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As an American growing up in the very snowy region of Michigan, I didn’t really have the opportunity to ski growing up, especially due to the fact that Michigan is not known for its mountains. Traveling and living abroad, however, has given me many opportunities to ski in the breathtaking Alps, and skiing has rapidly become one of my favorite winter sports.
My first experience skiing was in Fiesch, Switzerland. I had a solid week of lessons and stayed in a youth hostel. Overall, I had a wonderful time and learned so much about skiing. My instructors were very knowledgeable, spoke English, and had my ski group on the black diamond slopes by the end of the week.
A beautiful day for skiing
My next two experiences took place in Les Trois Vallées in France, just across the border from Switzerland. This was a much cheaper alternative, and given that five years had lapsed between my first ski experience and my second, in 2015, I was surprised at what I remembered. For this trip I didn’t take any lessons and managed some blue trails on my own.
This past winter, I went back to Les Trois Vallées but this time had two teaching experiences, one as a private lesson and one in a group. You can find ski lessons online, but they are usually much pricier than just showing up and going around to the various ski schools and seeing what they have available.
I would say that if I had a solid week of lessons I might have been a more competent skier, but funding and time didn’t allow! I had a very good group ski instructor who yelled at us encouragingly in French, and just let us ski. I had one private lesson in which I was able to ask more about details and get more personal advice on my technique, but private lessons are much more expensive.
Typical Restaurant in Les Trois Vallées
Where to stay
If you are thinking of going to Les Trois Vallées for a week of skiing, I can recommend staying at any of the big lodges that overlook the main area where the restaurants and the bottom of the ski lifts are located. They are very old and usually very tiny rooms, but you will likely spend most of your time out and about, skiing and eating excellent food.
Food
The restaurants really all are exceptional, and the cheese especially is something to try. Fondue, pizza and raclette are all recommended, as well as beer and wine. There are some shops with basic food necessities, which I always used for breakfast and sometimes for a packed lunch.
Delicious fondue
Language
It is highly recommended that you speak French in this region, although there are the occasional ski instructors and waiters who will speak English and some other languages.
Wifi access
It is also a difficult area to get wifi access in, although this is starting to change. Previously, in the “Titanic” building, there was wifi only in one bar, but now I believe there are a few different hotspots around the area.
Getting there
I would recommend flying into Geneva and then taking the bus from Geneva to Les Trois Vallées. The bus usually changes at least once for a quick bathroom and coffee break. Getting back to Geneva give yourself plenty of time! Depending on the day traffic can really be quite horrible. It took us 3 hours to get to Les Trois Vallées but took us 5 hours to get back to Geneva and one of the people I was traveling with nearly missed his flight! You can also sometimes get taxis directly from Les Trois Vallées but it will be proportionately more expensive.
Budget for the following:
✓ Ski pass
✓ Equipment rental
✓ Accommodation
✓ Transport from/to Geneva
✓ Food (daily)
✓ Ski lessons (if needed)
Let us know if you have gone skiing in Europe and where! Share your experiences below and let us know why you think Europe is (or isn’t!) one of the best places to ski!