Is it really that cold in France at the minute?

[StripeyKnickersSpottySocks]

DH said he heard its going to be -5 during the day in La Plagne next week. Foudn something on the BBC website saying that a record freeze is causing chaos in Eusrope. I'm worried about how cold I'm going to be skiing next week.

I have plenty of layers, thermal, long sleeved top, fleece, ski jacket. Helmet and balaclava. So hoping that will keep me toastie.

Well, it was -8 when I went just after Xmas (Italy, not France but still the Alps) and I found I didn't need anything more than What a normally wore, apart from a thick jumper under my jacket instead of just a simple thinsulate top. I didn't have a balaclava nor helmet either, so I'm sure you'll be Ok with what you've got.

I live close to Geneva & ohhhhh yes! It's very, very, very cold here. Has been since New Year's Day. Recommend lots of layers so you can peel off if you get too warm (exertion or vin chaud) & vice-versa. Bring backpack too so you can stuff in tissues, extra clothing, sunglasses, lipbalm, all the usual. I wish I could come with you! It's sunny high up but GVA is covered by its usual winter overcast gloom.

I've just come back from Cervinia and it was around -10C in the village, nearer -20C at the top.

I think it's pretty cold everywhere - but the snow is EXCELLENT

Dh and ds (I was stuck home with dd, thanks to the Flu) went skiing near Cervinia after Christmas. It was very cold (-10), but very dry and sunny (it feels colder here in Milan, because it's humid), so it didn't feel that cold.
But there are nearly 2 meters of snow, it's a great year for snow!!!

Def, agree with Franca - I was there with my 7MO son and we skied and played in the snow etc., and it didn't feel at all cold in the village (did at the top of the mountain though!!! haha!)

I must confess though, that I once went skiing in Cervina (one of the coldest resorts in italy ime) at -17 and I cried on the ski lift. I was 14

was freezing on lifts in La rosiere new year week. I would recommend wearing a balaclava. Also try and buy thin fleecy balaclavas for the DCs to go under their helmets. My children wore a long sleeve t-shirt and fleece under their ski outfit and seemed to be ok like that.

Hope you have a lovely time skiing.

I've got DD a funny snood/tube thing which can either just go round the neck or be pulled a bit higher up to cover her head more as well. Though I seem to remember last year I gave her my balaclava as she was cold. Damm, think I meant to buy another balaclava and forgot. Will have to get a very expensive one in France. Last year I spent £20 on ski mitts for her in the resort.

Stripey - we paid that much here a few weeks ago for a new pair of ski mitts for DS2 in Ellis Brigham.....he's 4 . And DS1 gave me the good news on Friday that he has lost one of his so that will be another £20 plus

We got back from the Porte du Soleil area and it was -12 most days. Having said that it was sunny and the snow was great. The best holiday I have ever had

at £20 for a pair of mitts. I got some for DD from Decathlon the other day and paid 8 euros. These are the ones, 4th ones down. I wanted the 2nd ones but there weren't any left. Is there not a Decathlon store near you?

I got my son a balaclava in Trespass (crawley) for approx £9. They also had zip up fleeces on offer so got 2 for £15 for the children.

Then purchased a balaclava for my daughter in the resort and I think it was 14 euros..ie. £14 at current exchange rate..so hopefully you will find one for less than £20. Also look in TK Maxx they have quite a few ski accessories.

Have just returned from Ardent (below Avoriaz). It was cold on some of the exposed chair lifts but very sunny which meant undoing my ski jacket when we stopped for lunch. Really lovely snow and perfect skiing conditions. Have skiied in Jan before and was expecting lots of cold and wind but other than one overcast day we have had blue skies every day.

I packed extra fleecey thermals for my son (4.5) but he didn't need them as he was always warm. Impressed because being in ski school they have a lot of waiting around to deal with.

MollieO, I have just returned from Ardent also. Were you with Family Ski? If so, I probably bumped into you!

How funny dramaqueen, yes I was with Family Ski too! Very impressed at how organised the childcare was and also impressed at how they got all the little ones skiing on the nursery slope by day 3.

juat came back form la rosiere yesterday - down to -16 at times. Lifts were bitingly cold (strong winds adding chill factor) but with layers and a hat, did not get cold otherwise. Boys had balaclavas unedr sj=ki helmets, two layers of thermals and a thin jumper on under jackets and were fine.

MollieO, I think we skied together. I was in La Grange. We skived off ski school one morning and had frites and crepes and hot chocolate!

Feels very wierd "talking" on Mumsnet. Needless to say I have lost your email address.

Hi dramaqueen, what a small world. Yes we did! Hope you had a better journey back than we did yesterday. I'll email you this week once I've charged my phone (need to find charger...) and hopefully found your address.

That would be great. Our journey was really good; we were home by 3.3opm. Look forward to you email.

dramaqueen have sent you an email. Tried both with and without a full stop so hopefully you'll get one of them.