First ski trip, flying into Geneva in Feb half term

Hi everyone,

Ive had lessons on dryslopes and cant wait to get on the snow! So would say that im definatly a beginner, but a confident one! Its the first time im going skiing and first time away from my 3 sprogs, so only want to do a maximum of 5 days away from them.

Im going with a teacher friend so can only go in school holidays :( Everything seems so much more expensive during this week and for me budget is a major factor. I have found some cheap flights to geneva for 14th to 18th of February and am trying to find accomodation near or on ski slopes and something with a jacuzzi and bar so we can relax after skiing and also fairly close to the airport to save on transfer fees.

I have found sooooo many hotels but can decipher if they are actually close to the slopes.

Can anyone recommend any where that fits my criteria of being cheap, preferably less than an hour from Geneva and that will accept a 4night booking??

Cheers Jodie

Let us know what you have found and where it is, as people might be able to offer suggestions based on the things you have come across.

Look at snowcoach in La Fayet (st gervais) not on the slopes but they have a coach that does 2 runs each morning 5 min drive. good for beginers. 3/4 board. Breakfast 3 course evening meal with wine included and cakes and hot drinks when you return from the slopes. Sauna and hot tub and bar.
They can also arrange transfers.
http://www.snowcoach.co.uk/page.php?id=30&pid=3&mpg=fantasticresorts

Other than that try avoriaz apartments. Small self catering but cheap and about £50 return in a taxi ATS.
http://www.pv-holidays.com/alps/avoriaz-1800/balcons-soleil-holiday-apartments_to-rent_389-1_fp?&dated=2009-12-19&duree=7&code=AVK15

Thanks Tony.

Before looking at suggestions on this forum i made a list of several and shall list them now, prices are for 4nights

Les Rhodos 90, route de la Jorasse, 74700 Cordon 268Euros (S/C)

Le Petit tetras Sixt Fer A Cheval 256Euros (S/C)

The Auberge Du Grand Paradis, Champery 780CHF (HB)

Hotel Alpina Chamonix Mont Blanc 356 Euro (B/B)

La savoyarde 536Euros (Bit too pricey really)

Residence Maeva Les terrasses Praz de lyz 312Euros

Upon reading some of the topics here, it was suggested le grand bornand, and there are a few hotels there not sure how close they are to Geneva though or how close to slopes :( Sorry i know it must seem like a need spoon feeding, and in fact i think i do :(

There is so many hotels i really dont know how to pick them as i havent a clue on the skiing areas etc. I would got with TA but they are coming out at over £800pp, thats if they can actually do a short break in Half term!

Cheers Again Jodie

jonah690 wrote:Look at snowcoach in La Fayet (st gervais) not on the slopes but they have a coach that does 2 runs each morning 5 min drive. good for beginers. 3/4 board. Breakfast 3 course evening meal with wine included and cakes and hot drinks when you return from the slopes. Sauna and hot tub and bar.
They can also arrange transfers.
http://www.snowcoach.co.uk/page.php?id=30&pid=3&mpg=fantasticresorts

Other than that try avoriaz apartments. Small self catering but cheap and about £50 return in a taxi ATS.
http://www.pv-holidays.com/alps/avoriaz-1800/balcons-soleil-holiday-apartments_to-rent_389-1_fp?&dated=2009-12-19&duree=7&code=AVK15

I think i called snowcoach and it was a little pricey, it was to stay at club hotel terminus st Gervais, and they wanted £390 each inc transers (£70pp) 3/4 board and then it was £57 ski equipment and £89 lift pass. To be honest im not sure we would find something much cheaper but would preferably like a hotel at around that price for the two of us :) What do you think the chances are??

Ah, so you are looking at Chamonix then.
Perhaps Ian Wickham will pop along with some advice on Le Grand Bornard, as its somewhere he knows well.

Tony_H wrote:Ah, so you are looking at Chamonix then.
Perhaps Ian Wickham will pop along with some advice on Le Grand Bornard, as its somewhere he knows well.

Yes i have been looking at Chamonix, but also looking at morzine, avoriaz, flaine etc, Im realy not fussed where we end up as long as its okay for beginners, with jacuzzi close to slopes and cheap :) not much im asking for really lol ;)

Do you have any comments on Cordon?? I looked it up on here and it seems quite ermm poor as in only a few runs :( as Hotel Les Rhodos states to be on the foot of slopes?? Does that mean that it will naturally be on top on the ski lifts? That hotel was quite cheap and not too far from Geneva for transfers??

Thanks Tony :)

Chamonix is not known as the most beginner friendly resort. If you are looking at Chamonix, because it's an easy transfer, then consider nearby Les Houches for more friendly terrain. With a rental car there are many novice friendly resorts within reach, St Gervais, Mageve, Les Contamines, Combloux to name a few.