PMFAO: Dandy Pandyman

There are a lot of details needed... Do you want to self cater? Be in a big chalet with others? Travel on a package?

I always self cater, though I'd think you'll get the best deals on a last minute package. You won't get the flexibility though and run the risk of being with a bunch of ski c**ts (see below). Driving, you can get to the northern French Alps in about 8-9 hours from Calais. We get a ferry on Friday night, stay overnight in one of those cheap Formule 1 type places for about ?30 or so, leave early on Saturday and get there mid-afternoon. Places like Le Grand Bornand and La Clusaz are really nice little alpine towns, not purpose-built resorts and have nice restaurants and shops and that. Annecy is also a 30 minute drive away for a city day out, and Geneva's not much further, both beautiful places.

Accommodation I've often found in User Posted Link but there are other options. France is more expensive than Italy, as well. A couple of years ago we went to the Aosta valley and stayed here: User Posted Link It's lovely but a 8km drive up a single track road along the edge of a steep mountain, not for the faint-hearted. There is some good skiing for beginners in Pila, which is the nearest ski area to there. Good points are also that it's on the outskirts of Aosta, a fantastic old Roman city with all that you'd expect of that.

As for gear, rent skis, boots and poles; probably helmets as well. You can also rent ski clothing but I've never done that. Borrowing is also an option.

This year we're flying to Memmingen and hiring a car and staying here: User Posted Link It's at the entrance to a huge interlinked skiing area (Zillertal) which has a glacier, an important consideration if you're going early season, as we are at New Year's.

Hope that's useful.

Posted By: APB, Nov 30, 19:02:04