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Ski and snowboarding

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Feb Half Term, Zermatt or other resort?

4 replies

Sarmarl · 16/01/2025 14:53

Hi. I am trying to decide which resort to choose. We will be snowboarding. I and my brother are advanced to expert level (we both lived in ski resorts in our 20's). Although I haven't snowboarded in almost 20 years, so will be pretty sore and taking it easy. My husband and 10 year old daughter will be their first time. My brother is flying in from the US. I have always wanted to go to Zermatt, and actually found the cheapest accommodation there compared to France and Austria, compared to other snow sure resorts. For a non catered apartment. Also surprisingly the snowboard tuition for daughter is reasonable, lift tickets, as well as flights, etc. It seems like a fun place to go, not just for the snowboarding, but also the sights, and village atmosphere. We won't be eating out too much, so will try to save on that. Packed lunch, and making food at the apartment, with the occasional fondue or meal out. My worry is that the snow is not that great, or doesn't have much currently...It will be my first time ski/snowboarding in Europe, so wanted to pick the right place. I was interested in France (Val d'sere, Chamonix, Val Thorens) but worry that it will be more crowded than Switzerland? Also St. Anton, but in France and Austria couldn't really find many accomodations under 2k for a week for 4 people. Do you guys think Zermatt is a good choice? We are looking for a mix of things to do, and would like good snow(snow sure at least). Also a place that can handle the crowds of February half term. As well as fun for mixed abilities. Also we are not into partying or drinking, so that is not a deciding factor. Is there any other place I should look into? Thanks for the suggestions.

OP posts:
StamppotAndGravy · 16/01/2025 16:29

I like the Italian side of the Matterhorn better, plus its cheaper and had better food. You can get a pass that covers both. Both resorts are big and well equipped, but higher up is glacier so there's not much hors piste, and relatively few really challenging runs. Lots of long wide reds though which are fun. I'm not sure it would be great for a beginner, there are equally very few greens and it's high so the weather can get bad and its cold.

In Switzerland, I like Arosa-Lenzerheide too, which had the advantage of a beautiful train ride up there. Every time I've been to St Anton I've had a disaster. One time we were snowed in for a week extra with the road and most lifts closed. It's not that great a beginners resort either but covers a big area.

Octavia64 · 16/01/2025 16:31

France is generally more busy.

It's worth checking out when the French half terms are - they have three and stagger them across the country.

If the U.K. half term is at the same time as the German one and one if the French ones it'll be super busy.

abricotine · 17/01/2025 09:21

I think you’ll be fine, I’d go for it. Switzerland is not generally as busy as France. The French ski in France so their holidays are not really relevant. Zurich half term does overlap and quite a few German states but as it’s staggered I’d not worry too much. At this very late stage the issue can be ski school so if you can get what you need then I’d go for it. If your brother is coming all the way from the US it needs to be somewhere special and you can’t really beat that view of the Matterhorn!

3WildOnes · 17/01/2025 09:29

Are you looking for 2025? You will struggle to find any places in ski school for the Feb half term in any of the resorts you mentioned this close.

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