need to ask very specific questions. For example I would avoid Plagne 1800 and though La Rosiere is good in many ways some of the chalets (including the one we stayed in very happily several times) are a bit far from the action for a stay-behind grandma.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Agree about La Plagne for this trip. As much as we loved it, it’s not ideal for Non Ski Nanny. I will look into your suggestions. If anyone has actual accommodation or resort recommendations please drop a reply.
We do not need casinos, discos and late night bars. We need a nice location, perhaps a village atmosphere, a few shops, bars, eateries etc. and would prefer a catered chalet. I know, I know, - the moon on a stick, but I have to start with some criteria and whittle it down as I go along.
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Saas Fee is a thought - thought the CHF is a tad strong these days. Nice village, and for non-skiers there are lovely walks, as well as excellent access to local towns (especially Brig) by train.
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Mike-H, You might look at Les Gets. If you have a car it's easy to drive up to the top of the first cable car and granny can sit at a café on the front de neige and enjoy the atmosphere. Can also go up the gondola the Mt Chery side and enjoy the views from the top.
I don't think your criteria are too demanding at all, actually - sure you'll find one. I know several places which would fit the bill well but they're off the TO track so no Brit catered chalets.
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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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Looking for suggestions for where to go for Spring Break with teens. My husband and I won't ski and it would be the teens first time. Must be in USA or Canada with beginner slopes and lessons available but plenty to do when not skiing. The timing is not great... the last week of March. That's too late for some places, I know. I'm located in Florida so East Coast is must easier for me but I'm open to suggestions. The teens have never even seen real snow so I want snow and lots of it!!! Want something that won't break the bank either. Not looking for swanky spots, just family fun in the snow.
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| pam w wrote: |
I am now the child-minding (and skiing) grandmother and I, too, would much prefer to be somewhere where all the ski-related stuff (lessons, main lifts etc) were very close to my accommodation. Provided there's a nice tea shop and patisserie (and I can't imagine anywhere French without one) I'd be happy. A few walks in the snow, a few local shops to look at. I wouldn't need any other "facilities".
The resorts with catered chalets aren't always convenient from that point of view - you need to ask very specific questions. For example I would avoid Plagne 1800 and though La Rosiere is good in many ways some of the chalets (including the one we stayed in very happily several times) are a bit far from the action for a stay-behind grandma. |
How about La Tania? Not much to do, but ticks the 'sit near the action' boxes pretty well I would have thought
In which case you'd have to go with Ski Hame great 'small' chalet company with some lovely chalets in courchevel and La tania. Give Anne (owner) a call on +44 (0) 1875320157 and explain the situation - they've got a small one themselves so would probably understand the requirements and could suggest the best chalet in their portfolio
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| RehbergW wrote: |
| Looking for suggestions for where to go for Spring Break with teens. My husband and I won't ski and it would be the teens first time. Must be in USA or Canada with beginner slopes and lessons available but plenty to do when not skiing. The timing is not great... the last week of March. That's too late for some places, I know. I'm located in Florida so East Coast is must easier for me but I'm open to suggestions. The teens have never even seen real snow so I want snow and lots of it!!! Want something that won't break the bank either. Not looking for swanky spots, just family fun in the snow. |
Welcome to 
Given your requirements are radically different from the original poster then it's probably best to start a new thread..
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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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Welcome to s RehbergW. I'm sure someone will be able to be along to help, but this is a largely UK-based forum and you may find it better to post on www.epic-ski.com, which is a US-based forum.
Though you could, of course, cross the pond!
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