Where to ski at Half Term to avoid the crowds?
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Quite possibly, yes, but there are hundreds of ski resorts in France and they don't ALL get rammed for half-term. Look for the less-well-known and smaller areas that the Tour Operators don't go to and start your research there; how about somewhere in the Maurienne Valley for starters?
In any case, consider satellite villages rather than central resorts and think about planning your days to be away from any obvious bottle-necks; us "Brits Abroad" exhibit odd herd-like behavior on holiday and tend to cluster in crowded centres rather than skiing to out-lying stations. Get away from the herd and you'll be fine. 8)
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Started by FionaLouiseC in Ski Chatter 26-Sep-2015 - 7 Replies
FionaLouiseC posted Sep-2015
I have booked flights to Lyon for the week of Feb 13th for my family of 5. We have always skied in April, so have gone high to Tignes and Belle Plagne. I am worried that returning to either of these resorts for February half term will mean lots of crowds and queues and so am looking at other options - any ideas would be very welcome. Thank you
Brucie
reply to 'Where to ski at Half Term to avoid the crowds?' posted Sep-2015
Bad choice of flight destination for half term. I would have suggested Austria. Sorry.
"Better to remain reticent and have people think one is an idiot, than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt"
Edited 1 time. Last update at 26-Sep-2015
FionaLouiseC
reply to 'Where to ski at Half Term to avoid the crowds?' posted Sep-2015
Yes, I am beginning to realise that - got the flights for peanuts with Avios points and should possibly have thought a little longer! Thanks for your reply.
Brucie
reply to 'Where to ski at Half Term to avoid the crowds?' posted Sep-2015
"Better to remain reticent and have people think one is an idiot, than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt"
Ranchero_1979
reply to 'Where to ski at Half Term to avoid the crowds?' posted Sep-2015
Have skied the 1/2 term a lot recently and have to say, time is much more important than location. 90% of skiers hit the lift around 10:00 and have an hrs lunch (~13:00) plus coffee breaks. That gives you at least 3 hrs of pretty quiet conditions. Remember lift lines don't really exist anymore in most places as uplift capacity has far outgrown skier numbers. Not very British but take the lift down, your legs and insurance company will thank you for it. Plan B get some touring skis and get away from the piste.
Dobby
reply to 'Where to ski at Half Term to avoid the crowds?' posted Sep-2015
Good advice from Ranchero_1979. Also, if there's night skiing take advantage of that - often a lot quieter. Try to find the pistes least skied. The harder or out-of-the-way runs are often quieter.
Admin
reply to 'Where to ski at Half Term to avoid the crowds?' posted Sep-2015
FionaLouiseC wrote:either of these resorts for February half term will mean lots of crowds and queues
Quite possibly, yes, but there are hundreds of ski resorts in France and they don't ALL get rammed for half-term. Look for the less-well-known and smaller areas that the Tour Operators don't go to and start your research there; how about somewhere in the Maurienne Valley for starters?
In any case, consider satellite villages rather than central resorts and think about planning your days to be away from any obvious bottle-necks; us "Brits Abroad" exhibit odd herd-like behavior on holiday and tend to cluster in crowded centres rather than skiing to out-lying stations. Get away from the herd and you'll be fine. 8)
The Admin Man
Dobby
reply to 'Where to ski at Half Term to avoid the crowds?' posted Sep-2015
Good call, Admin. Go for smaller, lesser-known resorts. Only downside may be fewer English speaking instructors (if you want/need them). Good call re satellite resorts - went to Norway last year and little satellite resort near to Hemsedal was empty, even on a Saturday.
Topic last updated on 30-September-2015 at 21:50