Not fussed about transfers, written off a day either end for travel. Then three days on the slopes, £800 is the flights/transfer/apartment/pass target, although if we go over it’s not the end of the world.
Myself and the Mrs have done this a couple of times flight to geneva, depending on flight time either a transfer or a hire car the head to Saint Gervais.
Always managed to get a cheap air bnb for £200 ish. Plenty to go at for a log weekend and always good snow up i contamines.
Any thoughts on Pas de la Casa for a long weekend
Just to add to the other comments, it was the first place I went skiing about 14 years ago. The transfer was really long from the 'airport'/cow-shed we flew into in Northern Spain. The accommodation was lack-lustre at best, the coach dropped us at the bottom of the village and we walked all the way up the hill with our bags.
As a town, it lots of fun, the slopes were ok for learning on.
It snowed heavily on the last day and over the night, early morning pick-up the next morning, walking back down the hill with bags in deep snow was entertaining, I don't think anyone made it down without going over at least a couple of times. The coach back had to divert as the wind was insane and a van had blown over on a narrow bridge, so we ended up going miles down a tiny country road that we think was one way, the wrong way.
I've not rushed back 😉
For a weekend, I've often thought about it, but a week is just better.
where's good for a long weekend in mid-jan without breaking the bank
Les Carroz/ Flaine/ Samoens
We did a cracking long weekend there a couple of years ago in January. Flew to Geneva early Thursday, hired a car, drove to Les Carroz in just over an hour, were on the slopes for 1pm. Rode Thursday am, all day Saturday and Sunday, most of Monday then flew home about 7pm on Monday night.
We stayed in Les Carroz. Lovely town, easy access to slopes and the full area
@elshalimo Decathlon's Simond branded softshell trousers are very good value for money.
Not sure you'll get 15 years out of them though!
After last year's trip to Zell am See in March, where it was bloody roasting and a bit of a slush fest.
We have ditched the ski club trip (Val di Fassa) and decided to book our own.
To this end we are heading to Alpe d'Huez on the 3rd of January for a week, staying in Vaujany.
Just 4 of us going but more importantly 2 of those are gs 1 & 3. Need to get gs no.2 some lessons for that whole family trip sometime.
Thanks
Does anyone have any experience / recommendations / horror stories about Bulgaria? I'm potentially looking at a short mid-week / long weekend trip some time in term time (mid Jan or early March) and the prices seem to be almost suspiciously cheap there. For two intermediate ski / snowboarders - I've only got recent experience of French Alp trips.
My first ever ski trip was to Borovets, back in '97. I;ve never been back...
It might have improved beyind compare since then, but I haevn't heard that this has actually happened
After a couple of hours in the pub last night we've booked the Jan trip. Ditched the Pas idea as it didn't feel right, we now have three days on the slopes at La Plagne booked in.
Transfer's going to be long and boring but it'll be worth it for a few days messing about in the Paradiski area. Haven't been to Les Arcs for almost 20 years so am looking forward to going back.
Re: the Bulgaria question, I've not been but a mate has. She enjoyed it a lot but the caveat on that is she is very much a beginner so doesn't have huge requirements from her ski area! Bulgaria comes across as somewhere for beginners & early intermediates with not particularly huge ski areas, but that's only my observation.
I really like La Plagne, which part are you staying in @madhouse? I usually do Montalbert or Belle Plagne but also stopped in Plagne Centre too. Lots of ski area to go at and the upgrade to the Roche de Mio lift this season should definitely help ease the Bellecotte pinch point.
The transfer is fine every time I’ve done it too, and usually pretty free flowing especially in January.
We’ve booked Valloire today for a week at the end of March. Not a resort I’ve been to before so looking forward to seeing some new mountains. And whilst I don’t expect anything other than man made runs back down to resort level at 1400m, the main lift goes straight to about 2000m so should be more than snow sure from there. Also picked the resort as it’s a proper small town instead of a purpose built resort. My wife and the wife of the family we’re going with like a day off the snow so much more for them to do if they want time off (I on the other hand will be making the most of it).
@tuboflard we're staying at Aime 2000, last time I was in the area I was staying in Bourg and getting the funicular up, so it'll be nice to do runs I'd barely touched previously. Looking at the map I'm sure the run off the Aiguille Rouge used to be a red one 🧐 Currently wondering if we could get across to Arc 2000 / Villaroger and back in a day.
Not sure about Aiguille Rouge runs as never made it over to Les Arcs unfortunately. But from Aime 2000 it’s pretty easy to get to the Vanoise Express, as only need three lifts (Melezes, Bergerie and Arpette), two of which are high speed six seaters and then blues all the way. Just carry speed off the top of Arpette to the top of Mont Blanc run to avoid using as much of the rope drag as you can.
On the way back you can stop for a bit of apres at the Bergerie restaurant which is about as lively as it gets in La Plagne. And the Telemetro runs until late so you can get down to Plagne Centre for food as not sure there’s much decent up at Aime 2000. If you do like some good food, Le Petit Comptoir in Plagne Centre is excellent. You’ll need to book as it’s small though.
has anyone stayed in hostel accommodation. My usual group either have highers or are recovering from illness so can't go.
So it's just me and to keep down costs am thinking about basecamp hostel in bourge St maurice.
Anyone stayed there or in other hostels?
Look at UCPA, it’s aimed at the younger crowd but as long as you’re aware of that and keep it in mind, they offer very good value: prices include full board, equipment, lift pass and instruction. Book via Action Outdoors and you can arrange a transfer too
I stopped in Ho36 in La Plagne Centre last year which was decent and had the options of private or shared dormitory rooms. Perfect location with all the main lifts a few minutes away and a decent bar. Didn’t eat there but food is meant to be ok. I’d rather stop somewhere like that than Basecamp in Bourg as it’s a bit of a schlep to the slopes each day and I’d rather pay a little bit more to be out the door and on it in a few minutes each morning. Depends on budget I guess.
@Madhouse - it does look like Arandelières from Agile Rouge has had the first section recoloured to black (was red on older piste-maps). Might be that they are leaving to to get moguls rather than grooming. The Vanoise express can get busy early and late in the day, and it takes a good while to cross over the valley, which if your legs are tired already I always found a pain as it's a standing cabin but good views if you are near the window, also the only double decker telecabin I've ever seen as well.
We go to La Plagne each Easter. We stay low in Les Coches, which is super convenient for Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express. From there the full Les Arcs area is easily accessible. DO NOT MISS THE LAST LIFT BACK. We never have, but once ran it very close with a mob of little kids...
Remember that if you are staying anywhere else in La Plagne other than Monchavin/Les Coches you will have to get an extra minimum of 3 lifts to get back to Plagne Bellecote. This means that even if you get the last Vanoise Express back, you are still stuffed. You'll need an extra hour to get back to Bellecote I reckon.
IMO the very top section of the Aiguille Rouge is getting more difficult, both to ski and to maintain. I really think that they are in a negative snow balance up there, and the snow cover is thinning. The very top bit is a pretty steep ramp with a narrow dog-leg alternative. Further down there are narrow zigzags, before it opens right up. There are always skiers having second thoughts and heading back to the Cable Car with their skis, whilst someone else is shredding it dressed as a Minion...
Ski from the the top down to Villaroger, non stop, without stopping, and you'll feel the burn and the temperature difference between the top and 1400m. Do it on Telemarks and your thighs will be smouldering for the rest of the day...
Also, there is a new Gondola from Villaroger replacing 3 fixed grip chairs! It takes something like 22 minutes off the re-ascent time. You will also stay dry. If it is snowing at the top, it is likely raining in Villaroger, esp at Easter.
Does anyone have a recommendation for snowboard boot fitting places?
I bought a pair of thirtytwo boots that were heat-mouldable, and either I was having an odd-shaped foot day or the shop guy didn't know what he was doing when they were fitted to me at the shop, as they've been really uncomfortable and have rubbed my heel raw in the two weeks I've used them (in 2022).
They're still in good condition and a possible candidate for flogging on eBay and replacing, but I'd like to have another go at making them fit if possible. There seem to be a lot of ski boot fitting places, but does anyone know of a snowboard boot place that will fit boots they haven't sold?
@tuboflard SE London, but to be honest I'd travel a bit if it meant making my then-expensive snowboard boots properly comfortable!
Profeet in Fulham may be worth a try. They do ski boots but other performance footwear as well, approaching it from the perspective of the feet rather than the kit.
Afraid I only really have Yorkshire-based recommendations but Profeet come up a lot on the Snowheads channel so should be worth a call. Like any decent business, give them a phone call and talk it through before heading off and I’m sure they’ll tell you what they can and can’t do.
The Fitting Mill in Woking has cropped up recently and has good feedback - google them, call and ask...
@Pierre My 32s were ok from the start, but changing the footbeds to ones more moulded to my feet and getting the right balance of rubber rings (on the outsides of the inner at the heel) made them spot on.
They should probably have come with a set of rubber rings and increasing the thickness does lock the heel in - though too much may irritate the sides of the Achilles.
The footbed was icing on the cake.
Just a quick heads up in case anyone is heading to Whistler this year. The early purchase passes discount ends tomorrow, I just bought a couple of unspecified days for less than half normal price, that's quite a saving! Available for up to 10 days.
Now you’re asking.
Just some orange coloured Supafeet style ones (they weren’t Supafeet) from a ski shop in the resort, but they had the full set of different levels of arch support to try in the boot.
I’m finding I get on with the Supafeet/Trek/Bontrager ones in a variety of different sports shoes, but I need a different arch support in say roadie shoes to Five10s.
You need to try before you buy.
I use supafeet ones in my ski boots. They are on sports pursuit fairly often.
First snow in the Alps. Les Arcs viewed from a walk around BSM
Other half doing a course in Pila anyone know of a cheap way to get from Turin airport i was thinking train toAosta?
Solutions for feet in Bicester have given me great advice albeit 10 years ago. Built up custom footbeds and recommended ski boots.
Bicester? I get nose bleeds that far south.
Sheffield is marginal.
😉
That was for Pierre who was asking about hurty snowboard boots.
After a 5 year hiatus i am actually going to go skiing this year.
Its been difficult as my 20year skiing partner died from cancer during covid . We went away for a week to Europe every year as he was allowed a week away from his family after a troubled week with family ( dont just pop out for some things when you arrive in resort tired , in the dark, and forget to take note of where you are staying so you spend an hour lost in the cold + helmets can save you from concussion and memory loss for real ) We went to Switzerland , France , Austria and Italy and always managed to have a great week whatever the conditions.
A brewing friend mentioned he was going to Les Arcs and there was a spare room so I took up his offer . 24th Jan , usually reliable snow by then and before the french school holidays. Flying to Lyon then messing around with trains to Grenoble - Chamberry - Bourg and funiclar up the mountain.
Started the pre season exercises already and thinking about some dry slope sessions to see if I can remember how to link turns. Everything seems to have doubled in price since my last trip! I blame Thatcher . ( Cameron )
Should be Ok but the group Im going with are all pretty much beginers, and I like a challenge . Still, I dont have to ski with them all day every day .
Everything seems to have doubled in price since my last trip!
Yep, it's possible to cut some corners but it's a hobby for those that want to/can afford it these days. I wish I lived in Bourg SM, at least for winter, although access to the Alps in summer would be great too.
Bicester? I get nose bleeds that far south.
Sheffield is marginal.
Rivington Alpine get a lot of good feedback. I had my boots done there, and Mrs NBT's
Just seen a message on radio les Arcs reminding us that ski helmets are obligatory on piste in Italy as of now. I'm wondering if my Petzl ski mountaineering helmet is going to be acceptable if I drop down the Italian side of La Rosière.
Useful note, thanks @Edukator. I'd be wearing mine anyway, but visiting there at the end of Jan and hadn't seen anything to say this was now mandatory. I wonder what they'd do if you skied over from France and need to get back from the Italian side but are lidless?
Just seen a message on radio les Arcs reminding us that ski helmets are obligatory on piste in Italy as of now. I'm wondering if my Petzl ski mountaineering helmet is going to be acceptable if I drop down the Italian side of La Rosière.
Me to, Ive checked that mine has passed the ski safety test aswell as the climbing and mountaineering one. In reality unless you have a bad accident i suspect the check will be no more than a lifty or ski patrol checking there is one on your head
Ah thanks @singletrackmind! May try them.
Sorry to hear about your skiing partner, it must feel very painful to go skiing without them. It's been a couple of years since I was last on snow, I'm debating spending a day at Hemel to try and remind myself how to do it...
"Look at UCPA, it’s aimed at the younger crowd but as long as you’re aware of that and keep it in mind, they offer very good value: prices include full board, equipment, lift pass and instruction. Book via Action Outdoors and you can arrange a transfer too"
My son has used UCPA for both skiing and a summer holiday. He's not bothered about sleeping in a dorm, it keeps the cost down especially with food as he has a cyclist's appetite! Earlier in the year he went on an off-piste course and he's off again in December.
"Does anyone have a recommendation for snowboard boot fitting places?"
Son has been using SkiExchange, around 10 miles west of Cambridge. Easy parking too. If it's your own boots then it will be pre-booked during the week and not Saturday. However, if you're buying boots on a Saturday then they will fit them. Be aware that we were there about 4 weeks ago and boot fittings were very busy, ie back to back. Son also had skis serviced there. Very helpful people.
My great friend/ski chum, the lady Rosemary, died a couple of years ago now. We'd skied together every year since meeting on a chalet holiday in 2001, one of those amazing friendships that just picked up where we left off (we'd only see each other skiing as she was near inverness and I'm in Essex).
We think of her every ski holiday and remember the good times (there were a lot of those with her around). Miss her 🙁
Have pulled the trigger on two weeks in Norway (Jan/Feb), travelling on the train from Oslo to Bergen 5 and 6 nights respectively in Gelio and Voss. It's not going to be cheap, but will be good to see something other than the alps this year.
Might do another late season trip to somewhere high if we have time & money left 🙂
I used to go skiing before kids arrived, a couple of school trips then some trips with uni mates which usually ended with more progress in the apres department than my skiing technique. After a 15 year gap I had the itch to go skiing again and managed to persuade my wife (never done ski school, just had instructions bellowed at her from her military father in Germany) and kids (11 and 7, so less persuasion needed) to go skiing by selling it as a 2-day Oslo city break with 5 days of skiing in-between.
We did Geilo (Dr Holmes Hotel). The train from Oslo was great. We were very lucky with the snow conditions considering it was mid April, fresh snow each day, basically overcast days then thick snow each night. The instructors said usually it's mostly snow-making by the last couple of weeks. The slopes were so quiet it was perfect for getting the family into it. Geilo isn't a massive resort and the town was quiet in April but Jan/Feb should be great. The Vestlia ski area of the town is much better developed and has more beginner-friendly runs and lifts. I spent an afternoon skiing the Hovsdalen side (behind Dr Holmes Hotel) and I didn't see anyone else other than ski patrol and lift operators for about 2 hours! The town is kind of spread out in the valley, with the actual shopping/bars etc over near the train station but the bigger ski-in/out hotels near the Vestlia slopes. There's a shuttle ski bus that goes between each side every 15-20 minutes.
I probably wouldn't go back to Geilo just because it's a relatively small ski area and the family have progressed. As an excuse to ski in a different/beautiful country and visit Oslo though I couldn't fault it! Great little resort for a few days!
