 Poster: A snowHead
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Hey everyone,
Myself and a group of friends are currently in the process of booking a week somewhere in France (porbably 3V's). We are looking to book somewhere in between the 1st Jan to mid Feb.
We want to avoid school holidays but also get the best snow possible...so when is best to go? Is February normally better or worse than Jan in the 3 V's?
Also, is there anywhere in the Alps (reasonably priced) that is well renowned for decent snow?
Anyway, any input appreciated.
NB
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| NomadicBoo wrote: |
Hey everyone,
Myself and a group of friends are currently in the process of booking a week somewhere in France (porbably 3V's). We are looking to book somewhere in between the 1st Jan to mid Feb.
We want to avoid school holidays but also get the best snow possible...so when is best to go? Is February normally better or worse than Jan in the 3 V's?
Also, is there anywhere in the Alps (reasonably priced) that is well renowned for decent snow?
Anyway, any input appreciated.
NB |
go for the probably 3v,s, stay in La Tania for a more affordable stay
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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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Most of the school holidays are in february, but i don't know the dates. I've stayed in La Tania in mid january and had great conditions, also prices are a little cheaper than february.
I'd go for late Jan/early Feb but check the french holiday dates.
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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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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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NomadicBoo, French school holidays are staggered through February into early March, and some of them coincide with UK and other European holidays. You are better to look at January, through to first week of Feb and then second week of March onwards. Better prices, less crowded, quieter roads from the airport - we always ski around 3rd week of January and have traditionally had excellent snow. Drop me a PM if I can help 
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Historically? I would say before 1789.
I'll get my coat....
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Some great advice there guys so thanks very much. I'm going to share this link with my friends so they can all have a read but I'm thinking last week in Jan should be good!
Cheers again, NB
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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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| Quote: |
I'm pretty sure the school holiday season for most of Europe is Feb 11th through to the 3rd March this year.
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the French winter holidays last for four weeks, starting this year on 11 February.
Historically the best week for snow is probably the week immediately preceeding - though that's also a fairly busy week, as it's the logical choice for all French skiers without kids!! Or not before 10 March, when snow would also normally be absolutely fine, and the days a bit longer.
End January will be cheaper than either early February or mid March, but The 3 Valleys is about the most expensive place to ski in France. There are loads of cheaper places (but probably not the Espace Killy ) 
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Seconded.
I've always thought January is the best time - often the weeks after New Year are low season and so are much cheaper than the expensive February weeks, tends to be much quieter as well! Generally the weather is a bit colder and less sunny, but the snow is usually better.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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New Year and early Jan can be VERY cold. I've experienced -20c plus windchill above Meribel and it's not pleasant. Feb should be better. Snow is probably better statistically in Feb.
Prices in the first week after New Year are probably the best especially if you book late and get a deal.
School holidays are busy but I''ve had pistes to myself in 3v's during half-term. You just have to getout to the areas furthest from the villages.
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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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I just booked a week in Val Thorens from 14th Jan - we initially wanted to go last end of Jan (departing 28th IIRC), but found it saved us ~£150 pp to move it back to the 14th. Moving into Feb was stupidly expensive. The cheapest possible week was the week directly after New Year (excepting the first and last weeks of the season), unfortunately we couldn't go then.
I haven't skiied 3V before so I'm pretty excited. Thinking Italy next year though.
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I'd say the early April cornfest is usually one of the Alp's pleasures.
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You know it makes sense.
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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 you get a penny by counting a visitor to 3V go there in the middle of Feb!
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Poster: A snowHead
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Right, had a chat with everyone and it seems we're looking at last week of February...hopefully the coverage will be good!
So, I've been assigned the task of finding some decent deals...where do you guys normally book for large groups, catered chalets? Also, it's been opened up in terms of location so I'll be looking at France, Austria and Italy.
The budget is roughly £600 each - is that reasonable all in price for end of Jan?
Cheers,
NB
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Quote: |
last week of February
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Hmm. Paris holiday, isn't it? Wouldn't be my choice. Do you mean last week of January?
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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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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Ahhhhh mistake, mistake, mistake! 
Meant last week of January! Damn multi-tasking.
NB
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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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NomadicBoo,  OK, what does your budget have to include? If it's everything, that's pretty tight, especially for the 3 Valleys.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Not neccesarily everything. I think catered chalet, flights, transfers and lift pass. Can do the ski hire online seperately (I prefer that otherwise you get bog standard equipment thrown in!).
As I said, open to look at anywhere in France, Austria and Italy now. Just need a good sized ski area as there are some fairly proficient skiers amongst us and a decent apres ski as most people are 26-32 so do enjoy a few bevvies!
NB
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NomadicBoo, You will be unlikely to get all that, in 3V (even the lower priced areas) for £600. Lift pass alone is around 250 euros for full area, transfers vary but around £70 return, flights around £100 - doesn't leave much for accommodation and food. Local lift pass will bring it down a bit, you MAY get flights for less but remember to include baggage costs, and you may shave a bit off the transfers but - realistically - you are going to need to increase your budget - sorry to be the bearer of bad news 
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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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Hey guys and gals.
Soooo....I made a mistake on the money front (as most of you already pointed out!). It's £600 for flight, transfers and catered chalet....not including ski pass! 
So, what's the best website for booking? I'm looking at Igluski at the moment.
Cheers,
NB
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| sanman wrote: |
Historically? I would say before 1789.
I'll get my coat.... |
I was going to suggest 1415.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Alastair Pink, of course!
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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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Historically speaking NOT the day before the Germans / English / Spannish / (insert any country here) invade
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You know it makes sense.
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NomadicBoo, You have a PM
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FAQ
Haven't told the missus yet. I think I'll wait until after 
Unless you have to of course 
I'm just trying to get my own head around a possible half term trip for us feb '13.