 Poster: A snowHead
|
Having just got back from a weeks skiing yesterday I'm already looking for my next trip. Myself and a friend (both 21) are keen to go with action outdoors/UCPA due to the full time tuition and value for money. We're looking at Chamonix, Tignes and Val d'Isere as possibilities, and would like some input on which would be best for the time of year (beginning of April) and the fact that we are both relative beginners (parallel turns, red runs).
Chamonix has the bonus of having twin rooms available and a short transfer but from some reading on here it seems that it is not best suited to beginners (not sure what level of beginner). Tignes has my vote and seems to get a good write up from reviews on here and elsewhere, same goes for Val.
Any help much appreciated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
I've stayed in both Tignes and Val D UCPAs. Val D'Isere is my favourite UCPA centre. The staff are friendly, the nightlife fantastic, the centre is basic but comfortable and warm. Tignes rooms are, in my opinion, quite cramped although the centre itself is really nice and very handy for both slopes and the bars of Val Claret. I would suggest that Tignes is slightly better for beginners than Val D'Isere as the runs back down to the village in Val are pretty rough - although you can always take the gondola back down at the end of the day. Wherever you decide to go, the instruction will be great and you will have a fab time. And if you want to save yourselves £10 off the listed price, use the Discount code SP2010 when you book.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
Thanks for the discount code, will come in handy.
It's good to know that they're both very good. I'd imagine that they would both have similar conditions in April given how close they are?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
RobJ, I agree mainly with sarep, Tignes will best suit your red runs/April criteria. There is an abundance of them in a high setting about as snow sure. Haven't stayed in Tignes UCPA, but I have the one in Val d'Isere. The home runs to Val d'Isere aren't great for begginer, although I would suggest red runs/begginers is a slight contradiction in my book.
They are right next door to each, however the home runs down to Val d'Isere are lower and will genreally get more affected by the sun.
Main reason you would want to stay in Val d'Isere over Tignes is the vibrant nightlife into the early hours without being able to compare UCPA centres.
I would forget Chamonix for the time being.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
Christopher, Thanks for the input. I suppose beginner level is quite subjective as some would class it as ploughing and others differently. We're not really bothered about nightlife, just a few decent bars will suffice. Seems Tignes is pushing ahead.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
RobJ, given what you describe as your standard, I wouldn't write off Chamonix. It's such an exciting environment, and if you are doing tuition with UCPA the instructor will take you to appropriate terrain for your level.
In fact, that sort of set up (ie full time tuition with UCPA) must be one of the best ways to "discover" Chamonix - you'll be safe, but challenged appropriately, which should be ideal. You'll not be risking finding yourself somewhere you can't cope with NOR just sticking to a few "easy" parts of the valley. There are some reports from people who have been there - you could do a search - though at least one was doing a high level off piste course.
Chamonix isn't just skiing down some gnarly bit of Mont Blanc - there's a wide range of terrain, for all abilities, and though one problem is that they're a bit scattered about, that presumably won't matter if you are with UCPA (do they take you in a minibus or something?).
The high mountain surroundings and general mountain atmosphere do, actually, knock spots off Tignes and Val D'Isere, IMHO. They're great resorts, but the chance to have expert support and guidance to get the best out of Chamonix, at your level of skiing, is too good to miss.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I have stayed at the UCPAs in Tignes, Chamonix, and Argentiere. I am also going to the UCPA in Val D'Isere. I have only done freeriding/off-piste courses. I would go to Tignes if I was you. I have skied many weeks in Espace Killy during April and I think the best on-piste conditions are usually in Tignes.
I do not go out much whilst skiing, so going to Val D'Isere for the nightlife is not a priority. In my opinion the main reason for visiting the Chamonix valley is to ski the epic backcountry. I think the on-piste skiing in Espace Killy is very good, and it is all very well linked together. The Chamonix valley skiing is very disjointed in comparison.
I hope this helps.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
pam w, Someone always has to put a spanner in the works  You make some great points, and it gives us something extra to think about.
JayDub, It helps very much, thanks. I'll let you know what we decide.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
RobJ, The UCPA lessons for Chamonix are held at La Tour, Brevent/Flegere and Grand Montets but not at the top on the glacier so in early April the snow conditions could be a bit iffy. You have to catch the bus or train along the valley but it is easy if a bit busy at peak times.
So if I were you I'd do a bit of research on historical snow records for those areas. If possible leave it until nearer the time and book where the best snow is likely to be.
I can highly recommend UCPA though, it is brilliant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RobJ, I agree with what Dorset Andy, says. The UCPA in Chamonix is brilliant but to guarantee good snow you often need to be skiing at altitude. Tignes is a very high resort, with lots of north facing slopes. Espace Killy (and Tignes in particular) are about as snowsure as you can get (in the French Alps.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
Yes, I can see that Tignes holds many trump cards by that time of the season!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
sarep, Christopher, pam w, JayDub, Dorset Andy, Thanks for all your advice. We've booked Tignes for the full time instruction 2nd April - 9th April. Also used the discount code so big thanks for that.
Will let you know how we get on.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RobJ, great. Looking forward to hearing all about it. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
hey anyone interested in going to chamonix april with the UCPA?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
Gus why don't you join our trip happening 2nd - 9th April in Morzine. the company is new and specialises in group ski trips. the team are young and fun and know how to have a good time. Chalet sleeps 35 so going to try and fill it for our group. 7 confirmed already. Its like UCPA but more personal and sociable. Check it out. www.adventurebash.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
Hey,hows it going?Adventure bash sounds good,do you know if there is any instructors/ guides on the trip?
Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Hi Andrew, thanks for the reply. adventurebash is really good fun and yes they have their own adventureBash guides who go on the trip with the group. They socialsie with the group, provide ski hosting around the resort, organise activities etc etc. They are not ski instructors though, but can organise lessons at a discounted price in the resort. The guests are really well looked after and you aren't just thrown into a chalet and left to get on with it.
Why don't you come along....we are driving an 8 seater down there from the sussex area. The price has now changed to £299 which includes accommodation half board and wine. If you choose to join the 8 seater it will cost around £60 return including ferry. All the other activities on the website will still be going ahead but they will be optional extras. The amendments to the package will go live on the website by the end of tomorrow.
let me know if you have any other questions, it would be good to have you along! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
