Messages posted by : msej449
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As mentioned, it depends a lot on your own holiday preference. We've done hotel, catered chalet and self-catered apartment and personally, we much prefer the self-catered apartment. Initially, it was a cost thing but for some years now, we've always gone self-catered apartment, as we like having our own living space to relax in and we can always go out to eat. Frankly, sharing our annual holiday with a bunch of strangers is not our scene. However, if you're naturally gregarious and hate cooking or don't want to have to go out once you're warm indoors, then hotel or chalet may be a better bet.
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Guys, c'mon, I was just making an off-the-cuff suggestion! I have done snowtrain from Calais, and flying + taxi, scheduled coach, hired car and train and each has its pros and cons and I'd recommend spending just a bit of time on alternatives. This dislike of public transport is a very British prejudice. It's surely no bad idea to be aware of the options in case their flight is badly delayed?
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I just checked the SBB website and you can get the 13:47 from Geneva Airport to arrive in Chamonix 17:56 - 4 hours 9 minutes. Return journey a week later is 4h 17m. Cost is probably around £60 standard adult return with various family discount deals available. Seems worth cosideration.
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That's why I said take a look at the SBB website and work it out. It may not be practical if the flights/connections are wrong, but it may work out a reasonable alternative.
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I know you specified Europe, but had you thought of the USA instead? When I was skiing in Tahoe (Heavenly, Squaw Valley etc) there were a lot of US and foreign young people working for the lift company and as guides/instructors. I chatted to a few and they seemed to be on a reasonable deal i.e. they were rotated around the shop, lifts, ski patrol, etc so they didn't get bored, and had reasonable acomodation. In the US they also seem to have opportunities for ski guides and unqualified instructors whereas in Europe - especially France - this is a cartel / closed shop involving only highly-qualified instructors. Go to the Heavenly website and I think there's a link there for seasonal workers.
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Winter tyres and chains are not mutually exclusive. This is a common UK misconception. Winter tyres give you better traction and handling in lower temperatures and better snow grip than summer tyres. But even with winter tyres, you may still need chains, if it's icy, deep snow, or a steep incline. I've had a hire car with winter tyres and been very grateful that I hired chains when I had to negotiate a steep road to get out of the rental apartment car park. I'd definitely recommend chains as well if you're likely to be driving at altitude and especially if you are going to be parking in the resort.
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Had you considered going by train instead? It's about 2 hours from Geneva Airport to Martigny where there's a connection to Chamonix. Take a look at http://www.sbb.ch It could be a lot more fun and you'll bypass the traffic jams that if you're travelling on a holiday Saturday.
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I thought that I'd start a thread about skiing in literature. I wondered if there are any other good descriptions of skiing - my starting contribution is the short story by Ernest Hemingway, titled 'Cross-country snow'. It captures that wistful atmosphere when you know that this is not just the end of a holidya, but also the end of a phase in your life.
Anyone else got a favourite piece of skiing fiction? |
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