J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by admin

We were there in January 06 for a week and would definitely go back.

Good variety of skiing. Although perhaps a little limited for absolute beginners anyone happy on Blues and easy Reds can get around easily enough; although we did find the piste grading a bit variable. There are many accessible off-piste pitches between and beside the pistes which make it a good venue for a mixed group to ski together (be wary of routes over cliffs and carry avy kit though - some of the off-piste runs get very serious very quickly and might catch out the unwary).

Town is small and quiet so apres tends to be cosy rather than rowdy (Herman gets his Organ out in the Hotel Castor every Thursday night - I think - which is often fairly lively). Prices on and off the mountain were good, though that was before the fall of the pound against the Euro, and all the food we ate was excellent.

The connections to Gressoney / Alagna are straightforward but a bit exposed to the wind - so can be cold and not unusual for them to be shut for that reason.

Heavy snow shut the upper runs several times while we were there (was dumping down all week 8) ), but we made our way to the (much) smaller resort of Antagnod and had a blast. Car might be useful, especially if you want to try the other resorts in the Aosta (Courmayeur and La Thuile are easy for day trips), but the bus around the local valley is frequent.

For those of you who know Warren Smith, or have been on one of his courses, got his DVDs or just heard the name... 8)

As related in our news item, Warren Smith and Lawrence Dallaglio Ride for Charity, Warren has taken up a challenge to cycle 933km (that's quite a long way!) up through the French Pyrenees.

It's all in aid of the charity Bliss (for babies born too soon, too small or too sick), so if you have some spare then head over to Warren's page on justgiving and make a contribution.

bandit wrote:He also has a younger brother. Just thought I'd mention that in passing.

Tempted to ask if you've met his parents yet... :lol:

bandit wrote:Pruning Shears??? Someone....anyone, please get this fella a Chainsaw :twisted:

:lol: I could sort out Rose's allotment then too... :D

Tut tut, Admin needs his pruning shears again... Chalet owners wishing to reply to this request should note the Forum Rules please; and reading the request (for "cheap accommodation" ... "preferably France") would be good too... :roll:


Jonny - so long as you miss the New Year week, cheap should be do-able in most places. You might want to consider leaving it until the last minute - you'll be able to follow the snow and get good prices too.

If you really want to book now, make sure you get a good deal - January is always quiet and you stand a chance of the snow arriving late.

I think the folks at Gravite (La Clusaz) may be running some apartments next season that might suit.

I think he's gone now... :wink:

Hirsty wrote:Do I not get a squirrel related bonus prize? :D

Nuts!

Tony_H wrote:If they cancel on you, just put their windows through. It will make you feel better as well. )

Anyone planning to ski with Tony might be wise to check their Home Insurance, never mind Group Leader... :lol:

But to the OP...

Firstly, don't get yourself in a position where you're paying for other people on a promise - either they pay up front, on time, or they don't go - simple - so no need for insurance.

Also, be very wary of identifying yourself as a "Group Leader". However unlikely, a serious incident on the mountain (e.g. an off-piste accident) could see you being held responsible if you're identifiable as a leader.