Where to Ski France @ xmas ???

Hi

Can anyone tell me where there is a good chance of snow in France the week before christmas and an ideal resort to go to for intermidiate skiers.
Val Thorens ??
Courchevel ??
Les arcs ??
others ?????

Anyone been to any of the above at christmas ??

Many thanks for any help/advice given

Skiing the week before Christmas is generally pretty reliable at the higher resorts such as the ones you mention; and all those offer great skiing for intermediates. Personally I'd recommend Les Arcs though Val Thorens is the most snow-sure.

Also take a look at Tignes and Les Deux Alpes as they both have high altitude skiing.

There are some good "early bird" discounts on some of the ski holiday packages at the moment, though if you can avoid Christmas itself then booking last minute shouldn't be a problem.

Cheers,

Paradiski is a great place to ski before xmas, it usually opens the week before and the slopes are really quiet. As it is high altitude it is pretty much snow sure. We have had our chalet here for the last 2 years and experienced great conditions that time of year.
If you are thinking of having a trip, please have a look at our website www.skivillaroger.com.We are also very close to Ste Foy and Val D'Isere/Tignes.

Kumari and Jonny Kaye

Hi Have a look at us www.easiski.co.uk here in Morzine. Bmi have announced their flights at CHEAP prices

Also have a look at La Tania which is linked into Courchavel & the rest of the 3 Valleys including meribel & Val Thorens. Depending how many of you need accommodation we can do this from 300 euro for the week before xmas for a 4 person apartment http://www.latania-apartments.co.uk/
cheers
Roester

There are some lovely runs in Les Houches which are ideal for intermediates... Les Houches is at the entrance to Chamonix valley - chamonix is only 10 minutes away by car, so you've plenty of other options for places to ski too.

If you are looking for a luxury ski chalet in Chamonix valley, Maison Jaune is a fabulous ski chalet set right on the piste. You can ski directly into and out of the chalet, which sleeps 10 in ensuite rooms, all with stunning mountain views. Plus there is a hot tub, log fire, free internet access, and fantastic service.

Best of luck for your search !!
cham74

There is rarely a problem skiing in France in December. Most ski areas have very good snowmaking equipment and can insure that they have snow. I'm not a guy that bets on things but as an instructor that has taught in the French Alps full time I can say that there is about a 1 in 7 chance of having a starting season that is not good for the lower elevation ski areas. Note however that many higher elevation areas had a very bad start last season (05-06)..very little snow! Areas that are lower had a great season example where I teach...Megeve had a super season and a great start all due to a "micro climate" that is typical to Megeve and linked to its proximity to the Mont Blanc.

Have no worries try Megeve there are many super high level intermediate runs and the big secret is that there are great B and B's for people to stay at. A casino and inexpensive places to eat on the hill at lunch time.

It's true that the drinking and party scene is a little limited but on the other had there are plenty of things to do and all in a place that has the majority of its runs cut in the trees....so that if the weather is bad at least you can ski....where as in the higher elevations i.e. ski areas that are above tree line it's a "white out".

Xmas in Megeve is like a fairy tail and the atmosphere is like when you were a kid! Horse drawn sleighs and all.

Take a look at the review on Megeve on this site, all you need to know.

Bet on Megeve. Hands down go to Megeve.

Posted by: Megeve Mike

Agree with Megeve..was there last year around Christmas and again for short breaks in Feb and March....Great resort and pedestrianised village makes it ideal for getting around at night. Not the cheapest place but the slope grooming, lift queues and scenery are second to none!!Love the place!
Jo :mrgreen: