J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by PrivateBryan

Are you Father Christmas?...

We have been to Samoens in the Grand Massif in April and have always had good snow. In fact, much better snow and quieter slopes than Feb HT.

If you go the Samoens website and search Easter you may find that hotels are doing free kids if 12 & under.
We stayed once at Neige et Roc and our 10 yo was free. If I remember this offer is for accommodation, lift pass and ski hire.

For a whole week half board for 4 it was much cheaper than had we taken them out of school. That hotel is now pretty expensive though, but others take part in the offer.

Samoens itself is quite warm in April as it is low. But the slopes are almost certain to have good snow.

In my experience driving to the slopes and booking independantly is the cheaper way in school hols. Also many tour operators have finished by then, so you could have a problem finding something.

Good luck.

My 15 year old son had outgrown his helmet when we went last year. We started out on the 1st day without one as we could not find one and were in a hurry to get on the slopes. He had never been without a helmet before - having been a member of the local dry slope team it was compulsory and anyway, everyone wore one.
For the 1st part of the day he was quite happy, he enjoyed the freedom. As he got used to his new skis though and got faster & more confident, he realised the importance of wearing one. The speeds are so We bought him one that evening. And I don't think he'll ever go without again.

My 20 year old nephew had a very nasty head injury last year - no helmet. It invloved a trip to the hospital and a few days off.

He will look cooler and they'll help keep his head warm.

Lidl have been mentioned quite a lot recently and I have to say the only gloves that have kept my hands warm in recent years have been the motorcycle gloves I bought there for about 15quid.

It was minus 20 in Val Thorens last April and hands stayed warm.
I've spent a lot more than that on gloves in the past and always had cold hands.

i rate motorcycle gear for skiing. Have 2 Triumph jackets with nice snug collars so no chin chafing. Look good too! Yes, i am a woman...it matters to me!

Hello,
If you are going for Feb half term then expect queues in the morning. We got so tired of waiting for the Gondola in Feb HT 07 that we drove to 1600 and were then able to get the next lifts up before the rush.
There is plenty of free parking up there, but allow about 15-20 mins to drive up. Worth it in the evenings as well as the queue back down can be a problem. Both the times we have been in April though have been much
less busy.

You sons lessons will be at 1600 near where the gondola stops. It won't be a problem to find.

I find it very difficult to say anything derogatory about Samoens, because I am prepared to put up with a few downsides for the plusses it offers. You've booked it, don't worry before you go - that will spoil the anticipation.

The ride up the mountain in the gondola takes 8 mins, just long enough to rearrange goggles, hats and gloves. And the surprise as the gondola goes over the top (!) on the 1st morning is worth waiting for.

The lifts are a bit slow, but enjoy the scenery..and beware the Lanche, it's a long chair across a ridge. It's freezing when the wind blows across. Just make sure you wear a face warmer and enjoy the ride.
While your son is in lessons you'll have time to go to Morillon or Les Carroz, lovely ski areas through trees. Flaine is great, but could be a rush to get back.

The town itself is beautiful, lots of lovely shops and an ice rink for the kids. It's expensive though. If you're self catering there is a Champion supermarket just out of town. Towards Taninges (I think)

We've driven there too when we've been for a week, again not a problem. 12 miles off the motorway and hopefully no chains as it is low lying.
If you decide to drive up to 1600 could be a different story!

Have a great time.
Oh and if you get chance and it's not snow covered go to the Jardin Botanique, it's right in town and is lovely - steep walk tho!

Cheers.

Samoens is great!

Been there 5 times in last 3 years and love it. Now I think I'd only do short breaks there as there are so many other places to go.

Can answer questions if you have any...feel free to ask.

Just seen the Lidl watch. Looks similar...

So, does that mean it would be any good???!!!!

Oh...I got some name place things for dining room table the other day..they were Tchibo. They sell all sorts of useful things in Somerfield. Alas, not Winter sports watches.