Moving on from Arinsal..

In response to the original post, I would say definitely book a package rather than DIY just because its easier and everything is organised for you.
You want to concentrate on the skiing and develop, see the new place, rather than worry about a bus turning up or the road being closed.

I learned in 3 valleys, and haven't been back since, not particularly fussed to rush back there either. Since then, I developed by skiing Mayrhofen a lot, but have skied it to death now. However, its a good place for intermediates, with lots to go at, and one or two really challenging runs too. Cheapish packages, food and drink also well priced.

Other places I would recommend from personal experience;

Verbier, Switzerland
Great ski area, good snow record, lots of chalet accommodation. Not cheap though.

St Anton, Austria
Fantastic skiing, just a fabulous place to ski as a developing skier, lots of chalets as well. Some well priced packages.

Serre Chevalier, France
Big ski area, not crowded especially early March when I've been twice, not purpose built like much of France, good choice of places to stay, cheap in comparison.

Sauze D'Oulx, Italy
Good fun resort, cheap as chips, good cruisy skiing and uncrowded pistes. Not the best snow record however.


I reckon one of those (well, all of them actually) would be ideal for you.
I can recommend going chalet board - breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner included, as well as evening drinks with dinner. Try and get ski in ski out and a sauna, hot tub, jacuzzi and you won't want to go any other way again!

Let us know what you decide.

Thanks so much to everyone for taking the trouble to reply to my post. In the end we went for a catered chalet in Chatel that my girl friend sourced and yes the big hot tub was a vote winner. Fingers crossed for lots of snow as well...

In the meantime some snow on Glenshee and a Scotish New Year would be a fun interlude, fingers crossed..

Cheers and thanks again,
Mark.

:D You are welcome Rocksy. Don't be a stranger and dissapear off the forum. Now you are booked it's time to get all excited about the forthcoming trip and get involved in all the banter here on the boards :twisted:

And we want to see some pics when you get back, especially the hot tub :shock:

I think there is no danger of a lack of excitement though I think if I don't shut up soon, my better half might lock me in the shed for some peace and quiet.

Having been awed by Franz Klamer winning his gold in 1976, yes I'm that old, I didn't have the opportunity to go skiing until well into my forties so I'm now making up for lost time. )

Looking forward to getting away to Europe at least once this coming season and having had a snowy New Year in Scotland earlier this year, hope to do a repeat in December/January. Fingers crossed. 8)

Rocksy

Glad you've found something suitable. In your original post, you mentioned skipping ski school and possibly having a lesson or two.
Can I urge you to have some instruction at some point during your holiday.
Bad habits, that can dog the rest of your skiing career, are so easy to acquire. If you aspire to ski anything and everything in style and safety, a solid basic technique is a must. Even after nearly 40 years skiing, I still try to have at least one private lesson a trip. It really does make a difference.