Short break

Hi Guys

Run out of a bit of steam on this one....got a short break planned that I have to take 15th March to 20th March....already done La Clusaz, Obergurgl, Courchevel and Cervinia so far but am getting really stuck this time as there are 3 of us ( 2 girls, 1 bloke) and we are also 2 adventurous intermediates and 1 big bloke who things skiing is going to be easy, though never having put them on before whether he is a natural is anyones guess!! Any suggestions on resorts that should have snow, are near the airport and any accommodation recommendations where we don`t have to all share a room, cos he snores like an animal!! Not asking much, but tearing my hair out now!!!Thanks, Jo

Hey jobster, nice of you to take a break from your skiing and drop in here... :wink:

Ok, you've done La Clusaz (hope you had a good time)... how about Flaine?

Variety of accommodation and the architecture's not to everyone's taste but the skiing is great and might suit your mixed little group.

There are easy (flat!) greens in the centre which are ideal for a first day on skis - with a bunch of decent cafes and restaurants all around for refreshment stops too. Unusually there are also a couple of green runs right up at the top, where there is a stunning view of Mont Blanc to give your beginner something to remember (top place for a group photo).

If he gets on well there is a very long, moderately easy Blue from top to bottom that will give a sense of achievement!

And for you girls, there are some brilliant, long Reds going from wide open to winding down through the trees. And a scary black or two if you're really feeling "up for it".

Thanks for that!! Off to start search for accommodation!

La Clusaz was unfortunately, a little lacking in snow, surprise, surprise...BUT.....I would absolutely go back. One of my fav places I`ve been to.The resort, the slopes, the bars . the restaurants..the people...Awesome place. If I can`t get somewhere else, may even go back there if the snow is ok.Can`t rate the place highly enough.

Anyway, got to plan another leave of absence, so thanks for help and if I`m missing in action until October 2008, it`s because I`m throwing myself off a mountain somewhere in Europe!!! Only joking....ish!!!Cheers for advice, J

Jobster, have you thought about La Rosiere, one of the most snowsure resorts in the Alps and we have availability for your group in that week. Have alook at out website www.trcaksvacations.com or see our ad in the resorts section.

If you're concerned about snow conditions, then I suggest you go somewhere with a decent altitude. Conditions are ok if you stay high.

In Chamonix Valley we continue to have this unseasonally warm weather so the amount of snow at bottom of the valley (which about 1050m elevation) is much much lower than usual. But there's been a decent amount of snow over the last couple of weeks and the ski areas (which mostly start at 1800m and go up) stay fairly cold and as a result the snow conditions aren't too bad at all.

Currently snow conditions are reported as:
Depth of lower slopes: 152 cm at 2000 metres
Depth of upper slopes: 220 cm at 2800 metres

As for accommodation, we're offering self-catered places and we're running a special flexi-break promotion at the moment, so it works well for long weekend, midweek check-ins. Accommodation details can be found on:

http://www.chaletinthemountains.com
http://www.chamonixselfcatered.com

to make an enquiry, just drop us an email at stay@chaletinthemountains.com

Thanks guys, givenme some more options...I`ve heard Chamonix can be a hard place to learn as the beginner slopes are away from the main area.Is this right?? J

I heard that the best slopes for beginners in the Chamonix area were near Argentiere. but i have never been there, so i dont know for sure. Most of Chamonix's slopes are above about 1800m ish but there is still 2000m of verticle above that to be skied!! so not really the best place for a beginner, at all.

Ahhh...but this is a beginner, who thinks skiing is going to be easy, so perhaps I should take him there for the shock factor!!! You`re right, probably not fair on him, so will keep on searching!