J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Pole Plant

hi Snowplough from another old grumpy

Do have a look at La Clusaz. About 45 minutes from Geneva and a very nice little village with some decent blue/red and the occasional black runs. Resort not particularly high so some chance that in March conditions could be dodgy. If you want to guarantee your March stay near Geneva then it has to be Chamonix. You may already be familiar with Chamonix, but, high altitude, great town and lots of choices in the area-loo at La Tour for instance.
I would probably opt for Chamonix as it is fairly snow sure at that time of the year. Best of Luck. Pole Plant.

Andy and Admin are dead right about getting a rental car for this proposed trip. But, if you are happy to do Val d'Isere bear in mind that you can get fairly regular bus services from Geneva airport-takes about 2 to 3 hours. Also, once in Val you will also have the connection to Tignes and also within a short distance the LaPlagne and Les Arcs area more than enough skiing for 6 days. I also agree that La Grave can be shut from time to time-one main lift only accessing very difficult off piste runs with the local advice being to take a guide with you. Best of luck.

Hi Dobby. Had to ski often at Easter when the children were still at school. Our favourite was Saas Fee (Switzerland) at 7,000 feet village level, traffic free village, good for families and relatively easy all round skiing. If you lie Austria Hochgurgul and Obergugul are also very high (above tree level) but very traditional with almost guaranteed snow to end of April. Zermatt is also great, very high, but also very expensive. Guaranteed snow also in Val Thorens (France)but is not the prettiest place in the world. Ischgl in Austria is snow sure usually to end of April, nice family resort. Finally, what about Breckenridge, Colorado-ski through to May with no problem but a long way to go.

Best resorts already recommended but if you fancy Austria Obergurgl/Hochgurgl at village heights of 6,500 to 7,000 worth a look-fairly easy all round skiing. Austria also for Ischgl. and perhaps Saas Fee (Switzerland) traffic free village and also plenty of intermediate skiing.

For France perhaps Val Thorens, which hasn't been mentioned-above tree line and a bit '60s' council build' but guaranteed (almost) snow.

Had the same [problem a couple of years ago. Took them into my local dry cleaner/alterations man in Epsom Surrey. They shortened the outside salopette legs and left the inside (the inner shell the same length) as the inner shell usually contains an elasticated end which grips to your ski boot and the outside lining will look perfect. As another J2 suggested a professional alterations person should do the job for around £20.

Free lift passes for La Plagne and Les Arcs (Paradiski area) for 72+ years and Val d'Isere for 74 years and over. You have to pay a small charge for the issue of the lift pass. Useful to know as soon as you hit these ages!

Can't go wrong with Zermatt. Loads of choice for ski companies in Zermatt-try Inghams or Ski Club of Britain.

V. difficult to find catered chalet in Champoluc, but, best hotel for access to slopes is the 3 star Hotel Champoluc. Right beside the cabins and finishing piste right next to the Hotel. Have stayed there twice and as far as I am aware all rooms are en suite and it has a very nice atmosphere. Not sure about Hotel parking (have a look at their website?) but parking in the main (free) car park is only 200 metres up the road. The resort is absolutely excellent for all round skiers with a very efficient lift system and reasonable Italian prices. I think that Crystal Ski clients stay there so their brochure should give you an idea of looks/position etc. Best of luck.