J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by KevinC

bandit wrote:
Diesel in alpine area has an additive to stop it going sludgey.

I read that, but then thought that as the policy is to pick up the car full and return full, it's not really your choice what goes in the tank that sits up in the alps. I wonder how far from the alps the additive is added?!

Does diesel not freeze at around minus 10-15? I was concerned I'd get a diesel hire car in case it wouldn't start after being parked up for a week at the -20 that was the forecast low!

All sorts of suggestions out there such as putting a touch of petrol in the tank - try explaining that to the hire car company!

Hm...for all their boasts then they still don't seem to be something you could rely on in the alps.

I'm left in a dilemma every year as to what to do. Don't like the thought of paying 60 euros every time I hire a car in Europe and I don't know if I'd be able to fit them - I can't practice because I'm never going to drive from England so don't own any. Yet if my flight had gone out on Saturday it seems it's highly likely something would have been required.

Helicopter transfer next year!

So without wishing to re-start those arguments of 2 years ago does anyone know of any further developments with acceptance by the police? Does anyone know of any countries where they are definitely either allowed or banned for roads where the police are restricting access only to those suitably equipped?

I haven't been this season but learnt to snowboard there last year. Can't comment a great deal on the skiing - I normally ski in La Plagne and compared to there the range seemed limited but that was as a learner so maybe we were kept in a limited area, and nevertheless I'm sure there is plenty there to ski.

I don't have any specific recommendations but I can tell you that the entire resort seemed reasonable. In the town the restaurants weren't any more expensive than a non-ski resort and if money's tight you can get decent pizza slices etc. for a couple of euros.

Food and drinks on the mountain are also pretty decent value. We never get lunch on the mountain in France but did so every day there - we shared a large pizza (enough for 3 or 4) which was only around 10-12 Euros. Bottle of coke 1.50 etc. That was from the restaurant adjacent to the ski school (and nearest to the chairlift) but the others seemed similar. Vin Chaud and beer was only a couple of Euros in most places.....

Whilst on the subject of chains, again, (apologies to all those who have seen this suject a thousand times) has anyone tried the tyre covers?(Autosocks I think they are called)

Do they work? Will the police let you proceed with them when they have their checkpoints?

Well it looks like many people have had an adventure doesn't it! I'm a bit disappointed in myself that I took the refund at the first opportunity when I saw the problems, but a disastrous coast-to-coast bike ride involving cycling until 2am and sleeping by the side of the road taught me to bail-out at the first sign of trouble.

Hi Dan

I go to regularly to La Plagne (Belle) and it meets a lot of your criteria, IF you go DIY and self cater. We often book Le Quartz and have a reasonably priced week with budget airline and autoeurope car hire. It's fairly quiet, plenty of skiing and some nice restaurants that are cheaper than a lot of other French resorts.

However as a learner I would suggest looking to see if Crystal etc. are doing the 'learn to ski' packages - they include lift pass, equipment and lessons at a very good price. We used to learn to board in Bardoneccia (can't remember how to spell it!) in Italy. Being in Italy was great for the food (very reasonably priced) but the skiing was limited compared to La Plagne so I'd look for another resort in Italy. That said, ESF in France also do packages for beginners of lessons and lift pass but a self-catering France trip is probably better when you don;t have to pay for lessons.