J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Volf

My experience of ESF (French ski school) with kids is excellent. They really work hard a providing them with a good experience.

Whichever country, they won't do things quite the the way they do in the UK, but the kids seem to enjoy it.

Where I am based (Montgenevre) they are used to kids from the UK and have English speaking instructors, specially picked for their aptitude with the little ones. Classes are multi-lingual French/Italian/English but that's not a problem for the kids.

The ski schools are not what they used to be – in a very posititive sense. Private competition and demands from parents has made the likes of ESF really buck up their ideas, it's most likely the same for the other European countries.

Silly really.

You can get a bus from Oulx train station to Briançon, and then a bus up the Serre Valley. I think thy are running every hour this year (certainly from Montgenevre).

It may be that they are all booked out. Start of the school holidays etc. Trains going from Paris to Lyons and Chambery will be very heavily booked.

As you say, could try trains to Briançon, there is a couchette train. You can then get a bus or taxi from there to Sauze... Or alternatively only as far as Montgenevre and then ski the rest of the way !!!

Pack in rucksacks

Buy snow tyres, buy 4 of them, buy the best you can afford.

As it's only a single trip renting could be a good solution.

Socks are easier to put on than chains. I recommend practicing in the drive at home with chains until you can do it with your eyes closed. As no doubt it will be a dark freezing blizzard when you actually need them.

I am a HUGE fan of winter tyres. I am putting mine on next week. Admittedly I am out in the Alps all season, but they make SO much difference.

It snowed early November, mid December and through January in the UK last year, so get them.

I can also say that I haven't needed snow chains in 2 full seasons with snow tyres. They are that good.

In the UK the propensity of 4x4s give people a false sense of security. four wheel drive doesn't help you when braking without grip. It's all in the tyres.

It should be 07.42 - 13.24 or the night train at 20.33. Normally they release 3 months ahead, not sure why they aren't.

Our friends at the Gimont above Claviere report the first snowfall of the season - 25-30cm!!

I can definitely recommend Montgenevre.

The slopes start and finish in the village. It's small so nowhere is far to walk. It's good value and easy to find kid friendly places to eat in the village at lunchtime (cheaper than mountain restaurants).

Also the added excitement of being able to ski into Italy and back.

Dedicated nursery slopes in the village and greens all the way from the top of the mountain back down again. Blues and easy reds galore.

The ski schools are very professional and most of the instructors speak decent English.