To never go skiing in France again

[YellowTulips]

Just got back home from a weeks skiing. The food (so much for French cuisine) was awful - routine evening bill was over 120 Euros for 2 adults and 2 children. The menu was the same in EVERY restaurant. I am not a fussy eater, nor is my family but how much fondue, steak or duck can you consume? Came home and had beans on toast - lovely .

The service was awful. Waiting 30/40 mins to get a hot chocolate/coffee.

The bloody pushing and shoving by the ski lifts by the French nationals was awful (the kids getting knocked over and nearly trampled in the scrum).

I appreciate being able to afford to go skiing is a lovely thing. Been to Austria, Italy, the US and Canada Is my experience of France the norm? Was a total shocker for me. Is this the norm?

I thought Zell am See in Austria was a lovely resort- plenty for everyone.

I avoid half term, but am a Francophile...we have a little place in the valley not too far from Serre Che, and the untrendy resorts are so much better value. I reckon on about 50 for a meal for 4 on the piste.

Places I would recommend are Vars, Risoul, Les Orres, montgenevre (can get lunch in Italy)....or taking sandwiches! There is one tiny place we went to a few years ago where I managed to leave my skis in the car park for 3 days...and found the ski shop looking after them. That was great service.

We moved to Canada in 2006 and I think back fondly of the on-mountain lunches we use to enjoy in France (here is a bit more souless cafeteria style).

But reading this makes me remember the bad bits too like the queues and the bunfight that was the last run home...

The food used to be really good though - has it gone downhill in the last 10 years?