november-2011

THE BUZZ | BIG QUESTION
“Where can I
fi nd the best
early snow?”
IT’S THE START T of the
European ski season on and
early birds will soon be
winging it to the slopes. Here,
ski-holiday expert Alf Alderson suggests
the ideal early-snow trips for families,
adrenaline junkies and party animals.
FOR FAMILY FUN...
LES ARCS, FRANCE
The snow Part of Paradiski, one of the
biggest ski resort complexes in the Alps,
Les Arcs is high enough to be snow-sure
early on and has great facilities for kids.
The scene While the young ones are
occupied, parents will fi nd a massive
selection of pistes for all abilities, from
wide-open intermediate cruisers to
challenging off -piste terrain, especially
in the high-altitude Aiguille Rouge area.
The stay Grand Paradiso (Village de
Charmettoger, Les Arcs 1800; tel: +33
(0)4 7907 6500, grandhotelparadiso.
com) is a good, child-friendly option.
Getting there Les Arcs is accessed
easily from Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble.
28 | TRAVELLER
FOR OFF-PISTE ACTION...
VAL THORENS, FRANCE
The snow Val Thorens, part of the
massive Three Valleys ski domain,
is a top choice for the fl uff y stuff ,
since it’s the highest resort in Europe.
The scene The combination of high
altitude and masses of terrain makes
this resort a great bet for any keen
off -pister. Ease yourself in with the
gentle slopes off the Pierre Lory pass,
then hire a guide to fi nd hidden havens.
The stay Val Chavière Hotel (Rue de
la Lombarde, Val Thorens, tel: +33 (0)4
7900 0033, hotel-valthorens.com) is a
top ski in/ski out choice.
Getting there Val Thorens is accessed
easily from Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble.
FOR APRÉS ADVENTURES...
VERBIER, SWITZERLAND
The snow Verbier’s early skiing is as
renowned as its nightlife, with its Mont
Fort Glacier, 3,330m above sea level,
attracting an international crowd.
The scene For anyone making the
most of Verbier, sleep is the last thing
on the menu. Hit the slopes hard all day,
before heading out to rub shoulders
with Richard Branson, David Beckham
and the like at ice-cool Coco night club.
The stay Three-star Hotel Farinet
(Place Centrale, Verbier, tel: +41 (0)27
771 6626, hotelfarinet.com) is great for
the ski-hard, play-hard contingent.
Getting there Verbier is accessed
easily from Geneva.
PHOTOS © GETTY, HUGH RHODES