2013

Ok so this year is done and dusted. Loved LDA but should I go back next time? Really enjoyed the all inclusive but will be going Feb half term so not going to be cheap whatever. Probably myself, OH, daughter 22 and son 17.(daughter is advanced skier, rest of us intermediates) Any ideas on resorts ? Reluctant to DIY as I prefer the whole package thing still being inexperienced in these matters. Europe not USA as I have time limitations unless my lovely headmaster puts a training day in before or after the holiday. We have been to Arinsal, Andorra and Pila,Italy so far.

We've been to L2A three times now, and we've decided to move on elsewhere next year. More for a change of scenery than anything. We've just about skiied/boarded the resort out we feel and whilst it's nice to go back to what you know is familiar, it's also nice to discover new resorts too.

Maybe consider whether you feel it has enough scope for you to try new runs next year.

Like you say, nowhere will be cheap at half term!

We've booked for Val D'Isere in January next year, very much looking forward to it.

michelle63 wrote:Ok so this year is done and dusted. Loved LDA but should I go back next time? Really enjoyed the all inclusive but will be going Feb half term so not going to be cheap whatever. Probably myself, OH, daughter 22 and son 17.(daughter is advanced skier, rest of us intermediates) Any ideas on resorts ? Reluctant to DIY as I prefer the whole package thing still being inexperienced in these matters. Europe not USA as I have time limitations unless my lovely headmaster puts a training day in before or after the holiday. We have been to Arinsal, Andorra and Pila,Italy so far.

Depends what you want from a ski holiday.

Large area?
Guaranteed snow is always useful so decent altitude?
Ski in/ski out?
Chalet/hotel/apartment?
Any particular country you prefer?

Of places I've been, I'd recommend the following resorts in terms of offering all round great skiing for all levels in your group:

Verbier
St Anton
Alpe d'Huez
St Moritz (outstandingly good but packages are pricey)

Lots of factors going on there. France will have one of its half-term weeks the same time as the Brits. Try Italy or Austria maybe for quieter slopes? If you're used to LDA, the charms of Austria may be a good alternative, just pick a decent sized ski area... so go for the more famous resorts, and book early for cheep flights.

Aaargh....so many places to choose from. :shock:

michelle63 wrote:Aaargh....so many places to choose from. :shock:

So let us help.

What are you looking for, as I asked above?

Ok here we go,
large area preferably to cater for intermediate/advanced skiers (4 adults)
Not worried about ski in/ski out particularly.
Shortish transfers if possible. (Flying)
Feb half term is going to be expensive but cost is not a huge issue, really enjoyed the all inclusive in Italy and France or half board.
Country .... France or Italy unless you know of some good resorts that I have not considered. Have looked going back to LDA but it would be nice to try somewhere else. You guys have way more experience than me.
Scared to do it all separately but would consider it with good advice from yourselves. :mrgreen:

michelle63 wrote:Ok here we go,
large area preferably to cater for intermediate/advanced skiers (4 adults)
Not worried about ski in/ski out particularly.
Shortish transfers if possible. (Flying)
Feb half term is going to be expensive but cost is not a huge issue, really enjoyed the all inclusive in Italy and France or half board.
Country .... France or Italy unless you know of some good resorts that I have not considered. Have looked going back to LDA but it would be nice to try somewhere else. You guys have way more experience than me.
Scared to do it all separately but would consider it with good advice from yourselves. :mrgreen:

Ok, here we go:


Alpe d'Huez.
Big area, good off piste opportunities, reasonably priced compared to much of France, high altitude so guaranteed skiing, some nice older rustic type buildings with a great choice of bars and restaurants around both the old and new villages. 1.5 hour transfer from Grenoble. Lots of packages available with chalets or chalet hotels. I've used Ski France and Ski Total here and had great trips (despite too much snow resulting in diverted flights and lost bags....) Rocket ski have a hotel in a fantastic position here, unbeatable really at their prices.

Serre Chevalier.
One of my favourite places. Old and rustic in the villages (Villeneuve, Monetier and Chantmerle are the nice village ski stations in the valley) with better than normal prices for France. Great snow record. Just across the border from Milky Way in Italy which you can ski on your lift pass for a day, along with Alpe d'Huez as well. 2 hour transfer from Turin, maybe a little longer from Grenoble but not much. Been here with Rocket Ski and driven as well. Plenty of nice accommodation available with the likes of Inghams, Crystal, etc, as well as the very cheap Rocketski deals, albeit in school trip style hotels.
Lots of skiing and through trees as well. Good altitude, 4 different distinct areas to ski all linked.


Let us know what you think.