J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by chaletlaforet

A lot of half terms fall at once on that week next year, so it isn't going to be cheap. I'd look at Easter if possible, it's much cheaper and easier to book. But if your dates are set (or even if not!), try the forum at Chaletsdirect
http://www.chaletsdirect.com/forum/category-view.asp

or send out a request on chaletfinder.co.uk

Bon chance! ;)

Late season city-break hybrid is a really good idea, I know someone who did it in Venice too - I think they went to Cortina for the mountain.

What a shame about her bad experience and about the unsympathetic liftie :/ Lots of places let pedestrians ride on the lifts, but I'd suggest going somewhere with a bit more going on for non-skiers. Chamonix comes immediately to my mind of course ;) having been there often with non-skiing relatives, partners of friends etc...here are some of my recommendations

http://www.chaletlaforet.com/chamonix/offtheslopes.html
http://www.chaletlaforet.com/winter/index.html

and I especially agree with the post about snowshoeing - that's really good fun for non-skiers (and for you!)
Zermatt in the spring is also pretty with nice railway connections - in fact springtime in general may be better as there's sun, nice cafes etc etc. Courmayeur could be another good one.

Also don't despair and keep her involved, she may try it again eventually. Maybe a day or two xc skiing? Everyone can do that, comfier gear, easy tracks etc etc.

Good luck!

thanks for the kind words :) ....how about posting a request at the forum on Chaletsdirect? It saves all that trawling around looking for availability, too....
http://www.chaletsdirect.com/forum/forums/forum-view.asp?fid=1

We've just had a cancellation for New Year and might suit? Take a look.... :)

mah lips are sealed! )

A selection of places that are high and will almost certainly have good snow: Tignes, Val d'Isere, Chamonix, Val Thorens, Les Arcs, Avoriaz, Courchevel, Saas Fee, Zermatt...the list goes on!


If you're going in mid February, I don't think you need worry too much, most places will be in full swing and early snowfalls have been good all over the Alps.

If you're after snow right down to village level, remember that ski in/ski out accomodation very rarely goes with charming characterful French villages - or not without paying a lot. But still, in February, there should be good snow everywhere.

What are your priorities? Ski in/Ski out? Beautiful resort with great scenery? Pretty village? massive ski area? What level of skiing are you looking for?

I think the issue at that time of year is not so much the snow (which will be good at all the big high resorts and lots of the smaller ones) as finding the right place at a good price at those peak times....From your signature it sounds like you might enjoy something a bit more authentically French than the big purpose built resorts too?

So perhaps somewhere that gives you access to the Portes de Soleil area like Chatel (or Morzine if you wanted a bit more liveliness). Saas Fee and Zermatt have lots of Swiss charm and again access some very high areas. Chamonix has great nightlife, is rivalled only by Zermatt for scenery and by nobody for character and slopes, but doesn't have much ski in/ski out - though of course I am biased :) !

Hope this helps.

Yes, it goes regularly all through the winter from St Gervais to Chamonix train station (in the town centre) and on through the villages.
The swiss site is better for trains than the french one for checking times.
www.sbb.ch

There's often special Snow train services from Paris to Chamonix in winter.

Both should have good snow then. Early season has been looking great so far in Chamonix, I imagine Val d'isere's pretty good too. Just depends which you prefer really, they're both good bets. No prizes for guessing my personal choice but that's just me! :wink:

Handy overall guide:
http://www.chamonet.com/faq.php?id_faq_type=45#164

The single area passes don't exist anymore, which is good - e.g. if you get your pass in Flegere in the morning, you can use it in Le Tour in the afternoon.

For only 3 days on piste (not the Vallee Blanche?) you could either:

Buy a single pass each day and keep your flexibility. If you have internet access (there's plenty of free wi-fi in town) you can top up your pass online and avoid the queue - though you'll need a little bit of French as unfortunately theres STILL no English version of the login etc.
http://www.compagniedumontblanc.fr/pages/buy_ski_pass_1.html

Or:
Get the three day Le Pass (no more messing about with getting them updated every day) and pay the supplement if you need to upgrade to the big one (Even if you're not going to do the Vallee Blanche, you might want to go up the Aiguille du Midi, and you may want a day at Les Houches, especially if visibility's bad or if the wind is high.)

I'd probably do the second one, it's easier, and with only three days, the less time in queues the better. Unless you're staying in Les Houches? Or intend to do a few runs from the top of Les Grands Montets ?