First Time Ski - Destination Recommendations

across2587

Hi there,

I am looking to get a bit of advice on where to head skiing in late December/ early January. It would be for me and my girlfriend and it would be our first ski holiday. We would probably fly out on 28th or after new year’s. Looking on the web France (Val D’Isere, Chamonix, Courchevel, Val Thorens) or Switzerland (Verbier, Zermatt) all seem to be nice but I am open to other recommendations. Additionally would you recommend chalets, apartments or hotels?

Thanks

Andrew

d2ww

Andrew,
I presume that this will be your first time on snow, if so, well done you managed to pick arguably the top five resorts in the Alpes!
They are also among the most expensive since you can access challenging black runs, extensive offpiste and hundreds of kilometers of motorway reds, most of which you are unlikely to see, but have still paid for.
In all probability, you could well spend the first few days on a single blue nursery slope thats 200 Meters long.
I would suggest that you have a look at the likes of www.crystalski.ie for a list of resorts suitable for beginners.
Best of luck.

across2587

Thanks for the reply d2ww. Yeah it will be our first ski holiday although we have done a few lessons on the artificial slopes in Kilternan (not the same I know). I only picked those areas as they seem to keep popping up when I Google it. But you are right; they are the top places because they have the most challenging slopes, which would be wasted on beginners like us. I had a look at crystalski.ie but the website was not working that well so I might give them a call. In terms of chalets, apartments or hotels, what do most people use and what would be the best option for just two people traveling? Thanks for your help.

Fattes

Andrew, of the list you have there the only one I would even consider for a first timer is Zermatt, but be warned it is seriously expensive!! I mean stupidly expensive, but my is it pretty and and an absolutely incredible experience, it and Chamonix are two places everyone should visit in their life even just to walk around the towns and look. The weeks you are looking at are peak season between School holidays and Russian Christmas the first week of Jan, If you are flexible you will get better value in Mid-January

As a first timer Austria is your friend everything they do is set up to cater for beginners, Saalbach, Obergurgal and Solden & Mayrhofe would be well worth a look. In France Chatel, and Avoriaz are reasonable with pretty ski areas and nice accommodation. In Switzerland, Zermatt, Champery (A bit quiet) and Laax. There is a premium with all Swiss resorts as they offer a premium product but charge for it too. Italy, Maddona Del Campigno & Cortina would be well worth a look.

As it is your first time make it as easy as possible on yourself so either a hotel or a pretty good catered chalet. Chalets tend to be more prevalent in France and less available in other alpine nations. Package holidays will ease some of the hassle and provide a bit of a security blanket and assistance if needed for your trip. I would seriously recommend a one day course or a group of 4 lessons at the Ski Club of Ireland or the Ski Centre in Sandyford before you go, it will put you in a position to hit the ground running when you arrive in resort and you will be skiing from day one instead of faffing about for a day or two on your holiday.


If you need anything else just ask.