J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Janet Evans

We just had a week in Sauze d'Oulx (28 Jan - 4 Feb) and I agree with previous comments. The pistes in both resorts are FANTASTIC. Loads of wide, cruisy reds, abundant snow - and, best of all, NO CROWDS! In fact, more often than not we were the only ones on the piste. Apparently this is typical.
Sauze is much prettier than Sestriere and has a couple of small supermarkets, ski clothes shops, bars and cafes (incl a wonderful cake shop). Its reputation for being a lager-lout resort is very much out of date. There was no noise from the few late-night spots all week. (Shows our age!!) We stayed in a 2-star hotel (Hotel Monte Genevris) in Sauze which was fine; no frills (i.e. no pool/spa, no choice for meals unless requested, rooms a bit basic) but run by a delightful family, nice atmosphere, clean, v. helpful staff.
Overall, I would DEFINITELY RECOMMEND staying in Sauze d'Oulx from where you can ski over to Sestriere and visit Mont Genevre (Inghams organised a day trip there which would have been worthwhile had I not been laid low with winter vomiting bug - ugh!).
:lol: :lol:

Thanks, Richard. We're now back from an excellent week at Sainte Foy. I agree with you: the lack of queues was fantastic after so many years spent waiting at the bottom of lifts!

Restaurants: we were in a catered chalet so only had to eat in a restaurant once. Chose 'La Maison a Colonnes' which was excellent. Also had a nice lunch at Chez Alison.

The resort seems to be overrun with us Brits, so not authentically French! Unfortunately off piste was pretty tracked out so we decided not to venture away from the pistes this time. But we really enjoyed ourselves and may well go back another year!

Thanks again to all who posted their comments.

Janet

:D

I'd go for Serre Chevalier

1,snow)-8
2,terrain)-9
3,staff)-7
4,infa structure)-8
5,social)-9
6,access)- 9
7,view)-9
8,accommodation - Chalet hotel Le Lievre Blanc (Inghams) 6 (unmodernised bedroom with hideous wallpaper!
9,skiers and snowboarders)- 9 for skiers, don't know about snowboarders

We loved Serre Chevalier. Went late Feb, outside UK school holidays; must have missed French hols too, cos slopes were DESERTED! Were told by French friends that it would be v cold and windy but it wasn't. :-)

Thanks so much, JonG, for your amazingly detailed reply and to everyone else who has contributed so far. I wouldn't have believed there was such a font of knowledge out there - all for free! Brilliant. :lol:

Thanks, Iceman! We're really looking forward to our trip, especially learning how to ski off-piste properly this year. We'll check out the ski shop you recommend too.

Cheers!
8)

We are going there soon and would be interested in any recommendations for good skiing areas / restaurants / mountain cafes / spas, etc.! We can travel to nearby resorts too. We are average intermediates and hesitant off-pisters!

Thanks in advance. :lol:

Why not buy instant foot/hand warmers? :?: