| |
|
CHOOSING THE LOCATION
|
| Here are
some helpful hints on choosing a resort best for you: |
| |
Traditional: These
mountain villages thrived long before they were discovered to be ideal
locations for winter sports, and their history is reflected in their
quaint Savoyard architecture. Enjoy strolling the picturesque towns,
shopping, perhaps a visit to a museum. World-class skiing, with
activities for non-skiers. |
| |
Modern, purpose-built:
Built from the 1950's onwards along the concept of "Ski at Your
Fingertips," these resorts were constructed because of their ideal
placement for skiing and winter sports. In these resorts, you can
literally ski from your doorstep to the nature that surrounds. The
ultimate choice for ski/winter sports enthusiasts. |
| |
|
|
FRANCE IS AFFORDABLE
|
| |
The average cost of a 6-day lift ticket
is approx $150. Remember, a passport-size photo is required for
multi-day lift-tickets in most resorts. Look for discounted low-season
rates and reduced-price lift tickets for seniors and children. |
| |
|
|
GREAT SNOW CONDITIONS
|
| |
France lays claim to Europe's highest
peaks and resorts, ensuring good snow and extra-long runs. Vertical
drops in France are much greater than those in the Rockies (averaging 6,000 feet as opposed to 3,000 in the
U.S.), but because base elevations are
lower, there's less need to acclimatize. French resorts also groom 75-90
percent of their marked runs, and nearly 1,000 acres in the French Alps
are outfitted with snow guns. For guaranteed snow, aim for high-altitude
resorts, north-facing slopes, and lift-served glaciers |
| |
|
|
SKI & SUNTAN
|
| |
The climate in the French Alps is
generally mild and dry. Face-masks are unheard of and high-altitude
terraces draw sun-worshippers even in January. French resorts receive an
average of 350 inches of snow from December through April and count some
129 days of sunshine in the same period. |
| |
|
|
FAMILIES WELCOME
|
| |
French ski areas have long considered
family comfort a priority. All resorts have at least one day-care centre
where English is spoken, and parents can leave children from infants to
three year olds while they ski. (Some begin at three months, others at
six.) For older children, "snow gardens" and ski schools provide
excellent bilingual programs with half and full-day options. (Don't
forget to ask about discounted and free lift tickets for the youngest
ones as well as off-season hotel/ski school/ski pass packages for the
family.) |
| |
|
|
TO RENT OR NOT TO RENT
|
| |
If you are attached to your equipment,
bring it. Or take boots and rent the rest. Rental equipment is generally
high quality. A top-of-the-line demo package will run about $135 a week;
a lower-end set about $80. |
| |
|
|
SKI SCHOOLS & GUIDES
|
| |
You'll conquer the ins and outs of vast
French resorts more quickly if you ski with a guide or instructor for
the first day or two. Group lessons range from $14-28 per person for a
half-day, while private lessons run $22-35 per hour. Special rates are
available for multiple-day lessons. A guide for up to four people for a
full-day costs $140-265. It is customary to offer your guide or private
instructor a gratuity and lunch (unless your lesson is a half-day). |
| |
