J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Paul McD

LOTA,

If you do end up driving, take only the main roads to La Plagne-the direct route over the mountains is a bit hairy!

Hi Tony,

You're right, not a great deal cheaper for the travel but you do save a fortune on the food, drink and clothing shopping on the way/ way back and you can drive to another resort during the week-we stayed in Les Arcs but drove to Courchevel-this really was cheaper than staying in the 3 Valleys.

Hi,

Blades are fun and easy to learn on. You can also learn to spin round which is pointless but fun!

I would recommend staying in the cheaper centres of 2000, 1800 or 1600 then skiing to the middle of (expensive) 1950 for some nice bars. There's one called OChaud that's really cool as well as the Belle Pinte.
The Red Hot Saloon bar in 1800 is nice with pool table and dance floor.

Hi,
Low resort but not sure about March-check out www.skiclub.co.uk/skiclub/reports and www.snoweye.com for weather reports and webcams. I went to Ellmau a few years ago and loved it-great wheat beer (weissbier) every lunch time. Everyone was friendly.

Hi,

I have driven to the Alps several times, most recently in January with 3 mates. We shared the driving and did it in a day each way. It is a really long way but you can stop for a drink/ excellent food at the motorway services. You really should stock up on cheap food and drink in the Geant hypermarket at Albertville and get cheap clothing at Decathlon (can't miss, J27 of the N90). Self-catering accommodation is available via www.ownersdirect.co.uk.
Make sure you buy chains if you drive or you may get stuck in the resorts. If you have time to stop over on the way/ back it will be nice.
Cost-£145 Eurotunnel, £150 diesel (gazole) and £80 tolls return.

Hi,

I always buy passes/ lessons before I go to save ski time! Local tourist info sites usually have links to all this. I know specifically that in Les Arcs www.lesarcs.com/?lang=en gives you everything you need.
If you are beyond beginner I can recommend private lessons-you aren't tied to ski school every day, you'll have a smaller group and you can decide what you want to do. The instructor can advise on where you can go later in the week based on weather/ favourite pistes.

Hi,

I can only echo jonG's comments about Les Arcs-like him I loved it so much I bought there!
I own in 1800 and to be honest, if you're in to mad apres ski look elsewhere. There are however many bars, live music and a club and I usually last until 3am but it's not Ibiza.
The skiing is awesome. It's a pity the Vanoise Express cable car linking with La Plagne is shut this season but you can still drive to La Plagne or Courchevel/ 3 Valleys, Espace Killy for a day's FREE skiing with your Les Arcs pass! To be honest you won't get bored just staying in Les Arcs!