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:

1. Gros Crey, this is the mountain the hotel is on. Personally we found this mountain far too busy and the runs too narrow. Also later in the afternoon any powder seems to form massive clumps which makes skiing quite unpleasant. If you want to do any pistes here do them first thing in the morning.

2. Crey Du Quart, this was our favourite mountain. The pistes here are all very high up so you get great powder, it's less busy and a lot wider so you get plenty of space. There are loads of pistes for all abilities along the length of the "Brive 2" lift. The added benefit of this mountain is you can then either ski or catch the gondola down into Valloire for lunch.

3. Setaz, this was probably the quietest mountain. Plenty of pistes but we found the blues a bit icy here, maybe that was just the week we went where there wasn't much snow.

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.

Just returned (17/4/22) after full week, last week of season. Plenty of snow and most runs still open. Lovely sunshine all week except first day, so soft snow in afternoons. This was our 19th season with Snowcoach so that speaks volumes. L'Aigle is situated in fantastic location, 100metres or less from the lift so door to door skiing. The hotel has it's own boots/skis for hire if needed, and you can pre book lift passes with them, so all you need to do is turn up and you can head off out skiing.
From Valmeinier you can ski accross to Valloire, fantastic skiing area.
Skiing with Snowcoach is a social experience and a great way to meet other skiers. Meals are taken on tables of about ten so always chatting to different people if you wish. If of a reasonable standard you can also ski within a group. The staff were brilliant. It is not an expensive luxury holiday but fantastic value for money. Rooms are basic but clean and tidy, ours was lovely with great views of the mountains, but some in need of a little tlc.
Tea and cakes available every day 4pm - 5pm, plenty to eat at breakfast, and really nice 4 course meals during our stay. Cheese board very small for a couple of nights but soon back to normal. Main course one night was best duck I've eaten. (Well done Drew). Complimentary wine is provided during the first three courses. Outdoor hot tub overlooking mountain, lovely.
We travelled on their coach, long journey but coaches and drivers are good so worth the time. You can make you own way or book a flight yourself.
We travelled at the hight of the P&O problems so feared delays at the ports. Snowcoach had swopped bookings to Irish Ferries and thankfully there were no delays on either journey. Can't wait till next year.

Just returned from a fabulous week’s skiing with Snowcoach in Valmeinier. We had a glorious run of eight full day’s blue sky skiing with a mixed ability group. The accommodation is quite basic but warm and clean, the meals were decent and plentiful. The club hotel promotes integration amongst guests and staff, which was brilliant.

The staff were consistently great but a special shout out to Neil, along with Jack and Drew for their great humour and excellent ski guide touring, expertly picking the best slopes and encouragement to push the envelope a little, which helped make a fantastic week. Top marks fellas.

Three of our party used ESF for private lessons and all gave rave reviews, which is not always the case, but this was consistent with the friendly welcome at this traditional French resort.

Snowcoach were exceptionally easy to deal with and dealt brilliantly with the unexpected P&O situation, they provide a great value for money service and experience.

Well done guys, we will be back!