J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Julia Moss

daved wrote:remember you need a reflective vest for EACH occupant

No, that's incorrect, one reflective jacket is compulsory, it's up to you whether you carry more. I can recommend the AA website http://www.theaa.com for motoring advice, they have a comprehensive section on the law for France and other countries. :)

Some things are advised not oligatory, but one thing you must have is a reflective vest which you don't mention. The breathalyser thing is coming in in July but the Police will not enforce it until after October apparently.

Wow, Les Deux Alpes is a bit of a drive from Geneva (about 3 hours??). Why not consider Flaine, Avoriaz, Les Arcs, or Val Thorens ? They should all be in good condition in early April.

You don't mention what level skiers you are but if you can, and the conditions allow, it's possible to do a full circuit of the Espace Diamant. We did it with a guide but it's well worth researching the route and tackling it as you'll find more challenging terrain than at Crest Voland. CV is charming, quiet but blessed with easy access to the slopes and some amazing views. Hope you like drag-lifts - this was the place that forced me to overcome a phobia!!
To eat at lunchtime seek out the Montagnette at Flumet. The Vent-Volet just above CV on the lower slopes is great with a nice terrace and the Arche de Zoe was nice for an evening meal. We loved CV and would go back just for the laid back and friendly vibe in the village.Plus of course, all that mileage you can do on relatively quiet slopes.

Not too bad! Valfréjus is the furthest at 33km from Val Cenis and there's a really easy climb from Modane (direction Frejus Tunnel). About a 45min journey in good conditions.

If you have your own transport you should consider getting a ski pass which covers other ski stations in the Maurienne including Aussois, La Norma, and one we can particularly recommend - Valfréjus, which you could explore in a day and has some great intermediate runs and plenty of safe off-piste.

Can't really add much more as I agree with the others. It's a great option to stay in Brides-les-Bains but the gondola ride is quite restricting especially at the end of the day when you need to get back down. Plus, the steep walk up to the gondola station is a killer on icy roads - better to take the free bus if you see it (we never did but it exists!) We only did the journey a couple of days running but it was getting a bit boring even though we skied down to the Les Allues station.
Brides itself gets very quiet once skiers have left the central bars but we found The Restaurant l'Authentique at the Résidence Cybele which is just out of the main village as you enter Brides, was really cosy and welcoming with a great menu serving local dishes and Italian.

I think renting different skis all the time can really knock your confidence - there are some skis I just didn't get on with when I was a learner and if a rental shop didn't have my favourite skis I was instantly nervous.
If your wife tries out a few different skis, chooses her favourite and buys a pair the same, over time she'll get to know what they are like in different conditions and come to trust them more.
It's also great having your own gear :-)