Val Thorens
|
Student Half Time Instruction
Having been on several Action Outdoor holidays before, myself and my friend knew what was what, though never to Val Thorens before it was another exciting adventure for us.
I have been hooked on skiing since I was young, and I knew there was a large cost involved, the ski pass, the accommodation, the food, the hire, the drink and the occasional postcard home! After a friend suggested I try Action Outdoors I have never looked back. Its a very simple and hassle free way to go on a ski holiday, even with a mixtures of abilities in a group.
The journey
The 3 times I have used Action Outdoors I have used there coach service from London. This is the cheapest way to travel to and from the alpes, if you are happy to sleep sitting up slightly and travelling with randomers then this is for you. Apart from the occasional noisy group on the coach, I haven't had any trouble with other customers when it comes round to sleep time. (Be aware you have to walk a distance roughly 200metres where the coach drops you off in resort, I wasn't aware of this and have ski's, boot bag, big bag & a rucksack to carry!)
The Accommodation
Check in was a long wait, however we had arrived 3 hours early.
The Val Thorens accommodation was great, they had built a new wing in the Summer of 2012, ready for when the ski season arrived. After a few teething problems everything ran smoothly. (We were there the 2nd week it was open). Sharing a room with 2 other similar age girls to ourselves, we had no problems, just making sure you are polite and get along with your room mates if you share and you will have a ball, you may even come back home with another ski buddy for the following year.
Ski Hire / technology
Val Thorens has a very easy card system which Identifies whether you are skiing or snowboarding and also is linked to what equipment you hire... just don't loose it, although I am sure they are able to create a new card, though I don't know so. All Boots, Ski's & Snowboards were brand new, my friend even had to take out the stuffing in the boots to try them on! There was a bit of a queue for the first day, we were a little bit disappointed that we couldn't collect them the night before.
The Ski School
Having used Action Outdoors before for Full Time ski lessons, there was a few issues with the Part time lessons as it was a busy period, I unfortunately wasn't put in the correct group to my ability, however ended up staying in the same group with my friend all week. I would suggest going for Full Time lessons wherever possible, the instructors are very flexible and will allow you to duck out of the occasional lesson.
The Resort
Val Thorens UCPA is at the lowest point of the resort, below the main car parks for the resort. If you are looking to go out and enjoy a few late nights, its a 15/20min up hill walk to town, just beware of this. Take sensible shoes with you, so that you can cut across the ski slope on the walk up to town, and a torch. There is always entertainment in the Centre itself until around 10.30pm.
Overall it was a great holiday and I would recommend Action Outdoors holidays to anyone who would like a well run holiday for cheaper than usual and looking at going with a mixed ability group.