J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Gareth Fair

Drive for two and a half to either Val Thorens or Tignes. There are both a bit far but have the most skiing available at the moment.

I'll be in La Tania on Sunday...hope I'm not copying him!

Very sensible not to open Val Thorens if there is going to be the first heavy snow of the season this weekend. I'd imagine that the Avalanche risk would be high??

I'd second Sauze, much cheaper than France and plenty of mischief at night time if that's your thing!
Beware of the cheap deal though. We went to Les Arcs that week a couple of years ago and got a self catered apartment package for just €329. We were delighted but then the lift pass for the week was €280 and a pint was about €8 in most places so we spent a fortune that week. Another factor is that if you are looking for nightlife, that week is very quiet in most resorts.
To be honest though that week in January is probably the cheapest week for most tour operators so have a good look around but Austrian and Italian resorts are usually much cheaper than France.

Have a look at La Thuile. The palnibel apartment are just across the road from the ski lifts and are self catering. It's just over two hours drive from Milan too.
There is some self catering apartment close to the lifts in Cervinia but no ski in/out.

I think if you decide where to go based on a ranking in a newspaper or because of an award then you deserve what you get.
The reason why this site and other ski forums are so popular is that the opinion of countless enthusiastic skiers is far more important when making a decision about where to go rather than a dubious award given to the resort that has usually promotes themselves a little too much.
VSB is right, what's a perfect resort for me may be awful for you etc.

Slight change for me, La Tania on December 13th now. Can't wait..

I'd probably go to Italy then. The reason why I say Italy is that unless you are all experts the skiing in most resorts has plenty to keep most occupied and it's much cheaper for a food and drink,€4.50 for a pint and €10 or less for a good pizza is usually about right. Lift passes are a bit cheaper too.
For the skiing La Thuile and Champlouc are very good but a bit quiet at night. I went to La Thuile in March this year with a gang of lads and it was quiet at night but we loved the mountain and the good value food and beer. Sauze d' Olux is lively at night and has great skiing if there is enough snow cover and has the plus of a large area for a week. Cervinia is another good bet with some really good restaurants and not too expensive either. Livigno is a great resort for beginners and early intermediate but the transfer is very long and the piste are rather tame.

In France for a lads trip Les Deux Alpes is cheaper than most French resorts and is good craic at night too. Morzine is great for a lads trip too.

Someone with more experience of Austria should be able to fill you in but generally it's cheaper than France too.