I don't know where to start.....

...in choosing a ski resort.
Please help - am new to all this - both skiing and this forum.
A friend and I have had some lessons and are really keen to go on our first ski holiday, but how do we go about choosing a resort?
I can give some parameters:
1. We can most easily get to Geneva or Munich airports, so the resort should be within, say 3 hours of either of these airports.
2. Can only go last week of March, which is fairly late season I believe.
3. Would love it if we could ski in/ski out of our chalet.
4. Should be well set up for beginners (obviously).
5. We're not on a budget but would like to spend less money rather than more, if poss.
6. If it's a pretty, picturesque village, then that would be a bonus, as would quality apres ski!
Any hints/tips/recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, VLN

Go to Les Arcs 1950

Hi,

For skiing at that time of the year you need to go to an high elevation resort. Zermatt, Saas-Fee, just to name the most famous in Switzerland, somewhere with a glacier. Tignes in France is high, but don't expect ski-in and out. There won't be no hotels or chalets high up there. That said I have been skiing at Andermatt in central Switzerland this year during the first week of April and the snow was good but only in the morning and then it gets slushy during the afternoon.

The good thing is this is the end of the season and you can leave your options open until the very last minute and see how the weather develops. Weather is unpredictable in the mountains. All of the resorts have slopes for beginners and skiing on the glacier where the terrain is pretty flat is easy.

From Munich you can get easy to Innsbruck and the Stubai valley with its glacier. Obergurgl-Hochgurgl in the Ötztal valley is another option, easy skiing here.

Check the links here: http://www.j2ski.com/ski_resorts/Switzerland/
http://www.j2ski.com/ski_resorts/Austria/

les arc 1950 ski in ski out, high enough, and a nice looking village

I skied in march in Les arc and la plagne, plenty of snow and plenty of ski in/out acom

Les Arcs is good for beginners and ski in/out
1950 would be best bet, 2000 is a bit run down as is 1850.
Have fun

Flaine or Avoriaz I would say.

Well I am biased to Chatel in the Portes du Soleil - as i live there!
Best kept secret of the Alps!
1hr 20mins from Geneva.
Alpine charm town (no big tour companies)
Several ski areas so lots for beginners, plus attached to one of the biggest ski areas in Alps.
Several gorgeous catered chalets at better value than commercial towns.
Quirky bars and good nightlife.
Not ski in ski out (some virtually, others transport you right to the lifts).
try http://www.savoiefaire.co.uk or www.alpinebliss.co.uk
Any questions - I'm happy to help.