La norma

[greygirl]

We had a brilliant time at la norma. I will fill in the review section, but wanted to draw people's attention to a very cheap, friendly and fab resort.
Great slopes, friendly liftees and cafe staff, and quiet (even at half term). Tourist office ran events for kids most nights.
Not a big resort but some 'espace freeride' for the adventurous, and we were happy all week.

greygirl as you drove ( not stalking you, just remember you from the other thread ) how was the parking? I know it may sound disproptionate, but have rejrcted severla resorts where there is not covered parking

MrsG, feel free to stalk - I could talk about skiing all day - there was a covered car park, which was free. This was close to the other peak retreat property in la norma (that we didn't stay in). I wanted to park there, but my husband got a parking space about 3m from the front door of our appartment (he could literally pass suitcases to me to put in the flat - they had external front doors). Despite my worries about freezing diesel the car was fine, and the sunshine defrosted it for us.
So there is covered parking available for nothing.
I have reached the conclusion I prefer small resorts. The big ones I have been to (and that's not many) have actually been very hectic, crowded and horrible lift queues everywhere. Plus ski buses needed to get around. Not sure I could cope with 3 kids and all that entails (carrying skis, frequent stops to poke snow etc) and the stress.
Other nice thing about la norma is it was easy to drive to, and there are 3 other close by resorts.

Greygirl, who did you go with to La Norma, and where did you stay? We're looking at this resort for next Feb half term - we want somewhere small the dcs can learn to ski (they will be 11 & 8, but dd is profoundly deaf, so we feel a small resort will be more suitable). We're looking at resorts in the Maurienne specifically, as they tend to be a bit smaller (and cheaper) - we would be driving so don't really want to consider anywhere further. If you have any other feedback, please do post it, anything would be helpful. Many thanks.

I think it would be a fantastic resort for kids/adults learning to ski. The slopes are north facing so the snow is a good bet. There are several green/blue slopes at the bottom so you can learn there quite easily for a bit, The people are extremly friendly, and it isn't massively expensive. They arrange evening activities for the kids - snowsculpting, huskies, a fire eating show and a disco for example.
There's a casino supermarket in the valley you can stock up on. My husband says to tell you it is VERY french - but we rather liked that - and the ski instructors spoke fine english.

Consider snowbizz, a bit more expensive but very similar except there's an english tour company so it organises an evening club for the kids in english, which may or may not be what your kids like.also they will help if it is your first time. I think that resort is a bit bigger and probably busier.

We went to la norma with peak retreats and i would recommend them - if only to get a flexipass upgrade on the tunnel - at half term there's bound to be delays and the pass lets you waltz through. They were EXTREMELY helpful.

If you drive to la norma aim to get to resort earlyish so you can bagsy parking - when we left at 3 pm there were lots of people looking for parking.if you want more comments/insight into driving, or any other questions, PM me or post on here.

Thanks Greygirl - I will check out Peak Retreats. The fact that it is a 'French' resort appeals, to be honest - would make a change to actually have to speak some French when we go skiing . Dh and I already ski, so it's really just the dcs we're looking for (and ds has done a week, albeit a few years ago now). I did check out Snowbizz - looks fab, but don't think it's in our budget unfortunately.