Anonymous":l1qnamwd said:
well Im planning on spending about 3 months in Europe with a budget of $4,000 (Planes and euro rail already paid for).
I think I might just do 2 or 3 weeks of skiing instead to save money... theres soo many options where to ski... Hmmm... I could spend 5 days in Arlburg, then Zermatt/Saas Fe for 2 days, Chamonix/Courmayeur for 3 days, and then spend 5 days in Les 3 Vallees
Yeah looks like I'll have to get a guide to try Vallee Blanche, I certainly don't want to fall into a crevase. Europe backcountry is far deadlier then NA.
Definately need more than 2 days for Zermatt/Saas Fe...
2-3 weeks? I skiied 13 days in March 2003: 10 in 11 days (Jungfrau + 3 vallées) plus 3 days in Chamonix before heading back to Canada.
I agree with LobsterTele, if you go, take at least 5 days at les 3 vallées, this place is HUGE (world biggest I believe). Cîme de Caron is definately great (snow is better, higher altitude in Val Thorens), the couloirs above Courchevel are also great, Pierre Lory on the backside, Mnt du Vallon etc..., unfortunately I only did a few runs at those areas, the place is too big for 6 days, too much to see, too much to ski.
If you take 2-3 weeks, you might want to confident your skiing to a few areas.
If I would go on a 3-4 weeks ski-bumming trip, I would hit Val d'Isère/Tignes (4-5 days), Chamonix/Courmayeur (4-5 days), Jungfrau (4-5 days), La Grave (2 days-never been).
Plus great areas I have never been: Zermatt, Verbier
Areas that I have been and would be fun to go back: 3 Vallées, Les Arcs (2-3 days).
Too many places, not enough time...
All the areas are roughtly in the same area, so the travel and transfer would not be too dificult. BTW, my connection between Interlaken-Moutiers-bus to Val Thorens, took 10 hours. (8 hours in 4 different trains).
Sleeping accomodations: Chamonix, Chamoniard Volant (Hostel) - i believe it was 12 euros/night. Great place, fill with great skibums.