Snowcoach and Hotel L'Aigle at 1800 Valmeinier
Snowcoach runs a ski coach from the UK to Valmeinier and operates the Hotel L'Aigle at the higher ski resort called 1800 Valmeinier.
I took my first trip with them during the last week prior to the French half-term (late January, early February), and it was brilliant.
It's a package deal, travel and half-board, plus ski passes and ski equipment.
Start with the coach: it left on Friday afternoon from the A1(M)/M25 service centre (South Mimms) and picks up folks along the way, lastly at Dover, where it boards the ferry and drives on through the night to arrive in time for breakfast at Hotel L'Aigle. There's no denying it, the bus ride is long, but it's comfortable, and the ferry provides a good break. The drivers were excellent and helpful with luggage.
Having a first day on the Saturday is a bonus, because there are relatively few skiers, as it's a day that most others arrive or leave.
The hotel runs like a family business. Everyone speaks English, in fact, almost everyone is English. The staff are very helpful, friendly and it isn't long before we know most of them by name. The lounge area is very cosy and there's plenty of space for all; the bar too is good and well stocked. Dining is family style, and 4-course meals are set for everyone. The meals are good, from soup starters to wholesome mains, desserts and a cheese-board. Wine flows freely!
In a week, you also get to know most of your fellow Snowcoach skiiers. Skis and equipment are all fixed up within the hotel, in case you don't have your own, and the service is friendly and knowledgeable. There is a games room, too, and a hot tub and sauna. The rooms are small, at least ours was, but they're functional and clean, and the hot water seemed endless!
Would I go again? Yes, I would, not necessarily for the slopes (they are good, but there are so many others to try) but definitely for the people there. Most of our fellow passengers were returnees, and not just from the year before, but from the year before and the year before! You can quickly become part of the "family". It was a terrific holiday, and I'd recommend it to anyone.
Oh, and was it worth the money: absolutely! Three of us had ski passes for 8 days, shared two rooms, rented skis and various peripherals, with hot breakfasts, tea and cakes in the afternoon, and the 4-course dinner for about £1500 each.
Lastly, I should add that the staff at Snowcoach HQ were always prompt and friendly with questions and answers. The logisitics were excellent.
All around GREAT!