Snowcoach

Jan 28th, 2023

Don't bother
Apr 24th, 2022

Jan 28th, 2022

Worked there very nice
Jan 4th, 2022

Looking at other reviews of Snowcoach, I would honestly have been put off if I wasn't a previous customer. We decided to chance it anyway and have not been disappointed. Clearly Snowcoach (and the travel industry in general) has had a very tough few years and their service levels dropped, but this year has been as good as we remember so they've definitely picked it back up again. Be aware before you book, this is a completely no frills skiing holiday in a very basic hotel, don't expect any luxury. This is of course reflected in their attractive pricing. For what you get the price is extremely good. Included in our total package was: 1. Transport by coach from London, this was pretty comfortable as coaches go and we slept well. I'd definitely recommend going for the P&O club lounge on the way out as you get a full hot meal, all you can drink (incl beer/wine/champagne/spirits), and plenty of snacks. If you're like me the free alcohol definitely helps get to sleep on the coach! Get Snowcoach to book this for you as they get special rates not available to the general public. Biggest criticism of the coach journey is the annoying film they put on pretty late in the evening. Everyone has their own devices nowadays so please stop this infuriating practice so we can watch our own stuff or fall asleep in peace. 2. Hotel room for 5 nights. The rooms are small and could probably do with a refurbishment. However the beds are reasonably comfy and there's plenty of space to put your ski gear. Additional heaters are provided in the rooms so you won't be cold. 3. 2 hot meals a day. Breakfast is a small hot buffet with some french pastries, cereal, toast etc. Dinner is a 4 course meal served in a "dinner party" style. You're at a large table with other guests and a member of staff is on the table to serve you. The food is basic but generally tasty, we didn't have a bad meal. Unlimited wine is provided until the cheese course (at which point you're encouraged to top up your glasses!). 4. 6 days of ski pass. As the coach arrives first thing in the morning, you can get your ski gear, eat a full breakfast and then get a whole day on the slopes. Likewise on the last day the coach leaves at 6pm so you get a whole day skiing then. As the hotel is right next to the slopes you've just got to climb a few short steps and you're next to the main lift, big plus! 5. Ski gear (skis, boots, poles, helmet). These were collected from inside the hotel and were well maintained (we were on the bronze package and they were fine). 6. Tea/coffee/cakes in the afternoon. This is a very pleasant way to finish your skiing day. Obviously it's not all inclusive but as you can see, you do get a lot for your money. The only things we spent extra on were extra drinks outside of meal times, and lunch. For lunch I'd either recommend the Italian cafe called "Ski Food" - almost opposite the hotel, or skiing over to Valloire where you'll get a much better selection at better prices than Valmeinier. Google maps reviews haven't let us down when it comes to finding places to eat. A word of warning, just avoid the restaurants immediately adjacent to the lifts at Valmeinier 1800 as they're extremely pricey for the area. The Galibier-Thabor (Valmeinier) ski area is a good size with a wide variety of runs. We went during the week where the news was saying all the ski resorts were closed due to warm weather, but as this resort is so high the majority of the runs were open. Don't expect anything like the size of 3 valleys but it's enough to fill a week. There are 3 mountains across the ski area, with lifts/runs between them. Overall we had a great time, the staff have been a real credit to the business and were very helpful. I will certainly look at Snowcoach again for my future ski holidays.
Jan 28th, 2023