Advice for Skiing in Europe!
 

Hi,
My boyfriend and I are stationed in Paris for this year, and we'd love to go skiing sometime this winter. We are both beginners with very flexible schedules, so when and where is the best time to go? Thanks so much for your advice!

If you go skiing in France, I can only suggest that you avoid the month of February (search for Vacances Scolaires to see when everyone's on holiday). Particularly the week of Feb. 17 2007.
There are lots of places easily reached from Paris by car or train. We like Megeve; plenty of easy slopes for beginners.
March is ususally nice; not so busy, and it doesn't get dark so early, and is not as cold as January.

I agree with Tulips that Megeve is great - really a lovely town, but I would suggest arranging for lessons if you are beginners.

I am an "advanced" beginner, but my husband and kids are more intermediate/advanced skiers. While there were several slopes I was comfortable on, we found that the slopes were not always well marked and we sometimes ended up on the wrong ones!

A question for Tulips - what would Paris be like over that Feb 17 weekend? My husband and older son are thinking about a 4 day trip for that weekend.

The Paris region has their ski holiday during that time, and from previous experience, it seems that LOTS of Parisiens actually go skiing. Judging from the state of the motorways when the Paris region is on holiday anywat.
Paris could be quiet then, I suppose.
In many European countries it's also the Carnival holiday the week of the 17th.

Great, thanks for the advice!

OH WOW!!! I had forgotten that was Carnival time!!!!! We always have a Mardi Gras party (being from New Orleans!)......will have to think about things a little more!