Ski Season 2018/2019

cormee

Time to get things going again? We're well past mid-summer

Anyway, Crystal Ski seem to have some great early-bird deals going at the moment - I'm particularly interested in Soll, around January 5th, unfortunately their links for searches don't work so I can't share them here.

Fanny, if you're still knocking around, I'd be obliged of you could recommend any of the places on https://www.crystalski.ie/search/sr.81 (hopefully that link works)

blue note

I'm trying to save so trying to not book another ski holiday. It's so hard!

But if I did go again I think I'd get away without going for lessons this time. I was a bit fed up in them last year anyway. I think I've been unlucky to get two terrible instructors out of 4. the first instructor was swapped out and I moved class the second time. Most people have great experiences in classes so don't really get my hesitations about them, but I'm not sure u could put up with another crap instructor. And two classes of 13/14 pupils didn't help add well.

But if I didn't have to pay for lessons I'd save that cost too.....

cormee

blue note wrote: »

I'm trying to save so trying to not book another ski holiday. It's so hard!

But if I did go again I think I'd get away without going for lessons this time. I was a bit fed up in them last year anyway. I think I've been unlucky to get two terrible instructors out of 4. the first instructor was swapped out and I moved class the second time. Most people have great experiences in classes so don't really get my hesitations about them, but I'm not sure u could put up with another crap instructor. And two classes of 13/14 pupils didn't help add well.

But if I didn't have to pay for lessons I'd save that cost too.....

Do you have a Revolut credit card? If not get one, they have a great feature called a Vault, its basically a change jar, any purchase you make is rounded up. After one week I have €33 in my snowboarding vault

I only ever took two snowboarding classes, once I had the basics I headed off by myself. Riding/Skiing with someone a bit above your level is also a great way of learning, they drag you up, force you to push yourself.

maddness

I’ve spent the past week planing my two trips, four day to Italy in December and another four to Austria in January. Can’t wait!

irlirishkev

France (La Tania) and Italy (Sauze Doulx) for us again next season.
A week in early January, and a week in early March.

Have a few trips away to get through first (oh the pain of it all!) before we can get too excited for skiing :pac:

a148pro

Good man cormee, delighted to see other snow addicts here in abundance too

I'd be wary of booking soll in advance, its low and there's been a few shaky starts to seasons the past few years

cormee

maddness wrote: »

I’ve spent the past week planing my two trips, four day to Italy in December and another four to Austria in January. Can’t wait!

Am hoping to fit in three this year. Fingers crossed. It would be the fist time in a long time. One definitely Chamonix, not sure about the other two, but I'm starting to like the off-piste in Austria, so that might be on the cards.

maddness

I’m going to try to get a third trip in too if possible, I’ve four days booked for Ðecember and another four for January so I’ll see if I can manage a short trip sometime in March too.

BarryNumber1

Hoping to get to Livigno again. Took a transfer bus the last time and it took ages so might rent a car instead. No issues driving abroad but I do have a question about some of the narrower, 1 vehicle sections, as you get into the mountains. I didn’t see any particular road-signs the last time so I’m not sure who has right of way… going up the hill? down? Do bigger vehicles have right of way, etc. Can anyone shed any light?

Cheers.

Timmaay

After 4trips to the French alps I totally gotta step outa my comfort zone and go somewhere else! Italy or Austria are where I'm thinking at the sec. Definitely not going to book until I see how the season is panning out, I'd actually be happy enough to wait till last minute to book wherever it looks like the snow is good!

cormee

Timmaay wrote: »

After 4trips to the French alps I totally gotta step outa my comfort zone and go somewhere else! Italy or Austria are where I'm thinking at the sec. Definitely not going to book until I see how the season is panning out, I'd actually be happy enough to wait till last minute to book wherever it looks like the snow is good!

Austria is pretty cool, not mad about the food, but otherwise it's great. Nice people and great terrain. I was the same as you, years in French Alps, then went to St. Anton and Lech, both were excellent.

Mitch Buchannon

I'll have my usual 2 trips again this year. Both back to Chamonix more than likely.

I never managed to get my 3rd trip in this year to Stowe. I have family there that will put us up if we decide to visit this coming winter. They have already been on to me trying to get us to commit to a trip for next March.

I know its great to have options but sometimes it makes things even harder..

irlirishkev

Mitch Buchannon wrote: »

I'll have my usual 2 trips again this year. Both back to Chamonix more than likely.

I never managed to get my 3rd trip in this year to Stowe. I have family there that will put us up if we decide to visit this coming winter. They have already been on to me trying to get us to commit to a trip for next March.

I know its great to have options but sometimes it makes things even harder..

We've Ski'd in Stowe. Small, but nice skiing. And the town is just gorgeous!

Mitch Buchannon

irlirishkev wrote: »

We've Ski'd in Stowe. Small, but nice skiing. And the town is just gorgeous!

Yeah beautiful place. We have been there in the summer time. We spent the 4th of July holidays with them. They live just outside Waterbury.
There are lots of places to ski/snowboard there. I think we would be bringing the 2 kids to Cochrans hill at Richmond.

maddness

Timmaay wrote: »

After 4trips to the French alps I totally gotta step outa my comfort zone and go somewhere else! Italy or Austria are where I'm thinking at the sec. Definitely not going to book until I see how the season is panning out, I'd actually be happy enough to wait till last minute to book wherever it looks like the snow is good!

Having skied most of the big resorts in France and in Italy I reckon Italy is fantastic with some amazing resorts and stunning scenery, great food and wine, much cheaper than France and I find the people very welcoming. On the downside the lift infrastructure is probably not as good as France or Austria generally.
Austria great too but I’ve only been there a few times so can’t give great advice!
I still think France has the best skiing but you pay more for it.

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

Back to France myself! Haven't decided where yet but will get a move on with it in the coming days. Already very much looking forward to it.

cocker5

booked when leaving our ski apartment in March 2018..

10 days in March 2019

irlirishkev

Booked a week in Les Arcs 1950 last night. 5th January.
Let the countdown commence!

:D:D:D

Billy Mays

Anyone been to Ischgl?


Lads are thinking of heading there next year

a148pro

Billy Mays wrote: »

Anyone been to Ischgl?


Lads are thinking of heading there next year

Yes, class, went for second time this year. Very good lifts, very good infrastructure up the mountain, general classy air and lots of steep blacks. A great place to ski pistes and eat and drink well.

cocker5

Billy Mays wrote: »

Anyone been to Ischgl?


Lads are thinking of heading there next year

Been 5/6 times - excellent ski area, chair lift system best I’ve been on.. town pretty big lots to do .. all in all it’s a winner

A1Son

Been to Ischgl once, great terrain, good lift system and fairly decent snowpark. Some good prices to be had on the accommodation end of things if your concerned about budget. High end resort though with a great apres ski buzz. You'll love it.
We got a place in Jasna Slovakia if anyone is looking for a budget friendly 2nd or 3rd sneaky ski break!!

Billy Mays

Cheers for the feedback folks

Diemos

Just booked Les Deux Alps for January.

Any advice on the place?

cormee

Diemos wrote: »

Just booked Les Deux Alps for January.

Any advice on the place?

The apres ski is pretty lively and goes on until all hours - book a bedroom away from the road if possible.

There's a quiet side of the ski area called Valle Blanche (not THAT one) it's a lot quieter than the main ski area, there are some nice wide, cruisey runs, it's worth checking out for a morning.

There's a red, or maybe it's a black, called Diablo (or something evil-sounding like that), it's great, give it a shot.

When I was there there was only one "piste", from the town to the main ski area, it gets very very packed in the evening, and it's more like a lane than a piste, take it before or after the main crows make their way down. I read that they've added a new piste back down, if so you should be grand.

blue note

Went sale agreed on a house a week ago. Whatever hope I had of getting away for a week is getting slimmer and slimmer. I know it's a good thing. But still....

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

Going to give Alpe d'Huez a go again myself. Going with the missus this time so will actually to be able to concentrate on the skiing side of things. Going for the new year, accomm booked and all, can't wait!
Hopefully the snow is as good but the weather is better. Lifts closed on last day last year and should've been another day.

masseyno9

Snow this week out in Banff. Both Sunshine and Lake Louise Instagram have pics up. Getting a bit excited now!

mulbot

Big Pussy Bonpensiero wrote: »

Going to give Alpe d'Huez a go again myself. Going with the missus this time so will actually to be able to concentrate on the skiing side of things. Going for the new year, accomm booked and all, can't wait!
Hopefully the snow is as good but the weather is better. Lifts closed on last day last year and should've been another day.

Trying to decide on Alpe d'Huez or les deux Alps for January-leaning more towards Alpe d'Huez so how would you recommend it? ( group will -advanced skiers,a few snowboarders,two 6yr olds and a mother-in-law(as a nanny:D).Thanks

am i bovvered

I will be spending the season in Morzine, working.
Really looking forward to it, never skied there before. We spent most of last season in Paradiski after a big life change in January.
Starting to get excited now !!

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

mulbot wrote: »

Trying to decide on Alpe d'Huez or les deux Alps for January-leaning more towards Alpe d'Huez so how would you recommend it? ( group will -advanced skiers,a few snowboarders,two 6yr olds and a mother-in-law(as a nanny:D).Thanks

I haven't been to Les Deux Alps yet but Alpe d'Huez was quite good when I was there. I did go when all that snow hit Europe last year so I got quite lucky. It's apparently the biggest ski domain in Europe which means there's obviously plenty of skiing. Loads of off-piste as well and a few forest trails. It is spread out over a very large area though, and some lifts close earlier that others - so be careful with that!
Transport is also free around the village and down to the next village also (Huez). We rented a car, but there was absolutely no need. It was busy, but it's a charming little village. Good pubs and clubs if you're that way inclined, but it also has a cinema and all the usual apres-ski-for-kids sort stuff.

I'd definitely recommend it, but I wasn't hugely impressed, but I went with a group of lads last year which is why I want to give it a proper go this time round.

And lastly, if you're going at a peak time you'll need to book group lessons in advance if you need them. The lads I was with had to take private lessons because they didn't!

masseyno9

am i bovvered wrote: »

I will be spending  the season in Morzine, working.
Really looking forward to it, never skied there before. We spent most of last season in Paradiski after a big life change in January.
Starting to get excited now !!

Where are you working? I spent a season in Les Gets a few years back. Some great riding over on the Avoriaz side. Bowls and chutes all the way to some cool parks, including 'the stash' where all features are in around the trees and made from natural materials and it has tons of different lines through it.

maddness

mulbot wrote: »

Trying to decide on Alpe d'Huez or les deux Alps for January-leaning more towards Alpe d'Huez so how would you recommend it? ( group will -advanced skiers,a few snowboarders,two 6yr olds and a mother-in-law(as a nanny:D).Thanks

Alpe d’Huez is probably a better resort for your needs but they are both good. Better nightlife in Les Deux Alpes but better skiing in AdH.

cormee

mulbot wrote: »

Trying to decide on Alpe d'Huez or les deux Alps for January-leaning more towards Alpe d'Huez so how would you recommend it? ( group will -advanced skiers,a few snowboarders,two 6yr olds and a mother-in-law(as a nanny:D).Thanks

I'd recommend Alpe d'Huez over Les Deux Alpes for your group. Les Deux Aples is a bit of a party town.

DoraDelite

I have a couple of UCPA trips booked so far. Val D for New Years and Serre Chevelier at the end of January, both off-piste so hopefully the snow starts as good as last season!

I'll get in another couple of trips but might look for some last minute trips instead of planning.

fmlarnapairce

can i ask what ucpa courses you booked? i am looking at glenmore lodge for an off piste course, need to do my research on ucpa as well before i pull any triggers.

DoraDelite

fmlarnapairce wrote: »

can i ask what ucpa courses you booked? i am looking at glenmore lodge for an off piste course, need to do my research on ucpa as well before i pull any triggers.

I have booked the off-piste advanced for both trips. It's 4.5 days of off-piste guiding, equipment is included if you don't have your own. You get tranceiver training and a good bit of stuff about avalanche awareness. I find them pretty good to be fair especially for the price, you wouldn't get off-piste guiding for that price anywhere else.

millhousegirl

maddness wrote: »

Having skied most of the big resorts in France and in Italy I reckon Italy is fantastic with some amazing resorts and stunning scenery, great food and wine, much cheaper than France and I find the people very welcoming. On the downside the lift infrastructure is probably not as good as France or Austria generally.
Austria great too but I’ve only been there a few times so can’t give great advice!
I still think France has the best skiing but you pay more for it.

I skied in both France and Austria but never Italy. Are there any resorts that you'd recommend for a small group of decent skiers? Thanks

a148pro

millhousegirl wrote: »

I skied in both France and Austria but never Italy. Are there any resorts that you'd recommend for a small group of decent skiers? Thanks

What are your priorities? Dolomites are unspeakably beautiful but a long (3 hours minimum) transfer from Irish serviced airports and skiing can be quite spread out. Resorts in the Aosta valley (I've skied Pila and Cervinia) are about 3 hours from various well serviced Milan airports but Cervinia in particular lacks any really challenging terrain.

I second Italy as a destination though, very laid back, good wine

maddness

millhousegirl wrote: »

I skied in both France and Austria but never Italy. Are there any resorts that you'd recommend for a small group of decent skiers? Thanks

Champoluc is fantastic for good skiers. It’s linked to Gressoney-Saint-Jean and Alagna and on and off piste skiing is as brilliant. It doesn’t have as many runs as some of the big French resorts but a lot of runs are very long and there is a great sense of traveling as apposed to just up and down. The town is quiet but has some lovely restaurants and plenty of good value hotels. I loved it so much in January this year that I’ve booked to go back again in December.

Sauze/Seistrere is also a great option as there is a lot of skiing and it’s great value too. Sauze town is nicer but Seistrere is higher so a safer bet for snow.

CardinalJ

I unfollowed the Winter Sports forum last year because I couldn't get away in 2018 and didnt want to read about it.

New Years now booked for Switzerland.

mulbot

Has anyone experience skiing in Bulgaria? We are hopefully going to Alpe d'Huez on the 12 January,but we have had an offer to join some other friends on a ski trip to Bulgaria and we might be able to squeeze in this trip too. Any info would be appreciated.Thanks

salmocab

mulbot wrote: »

Has anyone experience skiing in Bulgaria? We are hopefully going to Alpe d'Huez on the 12 January,but we have had an offer to join some other friends on a ski trip to Bulgaria and we might be able to squeeze in this trip too. Any info would be appreciated.Thanks

I skied years ago in pomporovo I think it was called, wasnt great but my second trip I think but even at that the skiing was very limited. Was about 12 years ago in fairness it could be a lot better by now. Night life was decent.

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

mulbot wrote: »

Has anyone experience skiing in Bulgaria? We are hopefully going to Alpe d'Huez on the 12 January,but we have had an offer to join some other friends on a ski trip to Bulgaria and we might be able to squeeze in this trip too. Any info would be appreciated.Thanks

Family went there, not myself, but I was told it's cheap for a reason.

BarryNumber1

mulbot wrote: »

Has anyone experience skiing in Bulgaria? We are hopefully going to Alpe d'Huez on the 12 January,but we have had an offer to join some other friends on a ski trip to Bulgaria and we might be able to squeeze in this trip too. Any info would be appreciated.Thanks

Was there about 10 years ago, Pamporova with a big group and had a blast. Some development going on at the time so I’m sure it’s a finished resort by now. Transfer from Sofia airport was a bit of a hike, eating out was cheap, people nice, staff at resort friendly. Some in the group got lessons and the instructors were very thorough and kept going after the usual ending time in other resorts. Need to watch the snow though, was poor the first 2 days but then dumped snow. Lifts closed for one day but opened up for the rest of the week and was excellent.

Never turn down a ski trip offer :-)

am i bovvered

masseyno9 wrote: »

Where are you working? I spent a season in Les Gets a few years back. Some great riding over on the Avoriaz side. Bowls and chutes all the way to some cool parks, including 'the stash' where all features are in around the trees and made from natural materials and it has tons of different lines through it.

We are hosting a chalet, White Valley Lodge.
Currently we are living in Burgundy so popped down there last week for a look.
I have never skied there, but, looks great and we are very excited.

am i bovvered

mulbot wrote: »

Has anyone experience skiing in Bulgaria? We are hopefully going to Alpe d'Huez on the 12 January,but we have had an offer to join some other friends on a ski trip to Bulgaria and we might be able to squeeze in this trip too. Any info would be appreciated.Thanks

Obviously you need to tailor your expectations to suit the cost and resort, it’s not the 3 valleys.

Been to Bansko twice. Both times it was a big family holiday where we were picking up all costs.

The big negative is the queue in the morning, only one bubble up the hill. Another negative is the attitude of the staff working on the mountain, both on the lifts and restaurants, very rude, you won’t change it, even with ‘Irish charm’😂

Big positive is the cost, it’s about half the price. The town is fun and off the mountain the people are nicer, you do need to be careful when out though.

Regarding the skiing, once you are up on the hill it is pretty good. There are lots of beginners so if you are a decent skier there is lots of space higher up. You really need to be careful of skiers out of their depth and falling out of control into you.

We got one of the best lessons ever here.

mulbot

am i bovvered wrote: »

Obviously you need to tailor your expectations to suit the cost and resort, it’s not the 3 valleys.

Been to Bansko twice. Both times it was a big family holiday where we were picking up all costs.

The big negative is the queue in the morning, only one bubble up the hill. Another negative is the attitude of the staff working on the mountain, both on the lifts and restaurants, very rude, you won’t change it, even with ‘Irish charm’��

Big positive is the cost, it’s about half the price. The town is fun and off the mountain the people are nicer, you do need to be careful when out though.

Regarding the skiing, once you are up on the hill it is pretty good. There are lots of beginners so if you are a decent skier there is lots of space higher up. You really need to be careful of skiers out of their depth and falling out of control into you.

We got one of the best lessons ever here.

Thanks for the reply,good information. I know it's not comparable to the bigger places but I'm happy enough as I'll get to Alps d'Huez in January,. I've read about the long queue which isn't great but can work around that-I think i'll try stretch to get this trip in so,Cheers.

prunudo

I'm slow to get going this year, trying to round up numbers but life seems to be getting in the way with the usual crew I go with, numbers have dwindled over recent years but usually there'd be a few biting.
Will probably head back to somewhere in Austria though, ticks so many boxes, especially the apres end of it. Wouldn't mind trying France again, just for the infrastructure but the apres lets it down.

DoraDelite

Saw this for anyone planning to head to Chamonix this winter: https://snowbrains.com/chamonix-cable-car-fire/ :eek::eek:

cormee

DoraDelite wrote: »

Saw this for anyone planning to head to Chamonix this winter: https://snowbrains.com/chamonix-cable-car-fire/ :eek::eek:

I saw that, I only tend to go there late in the season, where the only area worth boarding is Grand Montets. Looks messy!