France v Austria

Not wanting to start the old heated debate about which is best, but looking for some comments from those that have been around a bit. Been skiing for about 6 years and am fortunate enough to have been able to manage about 3 trips per year, so think I'm now a fairly established skier, but by no means an expert. Most of my trips have been to Austria, with the odd foray to Italy.
Much as I love Austria, I would like to try France. Traveling from Newcastle means options are fairly limited and mostly confined to Crystal packages, however there are plenty of France trips available through Crystal.
My main concern is cost. I would rather do 3 trips and stay in budget accom, than do one 5 star trip, as to me, it's all about the skiing.
I have heard that France can be rather expensive, especially for apre, and in fact I have heard many stories of beer at 7 euro and coffee etc at about the same.
So, looking for some responses to see if there is any truth in what I have heard and maybe some tips on skiing in France.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Doug, There are those who swear by France and those who swear by Austria, its all a matter of personal preference. I have skied both. Austria is my favourite. I think much of France is very expensive for coffee, lunch etc and for value Austria wins. In my opinion the atmosphere in Austria (Gemutlichkeit as the Austrians call it) is undoubtedly better and more enjoyable than France. On the other hand Austria has quite a lot of low lying resorts so good snow can be an issue. If you have never skied France, you should give it a go as the skiing can be superb but for me taking all factors into consideration, I prefer Austria.NC

I love France, I ski in Chamonix every year, I fly from Newcastle to Geneva and then get a cheap shared transfer (50 mins and €25) there is plenty of cheap apartments to rent and I always find it great value, coffee in town €3-5 euros and dinner for 2 is normally no more than €45. The skiing is fantastic so much variety and much cheaper than Tignes or Val! Can't wait to go back in February, first time skiing in Austria - St Anton over New Years this year and I can't wait!

Stay away from the so called big resorts and focus on the smaller, you still get excellent skiing and the fantastic french experience :thumbup:

There is no France v Austria

It's all down to personal choice.

I've skied both, and some resorts in France are fantastic if you choose carefully, whereas others are dreadfully crowded, soulless, and over priced.
Whereas any trip to Austria has been fun, again you need to pick your resort.

So, let me repeat, there is no direct competition. Some resorts in France are awful, some resorts in Austria are rubbish.

Depends what you want.

Good skiing.......you can get that in any country.
Good food.....again! anywhere.

Cheap prices.......the odd resort in Austria isn't cheap the odd resort on France is.

Stay away from the French mega resorts unless you like silly prices and big queues. Don't go to st Anton if you want a quiet night out.

Seriously.......it's not a competition. You have to try both to be able to pass judgement. I love some French resorts, I love some Austrian resorts. There are places in France I wouldn't ever consider, there are places in Austria I wouldn't go to if you paid me, in fact I've actually been there!

Compare st Anton with val d'isere, val thorens with Sölden, flaine with mayrhofen, les arcs with ischgl.......and you might have a decent discussion.

I'm from Newcastle and the last 3 years (7 trips) flown out of either Manchester or Edinburgh for either cost or a broader choice of resort. Last couple travelled day before departure stayed in a cheap hotel and classed it as an extra night holiday. I don't think Newcastle has good flights to a wide variety of ski resorts ie the dolomites

We're contemplating Austria for our 2nd trip this coming season. Ischgl looks interesting.

I am actually really keen to try a non-french alps resort so I can view Espace Killy/Paradiski in a proper context.

Other than perhaps 'variety', from my current viewpoint I'm not sure what other resorts can provide that Val d'Isere cannot?

Hopefully I can report on this in Jan/Feb next year.

I like them both! But in Austria food is cheaper if you want to go to eat out for lunch or dinner. And in France I love the variety of cheeses. Last season I was shocked when I stopped for lunch in one restaurant on the slope in Megeve and was told that I needed a reservation!In another one I waited for more than 30 min the waitress to notice us. I'm there to ski, don't like wasting my time in restaurants and making plans ahead at what time I will stop skiing for lunch so I can make a reservation. Despite all this booked France again for New year. A small village close to Megeve and La Cluzas, nice snowboard school in Le Plan for my daughter. They say it is one of the best areas for good snow at the beginning of the season. Usually we drive to France or Austria so the motorways in France are additional expense for us.