Who’s going skiing and where 2019
Discussion
Depthhoar said:
We had a family trip to Yllas, in February, which is some distance north of the Arctic Circle. One of the best skiing holidays ever.......but we went for the nordic skiing not the downhill. There is a downhill resort there (one of the few in Finland) but you would exhaust all pistes within a day or so if you are a good intermediate skier or better. Having said that, the place was very quiet when we ventured out for a fun day's downhill on utterly perfect and very cold 'corduroy' pisted runs. It's very cold there! We had -32 degrees C. one day...during the day not night when it can be colder. When we were there daytime air temps were somewhere between -15 to -20. In summary, Yllas is a fantastic nordic skiing location (300km of prepared nordic trails, some floodlit) with some limited downhill skiing.
The scenery is enchanting in an Arctic tundra way but with additional pine forests. Measured over a metre of snow on the ground when we were there. Doesn't sound much by Alpine standards but it remains super cold all day right throughout the winter so no melt cycles resulting in ice or 'porridge'.
We flew there but did contemplate driving from the UK, which would have been possible but it's a long way and distinctly adventuresome! FYI the Finns keep the roads beautifully clear but you often drive on very cold but reasonably grippy hardpack snow (on winter tyres, of course). The locals all seem to drive 'normal' front wheel drive cars shod with winter tyres.
A belated thanks for the response - just what we needed to know.The scenery is enchanting in an Arctic tundra way but with additional pine forests. Measured over a metre of snow on the ground when we were there. Doesn't sound much by Alpine standards but it remains super cold all day right throughout the winter so no melt cycles resulting in ice or 'porridge'.
We flew there but did contemplate driving from the UK, which would have been possible but it's a long way and distinctly adventuresome! FYI the Finns keep the roads beautifully clear but you often drive on very cold but reasonably grippy hardpack snow (on winter tyres, of course). The locals all seem to drive 'normal' front wheel drive cars shod with winter tyres.
Have now booked a week in Levi (just north of Yllas) although we're downhill skiers rather than Nordic. Definitely going to be different though, my wife doesn't ski so we'll probably look to do maybe 3 days on the slopes and then some more touristy stuff, husky tours and the like as a more family-friendly alternative.
-32 sounds chilly...done -25 in the 3 Valleys which was just about bearable so long as you didn't have any exposed skin. We may need to invest in some new gloves though
ukbabz said:
Just booked a trip to Chamonix at new year with my wife and her friend. Both of them are new skiers and I'm a boarder so should be fun. Hopefully I'll manage to get away for a few more challenging runs while they have lessons!
Evo2 are good for lessons. Jacinta is the person to talk to.For those looking forward to their skiing this winter you'll be glad to hear that here in St. Moritz we had about 60 cm of snow over the last day and it's forecast to continue snowing all week (maybe sleet in the village but on the slopes it should be snow).
For much of the day we were cut off with passes and local roads closed for avalanche risk.
The season starts in 4 weeks time (tomorrow on the high slopes where the Swiss team train).
For much of the day we were cut off with passes and local roads closed for avalanche risk.
The season starts in 4 weeks time (tomorrow on the high slopes where the Swiss team train).
I've started my seasonal obsessive behaviour of checking the webcams for snow (and after Xmas weather forecast etc)
Sauze D'oulx has had a lite dusting (3rd week in Feb)
Sunshine Village/Banff area has had snow on and off for last couple of weeks with it staying settled in Sunshine Village. (Maybe Easter, Accom booked but held off booking flights as was changing job)
Sauze D'oulx has had a lite dusting (3rd week in Feb)
Sunshine Village/Banff area has had snow on and off for last couple of weeks with it staying settled in Sunshine Village. (Maybe Easter, Accom booked but held off booking flights as was changing job)
Just booked to go with friends to Megeve at half term. Due to flights being insane expensive, we're driving down.
About to book Euro Tunnel - do you guys who drive regularly go for the standard tickets or the Flexi? I'm nervous of a great holiday being ruined by waiting in line for the tunnel if we are early/late on the way back.
We're booked into the Ibis Styles in Sallanches for the Friday night, ready to hit the hire shop first thing and then the slopes.
Any tips greatfully received.
About to book Euro Tunnel - do you guys who drive regularly go for the standard tickets or the Flexi? I'm nervous of a great holiday being ruined by waiting in line for the tunnel if we are early/late on the way back.
We're booked into the Ibis Styles in Sallanches for the Friday night, ready to hit the hire shop first thing and then the slopes.
Any tips greatfully received.
BristolAl said:
Just booked to go with friends to Megeve at half term. Due to flights being insane expensive, we're driving down.
About to book Euro Tunnel - do you guys who drive regularly go for the standard tickets or the Flexi? I'm nervous of a great holiday being ruined by waiting in line for the tunnel if we are early/late on the way back.
The queue on the way back will be biblical on Saturday evening of half term. Expect 60-90 minutes from arrival at Calais to getting through passport control (but don't worry about missing your train, they'll just put you on the next one if you miss yours). Also massive queues for loos and food at the terminal building. It's never ruined our holiday, but it's definitely not a great way to finish.About to book Euro Tunnel - do you guys who drive regularly go for the standard tickets or the Flexi? I'm nervous of a great holiday being ruined by waiting in line for the tunnel if we are early/late on the way back.
The last couple of times we've paid the extra for Flex tickets just on the way back. It still takes a while to get through passport control, maybe 30 minutes if it's bad, but then you get to stop at the flex lounge, use the very decent facilities, grab a complimentary sandwich and a coffee before mooching onto the next train at your convenience. Much nicer all round, but it's debatable whether it's worth the extra £150 or so.
deckster said:
The queue on the way back will be biblical on Saturday evening of half term. Expect 60-90 minutes from arrival at Calais to getting through passport control (but don't worry about missing your train, they'll just put you on the next one if you miss yours). Also massive queues for loos and food at the terminal building. It's never ruined our holiday, but it's definitely not a great way to finish.
We leave resort Friday afternoon / evening (with 2 kids they are tired by then anyway), do half the journey, stop and finish it Sat with the aim of getting to the Tunnel by lunchtime. Queue's are much less and we're enjoying a wine at home by 5pm 
chandrew said:
For those looking forward to their skiing this winter you'll be glad to hear that here in St. Moritz we had about 60 cm of snow over the last day and it's forecast to continue snowing all week (maybe sleet in the village but on the slopes it should be snow).
For much of the day we were cut off with passes and local roads closed for avalanche risk.
The season starts in 4 weeks time (tomorrow on the high slopes where the Swiss team train).
It sounds interesting! My wife and I like skiing. This year we won't go anywhere as my wif is pregnant and we are waiting for the birth of our daughter in December. But I'll keep your suggestion in mind for future! Thanks!For much of the day we were cut off with passes and local roads closed for avalanche risk.
The season starts in 4 weeks time (tomorrow on the high slopes where the Swiss team train).
Logan777 said:
It sounds interesting! My wife and I like skiing. This year we won't go anywhere as my wif is pregnant and we are waiting for the birth of our daughter in December. But I'll keep your suggestion in mind for future! Thanks!
You can always do a short weekend trip with the boys whilst still with family. I’ve had years where I simply couldn’t take leave at Xmas half term or Easter so frankly couldn’t go skiing with the family no matter what - so I do go without as and when.
Welshbeef said:
You can always do a short weekend trip with the boys whilst still with family.
I’ve had years where I simply couldn’t take leave at Xmas half term or Easter so frankly couldn’t go skiing with the family no matter what - so I do go without as and when.
You can indeed, and there are companies who cater for skiweekends I’ve had years where I simply couldn’t take leave at Xmas half term or Easter so frankly couldn’t go skiing with the family no matter what - so I do go without as and when.
S100HP said:
Welshbeef said:
You can always do a short weekend trip with the boys whilst still with family.
I’ve had years where I simply couldn’t take leave at Xmas half term or Easter so frankly couldn’t go skiing with the family no matter what - so I do go without as and when.
You can indeed, and there are companies who cater for skiweekends I’ve had years where I simply couldn’t take leave at Xmas half term or Easter so frankly couldn’t go skiing with the family no matter what - so I do go without as and when.
BristolAl said:
Just booked to go with friends to Megeve at half term. Due to flights being insane expensive, we're driving down.
About to book Euro Tunnel - do you guys who drive regularly go for the standard tickets or the Flexi? I'm nervous of a great holiday being ruined by waiting in line for the tunnel if we are early/late on the way back.
We're booked into the Ibis Styles in Sallanches for the Friday night, ready to hit the hire shop first thing and then the slopes.
Any tips greatfully received.
if you can get to Sallanches by 17.00, why not nip up to hire shop & get your gear the night before, they will allow that FOCAbout to book Euro Tunnel - do you guys who drive regularly go for the standard tickets or the Flexi? I'm nervous of a great holiday being ruined by waiting in line for the tunnel if we are early/late on the way back.
We're booked into the Ibis Styles in Sallanches for the Friday night, ready to hit the hire shop first thing and then the slopes.
Any tips greatfully received.
Welshbeef said:
I wonder do they do setups where like minded people can go - it’s not easy ranging leave with work and friends. Likewise some friends can be very good or very novice so you’d likely see them a few times in the day
Used to, but then it became frowned upon. You'd meet others in the chalets however.
Morzine with "the lads" in early March for a long weekend then Whistler with the family early April. Also realised I need some new kit. I love my Fusalp jacket but it's now 14 seasons old so needs replaced....might wait until the end of the season for a bargain :-) ….and just got myself some new goggles (Oakley XL airbrake) from work "award" thing.
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