First skiing holiday over New Year

[karl922]

Hi guys,

A bit of background, I went skiing for the first time in February for a week with work in Austria. I was taught how to ski to a reasonable level... Blue's red's and one black slope completed albeit with the odd fall. I'm looking into booking my first proper ski holiday and I'd like to go over new year with my partner whom is just taking lessons at the local slope (Castleford).

I'm looking at France but I have no idea where to go really, is there somewhere with an almost guarantee of snow in Dec/Jan?

We're both 30 so a little nightlife wouldn't go amiss over the new year, would prefer a hotel rather than a chalet just for the extra amenities on offer (hot tub, sauna, pool).

I'd also like something that included ski hire and boots to make the holiday as hassle free as possible.


So, what's people's suggestions on where and who to book with?

Thanks in advance.

Karl

[lemmingjames]

no snow is guaranteed and the past few years the snow conditions over NYE have been st with the season starting later and later (but also staying longer).

If you really must book now, then look for a glacier resort such as tignes or val thorens

[p1stonhead]

Christmas / New Year skiing is a huge risk now IMO.

I wouldnt ever book something in advance, only go last minute after confirmed snow fall.

Easter is my go-to period now. Much later than I used to go.

If you must go then, yes, as above, Tignes Val Claret probably best bet as its highest.

[//j17]

For France the golden rule is higher is better, so either go for a high resort such as Tignes @2100m.

Does it HAVE to be France though as the snow generally comes in from the East, so despite being lower you'll often find more snow in Austria at the start of the season.

[S10GTA]

I work in the ski industry, and I certainly wouldn't be putting my money down on NY yet. Hold fire. There is always stock, and significant discounts can be had if the snow is late as we all panic. Hold fire.

[Johnniem]

Solden, Austria. Very high cable car if snow is thin on lower slopes. If good snow all round then there are some very long and enjoyable runs from the top to the Solden at the valley floor. There is also Hochsolden - 'High Solden' - up the mountain, which I much prefer as it offers a more sedate existence up there without a myriad of night life that lurks in Solden. There are also an incredible amount of mixed ability pistes and two ski schools to choose from. Solden has much nightlife. Check it out on line. I think it's a great choice for first timers and experts alike.

[a311]

Johnniem said:

Solden

Cracking area.

Last time I skied over NY there was too much snow. The trend has been for the snow to be arriving later the last few seasons it seems, we used to ski with a group of friends with a couple who were teachers but as kids have arrived etc I wouldn't pay the premium to travel in school holidays if I didn't have to.

If you're going to book ahead you want to edge your bets and go somewhere with a glacier or somewhere high enough that keeps cold enough to manufacture their own snow. Obergurgl down the road from Solden, opens reliably the second weekend of November each season, whether on real or artificial snow. Another one to look at with good nightlife is Ischgl.

Problem is if the snow is as bad as in can be at that time of year you'll be getting punters from all the resorts without any landing on you and compounding the problem.

As for times of the season they all have their pluses and minuses. I love late season, skiing in a t-shirt and enjoying a cold beer in the sun is rather nice, but it can be challenging for those not used to it skiing chopped up snow and endless moguls.