Montchavin (end of Jan 2012)

Hello all.

We have just booked a week in Montchavin for the end of Jan 2012. I've only been skiing once before, a few years ago in Alps d'Huez, which was really good. (I did have lessons at Tamworth beforehand, too!)

Have been hunting around the internet for Monchavin, but would be interested to hear from anyone who has personal experience of the area.

In particular, looking to hire skis. The searches all appear very expensive if I specify Montchavin as apposed to other resorts. Does anyone have any tips for good value ski rental that I'm missing?

The other bit that is confusing me is the 3 different ski lift passes, at E217, E240 and E257. I'm not sure what the difference is?

Thanks

Mat

Hi Mat,

I have stayed in Montchavin for the past 3 years... they were the best ski holidays of my life. Montchavin itself is a typical french unspoilt village.

There are a few places to hire ski's/boots in Montchavin, however i would thouroughly recommend Rental Republic - http://rentalrepublic.co.uk/ they will deliver your Ski's to your Chalet also and are a superb team. :D

There 3 different ski passes cover particular areas... i would recommend getting the 'Paradiski' Lift Pass for the best result. This covers over 400KM of piste from La Plagne to Les Arcs allowing you access to all areas..

And at the end of your skiing day i would advise you to have a local 'Green Beer' in Camp De Base Cafe (approximately 11 steps from the piste!) )

Plus little ol Montchavin is currently sitting pretty at the top of the snowdumping charts!

I can guarantee you an amazing holiday!

ST

When the snow is good Montchavin is absolutely gorgeous!
And well placed for La Plagne and Les Arcs.
And so pretty :D

If saving the price of a couple of beers is of little importance then the Paradiski pass is the best, even for relative novice skiers.
Peisey Nancroix, just over the big lift to Les Arcs is another gem of an area and worth the visit.

We're heading there in early March. Snow reports currently look v v good!! Paradiski area is massive, with something for everyone. Not rented equipment there mysellf, but have been recommended a couple of places...Montchavin Sporteam, Ski Republic, Intersport and Rental Republic. Not sure if that helps at all

Have skied in Montchavin for the last 4 years and completely agree with all said. We used Rental Republic (as we were staying with their now demised sister company Ski Republic) and highly recommend them - they were the cheapest ski hire we had experienced in ages. Paul Coyle & Andy Smedley - always helpful. Definitely get the Full Pass - Paradiski... you are in the best place to chose Les Arcs or La Plagne... and ski both - superb skiing area. If you need lessons - ask for Seb Ragotin or his chum Rudi. Their English is perfect and are both excellent instructors. They are ESF.

Thanks for your replies - please accept my apologies for taking ages to come back in here.

We've booked our skis, following some of your recommendations in here - I think we got a good deal, but we shall see next week.

Regarding lessons, I think I probably will want to have a few. I dont want to do every day. Do you think I should book before I go, or would it be better to arrange once on resort?

I've been trying to work out where our accommodation is in the village, comparing the postcode in googlemaps with maps of the village, and i've just worked it out. We are in M11 (Les 3 glaciers), but the reason I've been having so much trouble is that all maps of Montchavin are upside down, ie with North down and South up? Any ideas why?

eg:

Also, does anyone know of any good coffee shops or bars that have wifi?

mat5968 wrote: but the reason I've been having so much trouble is that all maps of Montchavin are upside down, ie with North down and South up? Any ideas why?

Hmm, just a guess from me, but I would have said it is due to the mountain. Is the higher point to the south? This would be why it is at the top of the map, high to low = South to North.

Of course, my theory goes out of the window if the North is higher :shock: