Any advice/tips on Val Thorens and Prosneige?

Just registered after lurking for a week or two, so hello

The gf and I have booked a week in VT from 21st of March. First time for me (other than 2 days in NZ 14years ago which doesn't really count). Both of us are REALLY excited and spending an unhealthy amount of time browsing forums such as this.

Wondering if anyone can give us any general advice on Val Thorens?

A few points on our hol....

We are staying in Chalet Ptarmigan in the Balcons area of VT. What's this like? Is it far from the the lifts/town center etc?

We've booked lessons with Prosneige. What are they like as a ski school? The lessons begin each day at the Prosneige beginners garden. Is that a long way from the Balcons? (hard to tell from the illustrated tourist maps). If so, how does one get around with skis and boots?

I'm going to Tamworth snowdome for a 'learn to ski in a day course' plus probably a few more hours in the UK. Would this be enough for me to go for the lessons one above 'absolute noob level' once I get to VT?

What would be a good ski hire in VT?


Sorry for so many questions, and thanks


(p.s. did I say that I was excited?)

So many questions, and its 7 years since I went to VT.

BUT nothing is far from anywhere up there, its a small place, with no traffic at all.

There are various ski hire shops around, so just hire when you get there, unless your package includes this. I would ask for beginner skis to get you going, but get your instructor to check them. Boots are the key element here, get some good ones that fit properpy, and make the assistant in the hire shop assess them properly and not kick you out the door quickly.

I'd let them know when you get to ski school that you are not a total idiot and know how to fall over and stand up. Otherwise you will waste a day doing FA.

Balcons is the higher part of town, but its easy access to the slopes. Many properties are ski in/out so you may find yourself on the green slope quickly. Otherwise, its a short walk down to the meeting point, which is at the bottom of the red that goes through town.

I think!


Enjoy.

Welcome to the forum.

We were in Val T last January and enjoyed a good afternoon private lesson with the ski school.

As regards Tamworth a few of my staff did the 'learn to ski in a day course' late last year then another couple of 2 hour sessions before we took them to La Tania in January. Without any further lessons (though i did try at every opportunity to encourage them to take some in resort) they coped ok reaching right over to Courcheval 1650 towards the end of the week.

Dave

Thanks for both the replies.

@rustyinn

Thats good to hear. I do intend to do lessons at VT. But I want to do the day course at Tamworth so that when I do lessons at VT I can go in as a novice who can get just about get down an easy slope, rather than someone who doesn't know one end of a ski from the other. Sounds like I should be ok.

Glad to hear you are taking lessons when you get there, as it will make future trips far more enjoyable. Its worth a week of learning and at times getting frustrated, annoyed, elated, hurt, thrilled and worn out so that you can get to grips with becoming not just a novice skier, but a reasonably competent one. Your next few trips can then be spent exploring the ski areas and actually starting to try things out. Experience is invaluable.

Unfortunately, too many people have a crash 1 day course on an indoor slope and think they know how to ski.

Jonny220 wrote:Thanks for both the replies.

@rustyinn

Thats good to hear. I do intend to do lessons at VT. But I want to do the day course at Tamworth so that when I do lessons at VT I can go in as a novice who can get just about get down an easy slope, rather than someone who doesn't know one end of a ski from the other. Sounds like I should be ok.

When booking with ski school let them know that your not'complete' beginner - but be honest with how far you've got. They should do an assesment at the start of the first morning anyway to ensure that your going into an appropriate level group.

I've just returned from the Trois Vallies. Stayed in Les Menuires - which is right next to VT.

The snow condition is excellent - although it was a little windy last week and actually some of the top lifts were closed for a while.

Ski school - reaaly depends on the instructor - but good luck and give it your best. Given you have a little experience you should pick it up soon enough.

Beer and food can be expensive ie £9 for a bottle of Magners or £20 for Spagbol. But there are ways to avoid these costs.

1. Most bar offer a happy hour - but be careful, £2 off may still be too expensive.

2. Expensive looking bars/hotel may not be the most expensive at the bar!!!

3. Look at what other people are eating before ordering. Some of the portions are so big - they could feed two. Therefore order 1 meal and share it - half price food.

Damn right you should be excited.

I'm off to La Plagne in 8 weeks and getting excited again already.

Speaking of beer prices, last year we frequented a dansish/viking bar ??? (something like that - maybe someone else on here can give it it's proper name) near the top of the village, they had a happy hour about 5-7 and we were getting 3 large beers for 12 Euros, not sure about this seasons prices, but that worked for us.

Dave