Sestriere - opinions

Hi Folks,

Starting to think of 2013! And maybe heading to Sestriere.

Any opinions?
How good is the snow (most likely mid-January)? What is it like for nervous intermediates? Seems like a LOT of red runs everywhere - how do these compare in difficulty of the runs in Espace Killy where I have skiied before (I know many of the runs in EK are grossly under graded).

Thanks
TS

I've only skied there for a day, but really enjoyed it. Some great runs, it's a bit higher that most of the surrounding resorts if I remember correctly, slightly better conditions but let trees. Nervous intermediates shouldn't have too many problems as long as the conditions are ok. They are reds because they do suffer from icy conditions rather than because they are particularly challenging.

I like Sestriere for the skiing but its a bleak and dull town. I've always stopped over in Sauze which is much nicer. The skiing at Sauze is lovely, wooded runs, and probably better suited to the more nervous intermediate as theres nothing difficult over there. Sestriere does have some harder runs and as Andy says it can suffer more with ice. Its higher and more exposed basically. But the skiing there is really good.
On the same pass you can ski over at MontGenevre as well which is also great for a couple of days.
Think carefully about where on this ski area to stay. Sauze and Claviere are probably the better options tbh

I skied the milky way this year and loved it, sestriere had some great skiing but I would say you are better off saty in Sauze.
If you are wanting something away from the hussle, try this place I stayed there and the food alone was worth the nighly charge. 5 course meal every night, not once did i manage to order all 5 courses due to the size of the courses.
The best part for me though was being thevery first person to ski th slopes every morning on a couple of occaisions I followed the Piest basher down. they also pick you up by skidoo.

http://www.ciaopais.it/inglese/chalet.html

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g194891-..._of_Turin_Piedmont.html#REVIEw

I got flights for £69 return to Turin including my bag and the train was 15 euros return.

Would always stay in Sauze rather than Sestriere - nicer little town and easy enough to ski over if you want a change,

elovabloke wrote:Would always stay in Sauze rather than Sestriere - nicer little town and easy enough to ski over if you want a change,

And a reputation for poor snow conditions !!!!

Not great last year I understand but was great in Jan 2009 & Jan 2010. Here's hoping for 2012.

MattSki_score wrote:I skied the milky way this year and loved it, sestriere had some great skiing but I would say you are better off saty in Sauze.
If you are wanting something away from the hussle, try this place I stayed there and the food alone was worth the nighly charge. 5 course meal every night, not once did i manage to order all 5 courses due to the size of the courses.
The best part for me though was being thevery first person to ski th slopes every morning on a couple of occaisions I followed the Piest basher down. they also pick you up by skidoo.

http://www.ciaopais.it/inglese/chalet.html

Can you remember what ski run take you in/out of the hotel??
Red/blue ,,how steep

thanks