Messages posted by : smartski
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Trip Summary
4th March 2012 (6 days) Tour Operator: Mark Warner Flights: BMI Heathrow/Geneva Stayed in Motteret – 3 Valleys First off, Snow conditions are fantastic, no bare patches although occasionally "slushy" on lower south facing slopes by 3pm. A few inches of fresh snow topped-up twice during the week. 4 days clear blue, two foggy days (one you couldn't even see the next piste marker at times (not so nice)) Flights with BMI (Charter) were great, comfortable with food included even on the short 1hr 15min flight. Geneva is a 2.5 – 3 hr coach transfer and if I can avoid this another time I will, I much prefer Grenoble or Chambery transfers (1.5-2 hr) even though those alternative airports themselves are lacking facilities in every possible way. So this is my third trip with MW and I find them excellent, fantastic food (too much actually). Staff are "youthful" (ok, I mean make me feel old) but extremely helpful and make all the right effort. The Chalet-Hotel Tarrentaise is on the slopes in Motteret. MW promote this chalet more as being "Meribel" probably because it is a better known area…however if you want Meribel then Motteret is not going to ring your bells. Motteret is much smaller and quieter (Meribel is 20min away on a free bus), anyway much better for being quieter in my opinion. If you are skiing in the 3 Valleys then Motteret has to be one of the best places to be based, it is high enough for good snow and central to all the valleys so you can go to any valley on any day without clockwatching and worrying so much about last lifts home. If you're not aware, 3-V is promoted as the largest linked ski area…it is huge. If you stay in Val T, for example, and want to ski in Courcheval then you need to be heading over first lifts in the morning and start heading back after lunch (especially for slower skiers or busy weeks). If you're a beginner, whichever valley you are in, I suggest you possibly only need a "one valley pass" and perhaps have a "second valley top-up" for a selected day or two. With good snow this year runs even down to Courchevel 1550, La Tania 1400, and Saint Martin 1450 all really nice places to drop into (quiet). Also missed by all the crowds is the Masse area, here you'll probably have runs all to yourself. Can't possibly run through all my favourite pistes, but suffice to say in such a vast area there is something for everyone. But coming-up is an "challenge day" for faster skiers... |
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Kids go free, flights, accommodation & catered chalet...adults pay 2012 prices or 2013 whichever is the cheaper. Why? I've skied La Plagne twice before and I remember nice wide gentle blues...which is what the kids & OH need. It's also big enough that I can disappear in the mornings while they're all in ski school. |
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I was in 3V last week, virtually all pistes were groomed every night except intended black runs & mogul fields.
There were virtually NO queues all week (except for Val T on Wednesday for some reason) and it should be quieter from now-on because all French Schools have returned. The one main problem spot seemed to be the main bubble "Plattieres" out of Motteret (which is the main link back to Val T.) This kept stopping and is slow at the best of times (30-50 min queue, plus 22 mins lift time, plus random stoppages). So if you're are skiing back to Val T from Courchevel keep an eye out and allow plenty of time. And contrary to normal expectations, those short lift lines that there were, were very well ordered with etiquette too [I know, amazing :!: ] I was going to write-up a few favourite runs of mine from last week's visit, I might get it done before you go! |
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I've just been offered a fantastic deal for 2 adults/2 kids for La Plagne 2013...except it is a "book within the next 3 weeks".
Having got off the plane 24hrs ago from 3 Valleys should I? Really? |
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aaarrr, its really nice in here, all so friendly. bon voyage from me...have a good one whether you're staying or going.
[Tony_H's gone to spain, apparently.] |
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Forgiven, I confuse myself sometimes too. 3V Sunday don't U know! Hair cut, bags packed...just need to find the tickets and tell kids & wife...how best to break the news... |
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I think I am invisible. Def Def Skiiiiiing AllyG :) :-) :D |
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Helloooo, what about me :cry: |
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