Help! I haven't got a clue where to go snowboarding in February!

Hi
I'm hoping someone can help me. I am wanting to book a surprise snowboarding holiday for my boyfriend for the middle of February next year. He is an experienced snowboarder, but I have never been before, so don't have a clue where would be good to go at that time of year.
The requirements I have are quite simple:
1. Good snowboarding (for my man!)
2. Snowboard school (grrr! - for me!)
3. Resort to have bars etc within walking distance (in case I can't face another day of falling flat on my backside!)
4. Not too expensive
5. Possibly somewhere that is good to go for a long weekend (ie 4 nights-ish) rather than a full week, so not to far flight time wise or transfer wise from UK. (I have looked at flying into Nice then travelling to nearby resorts - any thoughts?)
Really hope someone can help me.
Sorry for long post!
Mel

Melanie,

There are so many resorts that would do the trick. There is only one thing that I would say. Choose a high resort to be reasonably sure of good conditions. I know that you plan to go in February, when snow cover is usually good, but in these days of more uncertain weather I would always opt for a high resort to be on the safe side.

If you want to fly to Nice you could book Isola 2000.

Geoff Smith

Melanie
Tons of resorts to choose from in France, but do take care with the dates for the school holidays, both French and English. Short transfers from Geneva for Chamonix, Flaine, Avoriaz, La Clusaz etc. You could fly to Nice, Isola's snow record can be a bit variable, though there are some smaller resorts to choose from. You would probably not want to book far in advance for those, as their snow season can be a bit unpredictable.
It's quite a haul from Nice, back up to Serre Chevalier or Montgenevre etc, perhaps flying into Grenoble or Turin would be a better option there.

For a long weekend, my vote, fly to Geneva, lots of flight choices and because you can get to so many places quickly. Resort choice, Chamonix, because it has lots of hotels from bunk dorms to super luxury, tons of bars and restaurants, stunning scenery, lots of snowsports teachers, safe novice terrain and seriously steep stuff.
It's a nice place too. Before anyone asks, no I don't work for the tourist board, or a Tour Op. :lol:
Have a look here......

http://www.chamonix.net/english/home.htm

Hi Melanie,

Do you really need to go in mid Feb? If atl possible try to avoid this time as it school holiday in England and France so will be very busy.

Whatever time of year check our website for info on our catered chalet holidays. We can organise everything for you - you just book your flights - and we will ensure you get to good resorts for both your partner and you!

www.pyrenees-ski-experience.com

Regards
Sarah

Melanie
You may want to consider taking a beginners snowboard course in the UK before you head out to the resort you have chosen. That way, you will already have the basics, get to see more of your boyfriend during your trip, and see more of the resort you are visiting, because you will have a higher skill level. If you have a Snowdome/Snozone or dryslope facility nearby, courses are run regularly.

Hi there

Yes, I agree with the last post definitely have a couple of lessons on the sly before you go, try and get 4 hours in at least I would say, there are plenty of dry slopes now that offer snowboarding lessons as well as skiing.

Have to say I agree with the Chamonix option, only an hour approx from Geneva and plenty of local nightlife too if you like that sort of thing.

There is plenty of varied terrain in Chamonix and it is well known to be a good snowboarding spot. Have a nice time.

Emmac

melanie smith wrote:Hi
I'm hoping someone can help me. I am wanting to book a surprise snowboarding holiday for my boyfriend for the middle of February next year. He is an experienced snowboarder, but I have never been before, so don't have a clue where would be good to go at that time of year.
The requirements I have are quite simple:
1. Good snowboarding (for my man!)
2. Snowboard school (grrr! - for me!)
3. Resort to have bars etc within walking distance (in case I can't face another day of falling flat on my backside!)
4. Not too expensive
5. Possibly somewhere that is good to go for a long weekend (ie 4 nights-ish) rather than a full week, so not to far flight time wise or transfer wise from UK. (I have looked at flying into Nice then travelling to nearby resorts - any thoughts?)
Really hope someone can help me.
Sorry for long post!
Mel

Mid-feb is the busiest & hence most expensive time to ski in France. Either choose another time or another country.

Hi Mel

I would avoid the middle of Feb if I was you - can you make it the end of Jan or end of Feb? The slopes tend to busy, which is very distracting when you are learning to board as you get paranoid about taking the snaking kids out! Plus all the good instructors are taken up with kids ski schools! As the French and English kids on half term.

We can help though with your wish list

1. Good snowboarding - no probs loads of good snow and good routes especially off-piste, if your guy is a powderhound. We offer FREE guiding too if he wants some company.

2. Snowboard school - we can book you win with some lovely good english speaking instructors, who are fab on private 1 to1 lessons.

3. Resort to have bars - loads of them here in La Clusaz, plus we can even pick you up at the end of the night when the busses have stopped running!

4. Not too expensive - no probs we offer catered or self catered depending on your budget.

5. Possibly somewhere that is good to go for a long weekend - we are only an hour from Geneva (so cheap flights) and can offer a 3/4 night weekend, we are fairly flexible on change-over days for both the catered and self catered.

I hope this all helps?
Take a look at www.gravite.co.uk for more info or drop me a PM via this forum.