Opinions on these 3 resorts please?

Hi,

I'm planning a ski trip over new year, somewhere in the French Alps. Out of a long list I've narrowed it down to the following 3...can anyone offer some advice on them and which you'd recommend?

1) Val Thorens
2) Arc 1800
3) Risoul

The group will be a large group of students, looking for a wide range of slopes suitable for all levels of ability, reliable snow and good apres-ski at reasonable prices. Note that we'll be taking a coach from London(!) so any advice on journey times/conditions would also be helpful!

Thanks in advance!

PS I'm leaning towards Risoul because it's the cheapest option by quite a margin...any thoughts in particular about this place?

SimonH wrote:Hi,

I'm planning a ski trip over new year, somewhere in the French Alps. Out of a long list I've narrowed it down to the following 3...can anyone offer some advice on them and which you'd recommend?

1) Val Thorens
2) Arc 1800
3) Risoul

The group will be a large group of students, looking for a wide range of slopes suitable for all levels of ability, reliable snow and good apres-ski at reasonable prices. Note that we'll be taking a coach from London(!) so any advice on journey times/conditions would also be helpful!

Thanks in advance!

I know Val Thorens very well..

The level and range of skiing there is very good, and is very snow sure due to being the highest resort in the Alps.

Night life is pretty good, not sure of prices, but certainly not the top end like Corchevel and the like...

G.

Val Thorens would come top, in my opinion. The Arcs 1800 the Risoul, but the thing that of course dictates it in the end is the money...

Ive been to Thorens once ages ago and it was really good, thing i remember most was the snow (it was good even in early Dec!). Ive never been to the other 2

I have been to Val Thorens several times and the snow is awesome. There are so many different levels of skiing/boarding so everyone will be happy. There is some good off piste as well.

As for nightlife, there are a fair few places that are open until early hours of the morning. Take a trip to the Frog and Roast Beef which is the highest bar in Europe!!

If it is for students I would say to go to Val Thorens, I know it is a bit more expensive but it is worth it.

Hi, VT is great for snow, a good range of skiing and nightlife. HOWEVER, please bear in mind that in January it is possibly the coldest place in France to go skiing. Having worked as a guide in the 3 valleys and Les Menuires just down the road, it was a place to avoid for much of January. Is is significantly colder than any of the other resorts in the area with added wind whistling off the glaciers. If it was snowing, as well as being cold, there was absolutely no tree line skiing. Having said that, the runs just over the back in the Orelle valley are fab, with virtually no queues.
Have skiied in Risoul many years ago. It would be a long way by bus, nightlife limited, but probably good for intermediates.

You cant beat the 3 valleys for me - Val thorens is great - If you are a medium - good skier you should get a 3 valleys pass though...

Ian
www.ski3valleys.com
www.chaletacccommodation.com