J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Pole Plant

Hi Ash

If you fancy a chalet in Austria do look at the resort of Ischgl. Ski Total and Inghams, just to mention two companies, have chalets in this resort.Ischgl has a very modern lift system is linked to Samnaun in Switzerland and with a village height of around 1400 metres is guaranteed snow end of January. Also consider St. Anton and the Ellmau area all resorts offering plenty of chalet accommodation. Also loads of ski companies offering chalets in St. Anton-look online 'St. Anton Ski Chalets'. Best of luck.

Have a look at the Sella Ronda, Italy. Great circuit, cheaper costs and lift passes than France if that is a consideration. Choose to stay in Selva, Arabba or Corvara.

Good advice from admin man.

I would personally go for La Clusaz-under one hours drive from Geneva. Nice town, lots of easy blues and some slightly more difficult reds. The high sector of La Balme has some good demanding blacks.

I drive/deliver all makes and sorts of car all over Europe. For your 5 to 6k budget the Toyota RAV4 is well worth a look at. For your budget go for 2004 through to 2006 with, ideally, main dealer service history. As another said do invest in winter tyres, chains are a bit of a pain. Also bear in mind that the diesel fuel in the mountains at below freezing temperatures can freeze up and you will be unable to start until it 'de-freezes'. The Subaru range of 4-wheel drives are also well worthwhile in the mountains.

Yes, Millstreet is probably right. Cheap as chips because it's a fair chance the resort will not be open on this date, plus the chances of good snow cover in early December is dodgy. You might consider Tignes which has it's glacier open most of the year for skiing but the downside is that it would be a two and a half hours drive from Geneva. Perhaps, if it is possible, plan to go 2nd/3rd week December when many resorts will be open and prices will still be very reasonable. Finally, if cost is a consideration look at the second week in January-all resorts open and you could then consider La Clusaz in France. Nice town, good skiing and only 45 minutes drive from Geneva.

Hi Gareth

Worth looking at Val d'Isere (France) and also Zermatt (Switzerland). Both very lively and the skiing is good also. Should be able to find flights to Geneva from Ireland also.
Good luck.

Fly to Geneva-short transfer to Chamonix (france) or if Italy try Turin, 2 hours to Champoluc/Gressoney/Aosta valley. Good luck.

Hi Nigelthegrafter

Have skied Champoluc about six or seven times and it is a delightful area, particularly suited for cruising intermediates. The snow conditions here are certainly above average for the height of the resort. Regarding the 18th, that is a mountain away in terms of snowfall and I feel sure that you will get some super skiing in Champoluc. Even if conditions are a little sparse you can quickly gain height with the six seat gondola out of Champoluc and head over to Gressoney and Alagna, gaining height, and better snow all the way. Champoluc has invested a lot in snow making and please let me know when you get back if the snow wasn't OK! Finally you will be amazed at the lack of queues and open pistes although be prepared for the weekend invasion of the hordes from Milan and Turin.