Where to go for Christmas? cont..

Thanks for the comments made, not sure if I am more confused than ever now though! I have used this forum, as I am totally new to the concept of skiing and wanted to seek opinion, after having done extensive research and being non the wiser. There is a heck of a lot of choice out there and more at risk, opposed to picking somewhere hot and a pool to lay next to!
I opted for France, because in my pricing and research it is at least £300-£400 cheaper that Austria.
I have taken on board the issue of going to a higher resort and have narrowed it down to Les Arcs 1800 staying in Residence Le Belmont or at La Plagne 1800 staying at Les Nereides or Lauze Apartments. Does anyone know of these places? Is anyone aware of other facilities and learn to ski packages in these areas? Will I get snow?!

Thanks

Hi Babyrose,

I cannot help you with La Plagne but I have stayed at Les Arcs 1800 and ski-ed the whole of the Les Arcs area. I can vouch for a beautiful mountain region with lots of tree line skiing. Immediately above Les Arcs 1800 there are several nursery slopes. So it is a good resort for beginners. I believe that the ski school still teaches the 'ski evolutif' method whereby you start on very short skis and progress to longer skis as the week goes by. My sister learned very quickly and easily with this method.

The downsides for us were dreary architecture in the three Les Arcs resorts and poor mountain restaurants. But the skiing, which is the main thing , was great.

Will there be snow? There is no 100% guarantee but for what it is worth we have ski-ed in the French Alps in a resort located at 1800 metres, in December for the last six years. Conditions have varied but we have always had pretty good skiing.

I understand that La Plagne and Les Arcs are now linked up.

Hope this helps.

Geoff Smith

Hi Babyrose.

I totally understand your frustration at getting so many replies and advice that seem to just baffle!

I have worked in the travel industry for 17 years and run my own company selling accommodation in the ski resorts of Europe and North America. With ski holidays they are by far the hardest to sell. There is no definate right or wrong about choosing a resort and you have to unfortunately go with your gut instinct alot of the time!

There are so many factors to consider when choosing a ski holiday with obviously the most important being snow. But with Les Arcs and La Plagne which is now combined and called the "Paradiski", you have such a vast area and if the snow is not so good low down then you'll find some up top, along with every other person at that time!

We went to La Plagne a couple of years ago over new year and they had the worst snow record for about 25 years. It rained up to 2500m. I remember going up on the chair lift and being drenched in rain, completely wet through and getting off at the top covered in snow. Really bizarre! But you can't plan or have any control over these things and Christmas/new year in Europe is always a gamble. The Paradisk has a good now record though. But don't worry because if the snow is crap the bars in Les Arcs are good.

It's a good resort for beginners, and if you aren't interested in busy nightlife stay in La Plagne as it's more geared for the beginner and you don't get the crazy snowboarders frightening you to death as you do in Les Arcs!

I think you've made the right choice. Enjoy!

Sherrie McDonald
Simply Alpine

Sorry, forgot to say.

If you have or are going to book your holiday through a tour operator get them to sort out your ski packs and lessons. It's much less complicated than you doing it yourself and shouldn't cost you any more. If you do it yourself make sure you give yourself enough time and arrange for the ski packs to be collected before the day you start your skiing!

Regards

Sherrie McDonald
Simply Alpine

Hi babyrose
I have skied the Les Arcs area for about 10 weeks over many years. The range of skiing is superb, though, unless you and your family are exceptionally fast learners, you won't be able to enjoy much of it. The villages, are predominantly high rise blocks, and although they are wood clad, to me look pretty utilitarian and bleak. They provide a place to sleep, between full skiing days.
As for La Plagne, it's built along similar lines, another big skiing area, which can be bleak in bad weather, as much of the area lacks tree lined slopes. The high altitude Tarentaise resorts have been labelled by some as "ski factories".

If your family are self contained and enjoy making your own celebrations, you could have a great time in an apartment in either location. There is IMV, very little ambience and charm, the apartment blocks are functional, little more.
As you have children, they may enjoy the traditional celebrations and atmosphere of an Austrian village, which will have year round residents and a genuine vibe. As novice skiers, it may also be a more gentle introduction to the sport for the whole family.
As you have costed out accommodation in the Tarentaise, have you compared lift pass and ski equipment prices, lesson costs and food prices yet?

?I would love any help or suggestions about the Christmas break I am trying to plan. I am looking for a skiing break on a budget, with 2 children (8 and 12 yrs), somewhere in France. Any suggestions for the best place to go? We have never tried skiing before! Is it best to book learn to ski packages before or while there? Also I would like other activities to be available - skating and so on.
Any advice greatly appreciated !??

Hi Babyrose,
I know that you have already decided for the higher altitude ski areas?however it would be in your best interest to review your decision if it is based on snow conditions. Keep in mind that almost all areas now have a snowmaking system that is quite sufficient to insure a very good snow cover in the event of a lack of natural snow. You should not be surprised that the ski resorts now a days will always make snow no matter what altitude and all season long at that.

I would like to suggest Megeve as a resort that you should try for you and your family. Megeve is a short 1 hour drive from the Geneva International Airport. The ski area is perfect for a young family that is just beginning to discover skiing for the first time. Megeve is designed and caters for the intermediate skier with plenty to do in the afternoons for family from the shopping to the restaurants and skating rink to the Olympic swimming pool? so your two children will have a great time.

As a ski instructor that has worked in the Alps for many years you will find English speaking instruction for you and your family available on the internet.

Megeve at Christmas is wonderful as it is a ski resort that is ?cut in the trees? ? there are trees everywhere (unlike the lunar landscape of most other ski areas above tree line). The town center of Megeve is a friendly cobbled area with a very old church at its center. The town has horse drawn sleighs that will take you from one area to another. The people are most friendly and children are especially welcome.

My suggestion is to reserve quickly as there are still places available however by September it will be too late.

Look at the Megeve page on J2ski? plenty of information for you there.

Megeve Mike
www.SkiProsMegeve.com