So, you’re thinking about a ski holiday, but not sure about booking early in the season. Those worries about how much snow there might be being a consideration. We encourage you to read on and find out the huge benefits of an early season ski holiday in the French Alps. We think why wait, there’s so much to be gained.
1. Very high resorts do not guarantee the best snow
It’s a common thought that by choosing a high resort we’re guaranteed snow, but it’s not as simple as that. In reality higher slopes generally have less tree cover, are more susceptible to wind and that wind can be ferocious! It can strip snow off leaving the land barren and the snow cover that remains can be rock hard. Going high does not guarantee good snow.
Resorts that have varied terrain offer more options in more conditions. If we take Sainte Foy resort, it has access to higher altitude with the top lift being at 2600m, with further off-piste itineraries going up to 2,900m, but it also has lower slopes with great tree cover (think wind and bad visibility protection). Sainte Foy has also invested heavily in extensive snow cannons on the lower slopes to ensure cover throughout the season. Add to this its own micro-climate, conjured up from a combination of it’s north west facing aspect, and snowfall from the prevailing wind directions and Sainte Foy has an excellent snow record, with massive versatility in all weather conditions.
2. Great Chalet & Apartment Availability & Pricing
Head out in mid December or January and get the best ski deals. We have an amazing range of self-catered and catered properties that offer the same great service for only a fraction of the cost of peak season. Also consider that catered options are not that much more expensive when one thinks about what’s included and how much time it frees up for the important acitivity of having fun on the slopes.
If you’re looking for fresh snow, quiet pistes and great deals, visit our website for our latest early season offers!
3. Cheaper Travel
During low season weeks, including January, airports are less busy and airlines offer more reasonable pricing to go to your favourite resort, Sainte Foy. Once you are at your destination airport, the roads also tend to be quieter which means quicker transfer times to your ski chalet or apartment. Although you’ll need to independently source flights, our experienced team keep their fingers on the pulse of what’s available and can assist with recommendations. Easyjet flights from the UK start from just £40pp return. The savings are not easily ignored!
If you’re driving from the UK the ferrys and channel tunnel are also usually cheaper, with more availability. The roads are also quieter. Find out more about travel here, or if you’d like further advice, get in touch with our friendly team who can help you on all aspects of your journey.
4. Quieter Slopes
Early season and January are the perfect times to find empty pistes. For those that don’t like queuing for lifts, dodging snaking ski schools and busy restaurants, the start of season December and January are the months for you.
Quiet easy green/blue runs are a great confidence boost for beginners. You don’t have to worry about bumping into people whilst you’re learning to ski or snowboard. Advanced skiers on the other hand will love the top to bottom red runs to get the legs burning, whilst experts can challenge themselves on black runs with ungroomed areas and moguls. Find out more information about the skiing and boarding in Sainte Foy.
5. No lift queues
Have you ever met anyone who likes to queue for the ski lift? We definitely haven’t! Early season and January are perfect to get better value for money from your discounted lift pass, as there’ll be little or no queuing at all. It is the best time of the year to maximise your time skiing or snowboarding on the Sainte Foy slopes.
6. Plenty of Ski School or Guiding choices
We all know the scenario at busy times in the mountains – sorry, there’s no availability in that class or, your favourite ski Guide is not available at that time. Booking early season guarantees lessons and usually smaller group sizes. There’s plenty of choice to tailor to your ability levels and, importantly, lots of room on the pistes to practice those new skills. Visit our ski lessons & guides page for more information.
For those wishing to book a Guide or join and off-piste group (see our newly launched Off piste courses for all levels), these quiet times usually offer the best choice of courses and itineraries.
7. Christmas with Friends & Family in a special place
Christmas is a special time and not as busy as New Year, but the benefits are huge. Special memories of family and friends captured in a beautiful setting are priceless and will be remembered by all concerned.
Why not think about a catered holiday at Christmas and let everyone in the group take a break. Let our Première Neige chalet hosts and chefs make that magical Christmas happen leaving you stress free. Think of decorated Christmas trees and a Christmas spread with all the trimmings without you having to lift a finger. How wonderful to just enjoy that time with your friends and family hooning down the slopes, walking amonst the beautiful tree lined snow shoeing tracks, in the hot-tub, or just relaxing in front of a roaring log fire.
Or perhaps you like to do things your way – no problem. Check out our self-catered properties, you can order a Christmas tree and turkey from us, or even think about ordering in a menu from our trusted partners Huski.
Whatever your Christmas choice, it will be magical in the mountains!
8. Off piste itineraries & courses
January is a great month for off-piste exploration. The powder remain untracked for days in Sainte Foy and there’s lots of itineraries to enjoy. Also consider that Sainte Foy with it’s central location allows forays to surrounding resorts if desired – often with discounted lift pass prices! it’s a win, win situation. Why not book onto one of our Off-piste courses, there’s different levels, so whether you are just wanting to try your planks in the powder, or are a seasoned off-piste lover, there’s a course to suit you.
What are you waiting for? The mountains are calling for you! Check out now our Sainte Foy ski holidays for Winter 2018/19. Chat with our ski specialists on 0131 510 2525 or email snow@premiere-neige.com.