Narrowing down the choice....

I'd appreciate any views that J2ers might have on what my current shortlist for this season's main trip is:

Chalet package: Risoul/Vars

Hotel package: Arinsal

Hotel package: Livigno

DIY: Arosa

Chalet package: Alpe D'Huez

Hotel package: Wengen

Outsider: chalet/hotel Obergurgl.

The criteria I'm going on is a resort with conveniently-located accommodation for a mixed ability couple, native English-speaking or good reputation ski school, flexible enough to offer 3 or 4 mornings of instruction, and plenty to keep the better skier occupied. Departure date March 2 or 9.

Any thoughts or observation would be appreciated.

Alpe D'Huez would be great. Loads of great easy runs close to base and a proper challenge higher up.

Master lass Ski School have a good reputation:

http://www.alpedhueznet.com/ski/schools/masterclass-ski-school-alpe-d-huez.html

Stuart Adamson and his Masterclass team, who I've used before, are the main reason AdH breaks my 'Not France' rule!

Definitely AdH - might be advisable to pre-book with Masterclass though as they are usually very busy!

Risoul v French. Apart from it having nice tree lined runs. Don't know of any non-French schools - think that they are all French. Terrain looks reasonable for a mixed ability bunch.

I've been to the first three and if its a mixed-abilty group, I would venture that any fairly reasonable intermediate in the group could feel a tad restricted by lack of variety/size of areas. I was in Wengen, but didnt get to ski, however the area was very attractive with some compelling non-ski diversions, and I'd certainly like to go back & give it a whirl. From what other ski colleagues have told me, purely for skiing, ADH would probably cover all requirements.

Strike out Arinsal for starters. Very small resort.

I'd definitely recommend Risoul. Had some great weeks there learning to ski in Risoul - the most friendly ESF instructors - whilst my OH took himself off over to Vars & had a great time. Quietisish nights but some good places to eat - the Marmot being our favourite. Good places for lunch as well - Le Tetra & L'ecruille especially. As I improved went over to Vars as well & loved it - really good confidence booster. The only downside was the TO transfers which took 3-4hrs from Turin. Will def go there again one day!