J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by powderhound

Try the very nice people at Gravite - stayed with them a few times and quite likely to pitch up there again in January at some stage.

They should have finished digging out their bus by now so expect them along shortly... :lol:

youspurs1 wrote:It's a done deal as far as Romania goes

Go for it; but do let us know how you get on - always interesting to hear about new places.

And size isn't everything - I've had some of my most memorable days skiing at some tiny resorts; e.g. Antagnod (Italy - visited when Champoluc was closed due to Avy risk) only has two real pistes but in waist-deep powder with about 3 other people in the entire resort, and the off-piste totally to ourselves for the day, it was brilliant.

For early skiers there's a lot to be said for choosing a small resort - you'll get to know it quickly and slopes that seem scary steep at the beginning of the week will be fun by the time you come to go home.

Can you narrow it down just a little for us? :lol:

There are probably 1,000 ski resorts within 2 hours of the airports you list - a choice of at least 16 weeks to go in - buses, trains and cars to get you there - and we know nothing of your ability... :?:

Best guess? Book some cheap flights to Geneva and/or Innsbruck for late January and/or anytime in March and wait to see where the snow is. Job done.

Leroygh wrote:Hey, I'm looking for really cheap holidays in February half term which starts from 15th.

You're being somewhat optimistic I'm afraid. That is the absolute peak week of the entire season and anything not priced high (if it's still available) almost certainly has something very wrong about it.

Your only real chance of a big discount is to wait until absolutely last minute (less than 7 days) and hope for a cancellation or complete snow drought.

If you want cheap then you need to go either mid-January or March. Sorry.

Tony_H wrote:Tignes is to skiing what Ian Dowie is to football.

:?: Are a glacier and a funicular railway useful in football too then??? :shock:

We (self, family, mates) ski in La Clusaz and/or nearby Chinaillon (Grand Bornand) most years, at least once.

Do a Forum Search on "La Clusaz" for various previous threads (a couple of the other forum regulars skiied in La Clusaz last season) but, in short :-

* Great skiing for all levels, around a friendly and properly French town.
* Superb and accessible off-piste and freeride possibilities on La Balme and other areas.
* Great pizza!
* No big Tour Operators.
* Reblochon. 8)

If you hit the half-term weeks in February it will be busier than otherwise - but much less so than many other resorts.

Look out for some seriously good local talent - La Clusaz has a history of churning out national champions in various ski disciplines.

mrsv wrote:Would you recommend Chamonix?

For a mixed group like yours, personally, no I wouldn't... one of the "features" of Chamonix is that there are several largely disconnected ski areas - and, generally speaking (very), each suits a different level of skier. The skiing is largely away from the town, too, so not only will your skiers be separated by ability but your non-skiers will never see any of them!

So, where to go?

For the non-skiers, and the beginners, a traditional resort centred on an actual town will be much more fun than a purpose-built ski resort. There are several such "ski towns" in the same area (i.e. within easy reach of Geneva).

Take a look at La Clusaz - which has good skiing for all levels and several mountain restaurants that are easily accessible by pedestrians (assuming your seniors are happy riding cable-cars). There are also snow-shoe walking routes, an ice rink, swimming pool, etc. for the non-skiers.

If you have a choice of when to go, then later in the season will probably be better for your non-skiers and younger ones.

Hi Angela,

For long weekends you'll struggle with Travel Agents - but it's really not too difficult to D-I-Y.

First a question - does it have to be February? Half-term is peak time on the slopes and takes up most of February - so if you can make it late January or March you'll have a lot more choice, and prices will be lower.

For DIY, you just need to arrange Flights, Transfer (or Car Hire) and Accommodation... and many independent chalet operators can help you with transport (sometimes at extra cost).

For flights - if you can stretch to a full four days you'll find that Thursday and Tuesday flights are cheaper, with more seats available, than Friday/Monday flights. Check easyjet, BA, Swiss and ebookers - it's hard to beat Geneva for a wide choice of nearby ski resorts (1 hour transfer) and flight timings.

If you're confident arranging things yourself then you've a choice of hotels, chalets and transport options - otherwise talk to some chalet owners and go with the most helpful!

For transport, if not included - private transfers can be pricey if you're not in a large group, but car hire gives you the ultimate in flexibility (you obviously need to be happy driving in Europe).