Latest posts for the topic "This coming season......."

This coming season.......

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 17:41:00 GMT

So we all know about the J2ski group trip to the surface of the moon aka Tignes in January.

But who's booked their own trips for the coming season, and where's everyone off to?

I'm always interested to see who's going where and why they picked it. Anyone going somewhere a little off the beaten track, like Spain, Eastern Europe, or some lesser known/popular resort?

It won't be long now......

Re:This coming season.......

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 17:49:59 GMT

About to book Solden for a week in March and then 2 weeks in Chamonix and hopefully Mt Blanc in May. Jan/Feb out of question with knee but can still squeeze in 4 weeks in Europe. Brother just moved to NZ so all things equal can still be a good 2013.

Re:This coming season.......

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 17:55:13 GMT

As well as the Tignes trip, my regular group have agreed that we want to try Lech at the end of Feb. We will book it as soon as we feel there is a decent offer, otherwise we will just do it last minute.

Re:This coming season.......

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 18:21:51 GMT

We're giving DIY a go this year. I really want to go to Les Arcs/La Plagne but I've found that the TOs don't have a very good selection of the type of accommodation we like within our budget, but have found a great place in Peisey, booking the train so getting the 8 days skiing.

Hurrah!

Re:This coming season.......

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 19:58:50 GMT

Off to Meribel Mottaret in mid January.

Re:This coming season.......

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 21:44:44 GMT

Off to cervinia, went there a few years back and the weather was terrible and never got the chance to drop down into zermatt, its always bugged me that I never got over so only a matter of time before had to go back.
The other trip is to westernised, stayed in ellmau and really enjoyed it and with the extra infrastructure put in since I was there last should be even easier to get around. Looking forward to go across to kitzbuhel if I can!
:-)

Re:This coming season.......

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 22:06:58 GMT

Off to La Plagne, first week after the new year...chosen because it's with my (current) "fav" tour operator...and it was a good price...and chalet had 'family suite'...and it's ski-in/ski-out...and La Plagne's got loads of blue runs for the family to improve (their 2nd trip)...and it's a large area for me to escape for a few hours...and it's reasonably 'snow-sure'...and...

oh, that'll do. Well happy with the choice anyway. :D

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 07:43:55 GMT

smartski wrote:Off to La Plagne, first week after the new year...chosen because it's with my (current) "fav" tour operator...and it was a good price...and chalet had 'family suite'...and it's ski-in/ski-out...and La Plagne's got loads of blue runs for the family to improve (their 2nd trip)...and it's a large area for me to escape for a few hours...and it's reasonably 'snow-sure'...and...

oh, that'll do. Well happy with the choice anyway. :D

Which village?

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 08:46:47 GMT

Sauze D'Doulx Feb half term. ( downside of being a teaching assistant!!) Going with other half and eldest daughter and son, other daughter going to Tignes with the university. My son skied Sauze with his school at Easter and didn't really see enought due to poor snow so we thought we would give it a try. Totally excited.

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 09:03:09 GMT

I'm going skiing....
:thumbup:

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 10:30:52 GMT

Loved Serre Cherre last year (Would like to return someday hopefully with better snow) but as I can only go once a year at Feb half term at the mo (more expensive- no option - teaching pitfall.) Friends and I like to try a different place each year so... DIY to Morillon Grand Massif. Thanks to Snappzz and Ian Wickham for the info. Like the look of variety of tree lined runs in the Massif compared to the open bowl in Flaine - Variety of runs to suit all levels in party - Although not too fussed with the Cascades run on the video looks just like a narrow track too flat in some places even for nervous friend, but ringing the bell and being taken to the restaurant by sledge sounds ok. Anyway got cheap flights to Geneva the morning they were released and have booked (direct with owner ) a large ski in/out apartment (if snow permits) in Les Esserts.
Very excited !!
Now just need to loose weight and work on the fitness thing again

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:23:16 GMT

smartski wrote:Off to La Plagne, first week after the new year...chosen because it's with my (current) "fav" tour operator...and it was a good price...and chalet had 'family suite'...and it's ski-in/ski-out...and La Plagne's got loads of blue runs for the family to improve (their 2nd trip)...and it's a large area for me to escape for a few hours...and it's reasonably 'snow-sure'...and...

oh, that'll do. Well happy with the choice anyway. :D

Who's your current fav tour operator?

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:25:23 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:

smartski wrote:Off to La Plagne, first week after the new year...chosen because it's with my (current) "fav" tour operator...and it was a good price...and chalet had 'family suite'...and it's ski-in/ski-out...and La Plagne's got loads of blue runs for the family to improve (their 2nd trip)...and it's a large area for me to escape for a few hours...and it's reasonably 'snow-sure'...and...

oh, that'll do. Well happy with the choice anyway. :D

Which village?

Snapzzz, we'll be in Plagne Centre.

Not the prettiest, but I'm happy being in 'ugly' looking out to the more beautiful, than in the beautiful looking back at ugly. :wink:

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:28:22 GMT

andyhull wrote:

smartski wrote:Off to La Plagne, first week after the new year...chosen because it's with my (current) "fav" tour operator...and it was a good price...and chalet had 'family suite'...and it's ski-in/ski-out...and La Plagne's got loads of blue runs for the family to improve (their 2nd trip)...and it's a large area for me to escape for a few hours...and it's reasonably 'snow-sure'...and...

oh, that'll do. Well happy with the choice anyway. :D

Who's your current fav tour operator?

Andyhull
Mark Warner...last 4 bookings with them.

:!: This is a public information service, other tour operators exist. :!:

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:34:02 GMT

To quote Smartkski :wink:' Not the prettiest, but I'm happy being in 'ugly' looking out to the more beautiful, than in the beautiful looking back at ugly.'
Just what Mr B says every morning when he looks at me - or maybe it is the other way round. :wink:

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:47:13 GMT

smartski wrote:Off to La Plagne, first week after the new year...chosen because it's with my (current) "fav" tour operator...and it was a good price...and chalet had 'family suite'...and it's ski-in/ski-out...and La Plagne's got loads of blue runs for the family to improve (their 2nd trip)...and it's a large area for me to escape for a few hours...and it's reasonably 'snow-sure'...and...

oh, that'll do. Well happy with the choice anyway. :D

that sounds ideal for what you want. Enjoy

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:49:11 GMT

Lizzie-B wrote:Loved Serre Cherre last year (Would like to return someday hopefully with better snow) but as I can only go once a year at Feb half term at the mo (more expensive- no option - teaching pitfall.) Friends and I like to try a different place each year so... DIY to Morillon Grand Massif. Thanks to Snappzz and Ian Wickham for the info. Like the look of variety of tree lined runs in the Massif compared to the open bowl in Flaine - Variety of runs to suit all levels in party - Although not too fussed with the Cascades run on the video looks just like a narrow track too flat in some places even for nervous friend, but ringing the bell and being taken to the restaurant by sledge sounds ok. Anyway got cheap flights to Geneva the morning they were released and have booked (direct with owner ) a large ski in/out apartment (if snow permits) in Les Esserts.
Very excited !!
Now just need to loose weight and work on the fitness thing again

interesting, and different. Hoping all of you will give us reports on these places you're going to?

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:50:57 GMT

Lizzie-B wrote:To quote Smartkski :wink:

smartski wrote: ' Not the prettiest, but I'm happy being in 'ugly' looking out to the more beautiful, than in the beautiful looking back at ugly.'

Just what Mr B says every morning when he looks at me - or maybe it is the other way round. :wink:

:thumbup: :lol:

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:51:11 GMT

michelle63 wrote:Sauze D'Doulx Feb half term. ( downside of being a teaching assistant!!) Going with other half and eldest daughter and son, other daughter going to Tignes with the university. My son skied Sauze with his school at Easter and didn't really see enought due to poor snow so we thought we would give it a try. Totally excited.

I've enjoyed 2 weeks in sauze but both times the snow was pretty poor. It's normal for there sadly. Easter is a time I'd definitely not consider going there with its snow record. Could be better feb, but even if the snow isn't great you'll not have a problem skiing. I've skied on man made white strips in brown fields up there and had a great time.

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 12:58:28 GMT

Once again tied to the horror that is February half term again, but husband, 12 year old son and I are off to Alpe d'Huez for the first time - very excited.

DIY for us as always

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 13:05:39 GMT

Grimentz, Zinal, St Luc, Chandolin and Vercorin mostly. Maybe take a drive over to Chamonix at some stage :D

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 13:19:13 GMT

Tony went to Serre Che last year after your great info - much appreciated. Where are you thinking of going this year?

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 13:30:21 GMT

Obergurgl in March, Moon January 8) 8)

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 13:49:45 GMT

'Surface of the Moon' in December for me. EK has been on my bucket list for quite some while now, so it's time to scratch that itch.

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 13:59:41 GMT

Gaz C wrote:'Surface of the Moon' in December for me. EK has been on my bucket list for quite some while now, so it's time to scratch that itch.

Translation???
Sorry Gaz but I tried google translate and all and still didn't understand.
:oops:

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 14:07:00 GMT

OldAndy wrote:

Gaz C wrote:'Surface of the Moon' in December for me. EK has been on my bucket list for quite some while now, so it's time to scratch that itch.

Translation???
Sorry Gaz but I tried google translate and all and still didn't understand.
:oops:

Tignes, Espace Killy.

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 14:10:45 GMT

Am seriously considering changing jobs, the prices for school holidays are ridiculous. Also would be able to go more often......good plan methinks.

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 14:22:11 GMT

Les arcs on 29/12/13

Time off booked for 9/2/13 and looking at La Clusaz but i suspect it maybe a 'take what i can get' late deal.

Seriously considering the Crystal Ski Fest in March.

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 14:47:55 GMT

Cheers, Snapzz. Or maybe I meant East Kilbride. Far enough off the beaten track for you, Tony?;-j

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 15:17:07 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:Les arcs on 29/12/13

Time off booked for 9/2/13 and looking at La Clusaz but i suspect it maybe a 'take what i can get' late deal.

Seriously considering the Crystal Ski Fest in March.

Looking at 3 trips & on another thread saying money down all doom & gloom, many on here had their hankies out weeping buckets for your predicament & I started a whip round for you, so what happened ? :shock:

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 15:28:07 GMT

brooksy wrote:

Snapzzz wrote:Les arcs on 29/12/13

Time off booked for 9/2/13 and looking at La Clusaz but i suspect it maybe a 'take what i can get' late deal.

Seriously considering the Crystal Ski Fest in March.

Looking at 3 trips & on another thread saying money down all doom & gloom, many on here had their hankies out weeping buckets for your predicament & I started a whip round for you, so what happened ? :shock:

Money is down.....it is doom and gloom. But i saved up this year hard knowing i wanted 3 trips so they are affordable this year. Next season is going to be a different story though.
And the Ski Fest possibility will be a solo trip so much cheaper than a family affair.

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 16:59:14 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:

brooksy wrote:

Snapzzz wrote:Les arcs on 29/12/13

Time off booked for 9/2/13 and looking at La Clusaz but i suspect it maybe a 'take what i can get' late deal.

Seriously considering the Crystal Ski Fest in March.

Looking at 3 trips & on another thread saying money down all doom & gloom, many on here had their hankies out weeping buckets for your predicament & I started a whip round for you, so what happened ? :shock:

Money is down.....it is doom and gloom. But i saved up this year hard knowing i wanted 3 trips so they are affordable this year. Next season is going to be a different story though.
And the Ski Fest possibility will be a solo trip so much cheaper than a family affair.

Glad to hear it, apart from the next year bit, Oh can I keep the whip money for my trips -) -)

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 21:10:04 GMT

Trying to book for one week around the New Year in one village at l'Espace Diamant. The lady who owns the place speaks only French and we dont so will see :) Just I am a little bit worried would we be lucky with the snow...

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 21:21:46 GMT

Val d'isere 30th dec to 6th jan. very pleased to be going back after a great week there last season. We're staying in a Ski Bonjour chalet.

2nd ski hol still to be booked. Probably feb half term or maybe Easter. Venue not yet decided upon but keen on St Anton, Verbier, Zermatt, 3V, dolomites

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 22:17:51 GMT

bedrock barney wrote:Val d'isere 30th dec to 6th jan. very pleased to be going back after a great week there last season. We're staying in a Ski Bonjour chalet.

2nd ski hol still to be booked. Probably feb half term or maybe Easter. Venue not yet decided upon but keen on St Anton, Verbier, Zermatt, 3V, dolomites

Safe to say ur undecided then?

Re:This coming season.......

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 22:19:05 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:

bedrock barney wrote:Val d'isere 30th dec to 6th jan. very pleased to be going back after a great week there last season. We're staying in a Ski Bonjour chalet.

2nd ski hol still to be booked. Probably feb half term or maybe Easter. Venue not yet decided upon but keen on St Anton, Verbier, Zermatt, 3V, dolomites

Safe to say ur undecided then?

:mrgreen:

Re:This coming season.......

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 08:30:57 GMT

Gaz C wrote:Cheers, Snapzz. Or maybe I meant East Kilbride. Far enough off the beaten track for you, Tony?;-j

Sorry, haven't been well this past week so not logging on as regularly.
Will be visiting Monterosa in mid January with another couple we skied with last year in ADH.
Been looking at it for a while now. Ticks all my boxes; quiet slopes, decent size area, high and snow sure, rustic and authentic, good lifts, and it's in Italy so food will be more our thing that France. The hotel is next to the main gondola - now that I am chuffed about!

Re:This coming season.......

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 10:45:30 GMT

Have not booked yet - but have my choice for the main trip in March narrowed down to:

Bacqueira in Spain, Madonna Di Campiglio or possibly Les Sybelles.

Going to spend a day doing a bit more research and talking to operators etc at one of the ski shows so that list could well change!

Re:This coming season.......

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 14:21:19 GMT

Our options were arabba, monterosa, folgarida and bad gastein this year. Arabba was sold out when I phoned, as was bad gastein, and monterosa has always been my favourite.

It's doubtful I'll ski twice this coming season so it was Important to go somewhere we really wanted to go to.

Re:This coming season.......

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 16:17:19 GMT

Monte Rosa, a top choice, if I may be so bold. Tied with St. Anton as the best ski holiday I've ever had (and I've had some ****** good ones!) Nothing like St Anton, by the way, but I expect you already know that. I reckon you'll have a ball there.

Re:This coming season.......

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 17:56:16 GMT

Gaz C wrote:Monte Rosa, a top choice, if I may be so bold. Tied with St. Anton as the best ski holiday I've ever had (and I've had some ****** good ones!) Nothing like St Anton, by the way, but I expect you already know that. I reckon you'll have a ball there.

Good to know. Everything I've read about ticks all the boxes for what we want. I don't know a single person who has skied it though, which actually excites me even more as thats what Serre Che was like for us a few years ago and we loved it there.
Nothing IS like St Anton, but along with that, I do believe St Anton has its down sides too, including how busy it gets so looking forward to being first on the (next door) lift every morning, empty pistes, no queues anywhere, and a choice of tables for dinner with spectacular views.
Bring it.

Re:This coming season.......

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 20:47:30 GMT

I've been to Alagna part of Monterosa
We stayed here

http://www.alagna.co.uk/10--lode-3.html

Just for a weekend.
Lovely.

Re:This coming season.......

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 20:54:40 GMT

Off to Morzine in early March as part of a group of 10. 5 couples. I have a floating week off work in January and will be booking somewhere cheap and cheerful with a few blokey blokes nearer the time. That one will be skiing, sleeping, skiing, sleeping....etc.

Re:This coming season.......

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 22:06:00 GMT

Dids1 wrote:I've been to Alagna part of Monterosa
We stayed here

http://www.alagna.co.uk/10--lode-3.html

Just for a weekend.
Lovely.

Now, that I dolike. I wonder if it will be available on my budget (peanuts) as a teletext last minute job;-j

Re:This coming season.......

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 23:14:09 GMT

I am off to Tignes at christmas with the Mrs, Ticks all the right boxs, High, Loads of varried runs and a goo snow record, only down side it's christmas so a lot more than going 2 weeks later, but no choice as the company I work for have a 2 week shut down for christmas.

I am staying wih Bonjour Bonjour so I will give you a detailed report for those going on the group trip.

Re:This coming season.......

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 23:37:34 GMT

Hi Matt,
You can be the official outrider for the J2Ski 2013 group holiday to the chalet Bonjour Bonjour :D

And if you find anything wrong with the chalet - make sure you let them know so that it's all perfect by the time we get there :lol:

Re:This coming season.......

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 06:43:05 GMT

New kitchen has wiped me out, not sure if will make it this season :cry: :cry: :cry:

But on the plus side.................no...... there isn't one,

Re:This coming season.......

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 07:55:47 GMT

I have not booked nought yet, I will do so in the next month or so :thumbup:

Re:This coming season.......

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 09:52:51 GMT

Gaz C wrote:

Dids1 wrote:I've been to Alagna part of Monterosa
We stayed here

http://www.alagna.co.uk/10--lode-3.html

Just for a weekend.
Lovely.

Now, that I dolike. I wonder if it will be available on my budget (peanuts) as a teletext last minute job;-j

It was quite a cheap weekend and the restaurants in Alagna were fantastic. The accom was amazing! Because the walls are stone the ceilings are painted bright clours. It snowed really heavily and we lay in bed watching it fall. It was magical.
What I will say about Alagna though is that when we were there the top lift was closed for one day so we were limited to the one run in to the village.
Prior to that day we had skied into Gressoney. Expecting to be able to do the same the next day we didn't explore as much as we would have liked.

So, If you are prepared for the possibility of lift closures go for it.
It really is stunning there.
We flew into Malpensa. You definitely need a car.

Re:This coming season.......

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 14:44:32 GMT

We stayed in Gressoney and would ski to Alagna in the morning before the lower run became too slushy. It's the most unspoiled Alpine village I've ever seen. I thought Gressoney was low-key, but in Alagna it was like stepping back into the 1950's, and none the worse for it. I think it is absolutely unique.

Re:This coming season.......

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 16:00:52 GMT

Yes, you are right. Alagna is beautiful.
Absolutely stunning.

When the lift was closed we asked about driving to Gressony or Champoluc, but it was impossible. Far too far.

Re:This coming season.......

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 17:11:30 GMT

Tony_H wrote:I don't know a single person who has skied it though

I refer Sir to Posts #92 and #93, made almost 9 years ago - :shock: - in this very forum...

Brief reports from Champoluc and Antagnod.

You'll like it a lot... so long as the lifts stay open.

If they do shut in Champoluc and there's good snow, hop on the bus to Antagnod; 1 big chair, 2 pistes of reasonable length... but a great area of interesting off-piste between the two. I think there were 4 other people the day we went there and we had fresh tracks all day long while the bars of Champoluc were packed with miserable skiers not skiing...

The links across to Alagna and Gressoney are exposed so if the weather is, er, un-settled, get there and back early or be prepared to stop the night in a different valley! :lol:

Re:This coming season.......

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 17:33:29 GMT

Cheers Dave. I wasn't aware of those ancient posts, way before my time.
I'd got Antagnod lined up for a half day trip at least. Touch wood, I've only lost 1 days skiing to bad weather in my life and that was high winds in sauze.
I'm looking into a day trip to cervinia and another to courmayeur while we are there as well.

Re:This coming season.......

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 17:52:49 GMT

If the snow's right, I wouldn't waste my time with either. Nice intermediate cruisey reds and blues: pleasant enough, but....

After a decent snowfall, this place is World Class!!!

Mind you, a trip to Cervinia by helicopter with a guide to ski back off-piste to Alagna? Mmmmm....

Re:This coming season.......

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 19:52:41 GMT

Tony_H wrote:Cheers Dave. I wasn't aware of those ancient posts, way before my time.

Thats why there is a search feature ;)

Back to the original post, off to Morzine and PDS for Christmas then hopefully somewhere like ADH in March ;)

Re:This coming season.......

Wed, 3 Oct 2012 21:27:43 GMT

We have moved to Geneva. This season I hope to get to at least;
Chamonix.
Portes Soleil
Gran Massif
Crozet/Lelex (little but I can see lift from my house)

Time and snow permitting I also hope to chalk up;
Courmayer
Zermatt
Saas Fee

Re:This coming season.......

Wed, 3 Oct 2012 21:37:04 GMT

geno68 wrote:We have moved to Geneva. This season I hope to get to at least;
Chamonix.
Portes Soleil
Gran Massif
Crozet/Lelex (little but I can see lift from my house)

Time and snow permitting I also hope to chalk up;
Courmayer
Zermatt
Saas Fee

Go away, I hate you already.
:mrgreen:

Re:This coming season.......

Wed, 3 Oct 2012 21:43:26 GMT

Looks like I might be sneaking Davos in December too. Will keep you posted.