J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by crashandburn

Sorry - I can't help much on the child care.

But.

I can confirm that the Oxygen ski school is excellent. In fact I think they have recently been awarded 'The Best Ski School' in France...

My son has been there for the past 2 years and he'll be there again this year.

They may be able to offer a suggestion for child care - email them.

I've just booked a week for myself and my son, to La Plagne 1800. Gatwick to Grenoble 28th March 09. Self Catering in a studio for 2. Total price £410 - for both of us.

I think that's a pretty good deal.

I have a warning to... This deal was with First Choice, on their website (although I ended up booking it on the phone) for 2 adults. As there was only myself and my son going, the 'free' child place wasn't available - but if I had booked it on the internet, as 1 adult and 1 child the cost would have been £50 more.... Surely the same price should apply to 2 adults or 1 adult & 1 child.

Apparently their system 'often' makes an error and ends up charging more if a child is travelling with a single adult. My wife dreads the thought of a winter holiday (married her before I found this out) so this is now a regular father / son thing....

Anyway..

They took the booking on the phone - and all is well.

But - just be carefully booking on the web and try all sorts of options to find the best price.

http://www.diy-hols.com/

I've used these guys twice.

Going to Avoriaz / Morzine. Good price and very reliable. Quick happy, with no extra cost to supply a car seat for my 5 year old son.

I believe they are based in Morzine (not 100% sure). But that's why they offered a good price. Best bet is to find an operator based in the resort you're staying - saves them fuel...

I've been to Avoriaz 3 time in the past 2 years. The snow cover has been excellent in Jan and March. The area is vast and you can make your way into Stizerland too.

There is a natural park, made of logs etc and the snow kickers / tabletops / pipes are huge.

Don't even think twice - there is just as much chance of good snow here, as anywhere else - but I guess it can't be guaranteed.

Avoriaz is a traffic free resort - so you can board right down the centre - and nearly all the accommodation is ski in/out.

Sorry - haven't made it to Flaine.

As has already been said - how can you trash a pair of gloves in a matter of days...

I have a pair of Salamon and Scott gloves - they are still in top condition after 12 weeks use - but I do change every day.

Already have tickets - should be a laugh... May even have enough piste to make a turn.

La Plagne - France. I've been there several times. A huge range of skiing and perhaps 3 'drag' lifts. All of which can be missed out completly. There are more attractive resorts, but the lifts are fine.

I go with a boarder (of limited ability) and he has no problems.

I organise a 'lads' trip every year.

Ususally 4 nights. Friday to Tuesday. Fly to Genenva and private transfers. This means we're skiing by about 1.00pm on the Friday. Saturday is changeover day and therefore not busy and we have full days on Sunday / Monday and Tuesday - with the last flight home....

We've done Les Arcs / La Plagne / Avoriaz / Morzine / Les Menuires / Flaine.

All in France - as we prefer ski in / ski out etc. We go for the snow not the scenery.

I have a great contact for private transfers if you want it. P&V offer appartment in all these resorts - but I know of another chalet company, run by Brits in Les Arcs that you can book by the night... Not 5 star, but does the job...