Val d'isere or saalbach?
Discussion
Considering train to Val d'isere and renting a cheap apartment. I can speak a bit of French, have always liked French resorts and is fairly show sure. However I have never tried Austria, I have heard the skiing is unbelievable in Saalbach and it is probably cheaper. Would just get a package deal. Only thing is I have heard it is not as snow sure (would be going in march) nd maybe not as beautiful?
Any experiences?
Any experiences?
If you're on a budget, it may be cheaper to go to Tignes than Val D'Isere. They both cover the same snowspace but a bit less nightlife in Tignes. You're virtually guaranteed skiing there as they have glacier skiing.
On the other hand, I do love going to Austria. It's usually much more picturesque and cheaper once you're there.
On the other hand, I do love going to Austria. It's usually much more picturesque and cheaper once you're there.
What level of skiier are you matey? Saalbach very nice very well suited to intermediates bit pricey to get there cheaper than France for food and drink once you're there.
If you haven't tried Austria I think you need to, people seem to generally like Austria more than France as an overall experience. It depends on what your ability is really, Val and Tignes are awesome but French. have a look at St Anton, let us know what sort of skiing you like and can offer more Austrian alternatives.
Oh and the Austrian Apres wee's all over France in terms of cost and sheer madness.....
If you haven't tried Austria I think you need to, people seem to generally like Austria more than France as an overall experience. It depends on what your ability is really, Val and Tignes are awesome but French. have a look at St Anton, let us know what sort of skiing you like and can offer more Austrian alternatives.
Oh and the Austrian Apres wee's all over France in terms of cost and sheer madness.....
I think I'll try saalbach then. The only worry is that I keep seeing things about it's low altitude and the effect on slopes especially S facing ones. this is a worry because I like to go towards the end of march for the sun.
I like the idea of a package holiday because I have always sorted things myself and would like to relax this time. I was hoping I could get a good package deal but they just seem average. The odd one that includes ski hire and lift passes clearly just costs an extra whatever that amount is!
I am a fairly advanced skiier but not bothered about off piste and I like long quiet runs. My OH is an early intermediate who wants long quiet runs that aren't overly steep. St Anton seems to fail on these points, excellent off piste but difficult crowded intermediate runs? Saalbach seems better suited, and also much cheaper.
I like the idea of a package holiday because I have always sorted things myself and would like to relax this time. I was hoping I could get a good package deal but they just seem average. The odd one that includes ski hire and lift passes clearly just costs an extra whatever that amount is!
I am a fairly advanced skiier but not bothered about off piste and I like long quiet runs. My OH is an early intermediate who wants long quiet runs that aren't overly steep. St Anton seems to fail on these points, excellent off piste but difficult crowded intermediate runs? Saalbach seems better suited, and also much cheaper.
torqueofthedevil said:
I think I'll try saalbach then. The only worry is that I keep seeing things about it's low altitude and the effect on slopes especially S facing ones. this is a worry because I like to go towards the end of march for the sun.
I like the idea of a package holiday because I have always sorted things myself and would like to relax this time. I was hoping I could get a good package deal but they just seem average. The odd one that includes ski hire and lift passes clearly just costs an extra whatever that amount is!
I am a fairly advanced skiier but not bothered about off piste and I like long quiet runs. My OH is an early intermediate who wants long quiet runs that aren't overly steep. St Anton seems to fail on these points, excellent off piste but difficult crowded intermediate runs? Saalbach seems better suited, and also much cheaper.
Saalbach isn't cheaper than St Anton, Lech and Zurs (part of the SA pass) yes, in my experience anyhow. ST Anton has a rep as a difficult resort, it's a a steeper pitched mountain generally than you'll find anywhere else but I think the rep is undeserved, Rendl has some gentle and quieter pistes to help build confidence and you can find more of the easy stuff in Stuben, Lech and Zurs.I like the idea of a package holiday because I have always sorted things myself and would like to relax this time. I was hoping I could get a good package deal but they just seem average. The odd one that includes ski hire and lift passes clearly just costs an extra whatever that amount is!
I am a fairly advanced skiier but not bothered about off piste and I like long quiet runs. My OH is an early intermediate who wants long quiet runs that aren't overly steep. St Anton seems to fail on these points, excellent off piste but difficult crowded intermediate runs? Saalbach seems better suited, and also much cheaper.
The realation between altitude and snow is a bit of a common misconception for Austria, particulary for those who have always skied in France. The Austrian ski areas are further east, colder more snow fall. Different valleys have different micro-climates. Soll is relatively low but sits in the shadow of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range so gets good snow-it's cheap too.
Late March I think you'll be fine anywhere is Austria. I'll be in St Anton the week of the 24th. As for DIY vs package it can be difficult to beat some of the packages. You've missed the boat on some of the better offers-there are allot of good deals around for Switzerland with the strength of the Franc. Crystal are still offering 2 for 1 passes in Switzerland, I'm tempted by a week in Zermatt or Verbier in Feb £600 pp in a catered chalet inc lift passes would really take the sting out of the other costs. How about looking at Italian resorts? Cervinia with it's link to Zermatt is AWESOME.
I think it's best to prioritise what you want. If your other half is a bit nervous some of the home runs in Val especially are quite tricky, less so with Tignes. I still ski in France once a season usually when I go with other couples in a chalet. I find Austria to be the much better overall package though.
My experience of Saalbach was of sludge and sun... its low, everything melted after lunchtime...
by which point the locals were all well oiled !
oh, and almost every bar and the nightclub seemed to be full of men in leather trousers, with large moustaches... think Freddy Mercury....Fine if you like that sort of thing.
Go to Val D'Isere, you wont regret it.
by which point the locals were all well oiled !
oh, and almost every bar and the nightclub seemed to be full of men in leather trousers, with large moustaches... think Freddy Mercury....Fine if you like that sort of thing.
Go to Val D'Isere, you wont regret it.
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