Funny isnt it - Mrs H believes 2 ski weeks are enough, as she also likes her time in the sun in them summer, and before anyone suggests a summer holiday in the Alps - NO!
I however have managed to get her on 2 weeks, and wangle a 3rd week, be it with a mate as previously, or my daughter as this season. I need those 3 weeks.
I still cant get my head round this obsession with
Niederau. It does appear there is a huge bias on here to that resort, which I guess only means I am going to have to try it sometime. But I have this mental block about the conditions and the height of the resort and ski area which keeps telling me to go elsewhere.
I do like the look of Jasna, and the prices are hugely attractive too. My requirements are similar to those of Dave Mac in terms of costs and location, although I do tend to end up making a decision based on holiday price. When you end up in
Verbier for £269 catered including flights etc, I dont think you really care too much if its ski in ski out or what the architecture is, without sounding flippant. What is important is going somewhere where the ski area is a good size with varied runs, and that is snowsure so you cna get some good conditions. Short transfers are also a bonus, which is why I tend to rule out 3 valleys and Andorra every time, although France is almost all a non starter based on the rudeness of the people in the lift queues, the queues themselves (I dont do queues), the price of food and drink generally, and the fact that bad weather often means piste closures.
I notice a few people mentioning Norway, Finland and Lapland for next season. A good mate of mine is going for the first time in his early 40s next Jan, and is going to Lapland. It does appear to be a sensible choice for beginners based on snowsure conditions and nice easy runs. Not sure it would have the appeal for more experienced skiers, which I think is where the alpine areas are on a winner.
Long haul is simply not an option for me, as I cant afford to take more than a week off at a time, and I wont fly for 12 hours just for 6 days skiing, so Europe it is for me. Austria, any time. France, maybe only Serre Che has the appeal, or somewhere on the PDS. Switzerland I liked, and would like to see more of. Italy needs to have some good snow, but I really like the look of the Dolomites. As for Eastern Europe, I think I would have a week in Slovenia and try to do KG,
Bled and
Bohinj all in a week, as they are only small areas, or possibly take Dan up on his offer and visit Jasna.
Who knows what next season has to offer, until we see the prices on offer and what the snow is going to be like.
