Episode 2 Getaways

We go where you tell us to go.

You've been e-mailing and tweeting your suggestions

and we'll rate and review them for ourselves and you at home.

This week we're hitting the slopes in La Plagne in the French Alps.

To get to La Plagne you can fly from Belfast or Dublin to Geneva.

The flight takes around two hours

and the transfer time to the resort in France is about three hours.

Coming up - I try skiing for the very first time.

-Oh, my God! Amazing!

-Fantastic!

We take part in one of the fastest growing winter sports in the world...

SHE HOLLERS HE LAUGHS

..test our nerve on a bobsleigh run...

SHE SCREAMS AND LAUGHS

..and take a short break closer to home in Limerick.

You can feel it, it's in the air, there's something special here.

La Plagne is a ski resort in southeastern France

in the Rhone-Alpes region.

It's connected to two other ski resorts,

Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry,

and collectively the area is known as Paradiski.

La Plagne is made up of ten villages,

six high resorts and four mountain villages.

The high resorts are linked by free shuttle buses

and the more experienced skiers among you

can ski in and out of all the villages.

This is a high-altitude resort with a glacier,

which means you can come late in the season.

Lucky for us, because we're here in April.

So, Aoibhinn, what are you most looking forward to on this trip?

I've always wanted to go on a ski holiday but didn't got around to booking it,

so I want to see if I actually like it and I want to see how good I am at skiing.

I reckon you'll be annoyingly natural at it.

I've done a couple of ski trips. I'm more looking forward to seeing

what else is available to do apart from skiing and snowboarding.

And also, in the very austere times we live in,

how expensive is it going to be?

-Ski hire, food and drink's expensive.

-Hm.

-I wonder, can we do this on a budget? Shall we check it out?

-Yeah.

Apparently it gets crazy busy at the ski hire and lots of you recommend

that we collect our skis the night before the skiing lesson.

And we absolutely agree.

You'll be more relaxed and the staff will have more time to give you advice on your boots,

your skis and your snowboard.

There's no room for messing when it comes to getting your gear.

It has to fit perfectly and even then it can feel a bit strange.

So I'll just get you to sit down here

and ask you your size of feet.

-38-39.

-38-39.

-It's the most comfortable we have.

-This is the most comfortable?

-One of the most, yeah.

-Oh, my God! That's so hard!

SHE LAUGHS

I think they're too small!

I'm going to have a crack at snowboarding

and to hire the helmet, boots and snowboard for a week it'll cost you around 110 euro.

Make sure you add this to the budget when you're totting up the cost of your holiday.

This one. Just need to open everything.

-HE LAUGHS

-Look at the size of those!

Titanic, Olympic, look at that.

-Brilliant! Thank you very much.

-You're welcome. It was a pleasure.

Skiing kit costs more or less the same as snowboarding gear.

You'll pay around 115 euros a week to hire your skis, a helmet and boots.

-Put them on your shoulder now.

-OK. Cool!

I've got my boots, I've got my board and I've got nerves of...

steel wool.

We asked you for your suggestions about the dos and don'ts

of skiing holidays in La Plagne.

And you've been e-mailing and texting your top tips.

Thanks to Edna Regan who suggested that first-time skiers

should get a few lessons at home before they come out here.

And Kasia Bialek from Dublin said that the first time she put on skis,

she was scared stiff but that the instructors out here were really good. I hope she's right.

Now, even if you're an experienced skier,

it's worth paying for at least one refresher lesson to find your ski legs.

You can book group lessons or private lessons.

I've gone for the private one because I'm a bit nervous about this

and I prefer to have the one-on-one experience.

Now, it's a good idea to book these lessons before you travel.

I've got my boots on now, they're really uncomfortable and I've no idea how this is going to work out.

-And line it up. Great! You're in. All secure.

-Ooh, that's slippy!

-OK.

I am going to fall.

OK. Woo! THEY LAUGH

Oh, no! This is going to end in tears.

-How do I move now?!

-Just going to shuffle along.

-So I shouldn't lift them?

-No, don't lift them.

-Feel the skis sliding on the snow. That's it.

-No.

Quite a lot of you on our website

said ditch the skis and go straight for snowboarding.

Snowboarding began because it was the winter pursuit

for surfers and skateboarders but it is becoming more mainstream.

-You haven't got too much movement. Comfortable?

-Yeah.

OK. On a snowboard you definitely want the contact with the snow,

you want it on the front.

OK? So if you've got your weight on the front at least you can control the board.

That's it.

-Great! Whoa! Whoa.

-HE LAUGHS

-We're going up the hill a little bit, OK?

-Yep.

One, two. That's it.

-Woo!

-That's it, so put your skis into my boats. OK?

-Mm.

This is more undignified than a grown man should be putting himself up for.

-That's it.

-SHE SCREAMS

-OK. OK.

-That's it. Great!

-And...brake. Brake!

-SHE SCREAMS

That's it.

Nice and aggressive.

-SHE SCREAMS

-That's it.

-Great! Well done.

-Cool!

Right, forward.

That's it. Whoop!

No, plough position. Push your left ski round.

Open that door.

-Woo!

-That's it. Snowplough. Great!

-Look at that. Fantastic.

-Oh, my God! Amazing!

-Well done.

Look at me! It's actually tough work but I'm enjoying it.

And I didn't think I would yesterday.

Whoa. That's it.

Great!

So there you are.

You've managed to sort of turn and change direction there. OK?

In an extremely clumsy, chaotic way.

-Look at me.

-Yeah.

And lots of weight on that ski. Lots of weight...

SHE SCREAMS THEY LAUGH

I absolutely loved that and I really didn't think I would.

Get a private lesson. The tutor was so patient.

He was so encouraging and now I can't wait to get back up.

To be honest, I thought I was at a disadvantage as I don't play sport,

but I think the Irish dancing came in handy for your core strength.

You'll love this. This will give you a wee bit of inspiration

if you think you'll never succeed at snowboarding.

Gioval Scalzo from Dublin sent us in this video of him snowboarding here.

Bear in mind this is only his third time snowboarding ever.

Wasn't that something? Here's a piece of advice Gioval sent us.

Bring a packed lunch but don't eat at lunchtime.

Why? What he means is that at lunchtime everyone else

is down there having lunch. You will have the slopes to yourself.

Gioval, you're a cheeky one!

Now, there's no doubt about it, group lessons are cheaper than private ones

and it's no bother to move up or down classes until you're happy with the level that you want to work at.

You'll need a lift pass to get around the slopes.

Here we'd recommend getting a pass which covers La Plagne only

as there are enough runs here for all levels of ability.

And I liked this tip.

You advised to plan the time that you leave the ski slopes and your route home.

It can get very busy around four o'clock.

Edward Ford from Mitchelstown in County Cork

said that it's a good idea to book a ski school

that's close to your accommodation and he's right.

We heard from you that La Plagne is a family-friendly resort.

If you want to spend a day on the slopes there are creches for children up to three years of age,

and from three years onwards they can attend snow kindergarten

where they learn how to ski.

Some schools will even pick up the kids, give them lunch and drop them off.

Happy children, happy parents, a perfect holiday.

Thomas and Fiona McAreeve of Lurgan, County Armagh,

said they found the ski schools very attentive and the gentle slopes perfect for kids.

Here's their top tip. After lunch treat the nippers to a wee hot chocolate.

It'll give them enough energy for the afternoon's activities. Fiona, Thomas, I like it.

Practicality and good parenting combined.

It's not every day you get invited to an igloo village,

so despite the fact that my legs are killing me,

I'm walking 15 minutes up a mountain to see the village's nine igloos.

That's if I can find them.

Everything is pretty well camouflaged.

Are we there yet?

At least there's a warm welcome.

It's a bit of a walk up here but it's absolutely worth it

to be able to sit around the fire in the evening and enjoy a hot wine.

So now I've found them, what are the igloo villages like inside?

This place is absolutely gorgeous.

It's like camping in ice and I've been to the Icehotel in Sweden

and I really liked it,

but to be honest, I think I'd prefer to stay here.

I imagine it gets pretty cold in the middle of the night,

but what an experience to say you've slept in a real igloo.

'And if you're looking for a retro dining experience, you'll be glad

'to hear that fondue has never gone out of fashion in the Alps.

'The best fondue is made with Gruyere, Emmenthal

'and a splash of local wine.

'The igloo village works like a good hostel.

'I caught up with Edouard Amouroux to find out more.'

It gets quite cold in the middle of the night,

so do people need to bring a lot of clothing with them?

No, in fact we give to people a sleeping bag, a really hot one,

so they don't have to take a lot of stuff with them.

They just come in pyjamas.

THEY LAUGH

The igloo village is open Wednesday to Saturday, December to April.

Bed, breakfast and dinner costs from 99 euro per adult for a night.

This place is really special. It's like Middle Earth in the snow

and it's a lovely place to spend the evening or the night

and the fondue is really good.

Now, if you have absolutely SNOW interest - sorry - in a ski holiday,

you might want to try something a bit closer to home.

This week I'm in the southwest of Ireland, in Limerick,

Irish City of Culture 2014.

My first stop is St John's Castle, recently reopened after

a 5.7 million euro redevelopment programme.

Its interactive exhibitions have been designed by part of the team

responsible for the Titanic Visitors Centre in Belfast,

so my expectations are pretty high.

The castle is located on King's Island on the River Shannon,

right in the heart of Limerick City.

Each of the castle towers has been dressed to recreate

the daily operation of a busy military castle, complete with armoury and mint.

Castles were an essential part of the defence of every medieval city,

so it was important they were built quickly.

This section - I find this hard to believe - only took ten years

and around £700 to build.

You'd barely get a shed for that these days.

What they've attempted here is to recreate an authentic experience

which gives visitors a sense of the 800-year history of the castle.

It's amazing to walk around a castle that's been restored to this level

because you really get a feel for what life was like back then.

Even if you missed every history class at school,

you'll find this place interesting.

Ah! Welcome.

You're brought through a major interactive exhibition

with maps, costumes and discovery drawers revealing castle treasures.

There are eight centuries of stories of siege and warfare to be told here.

That's a strong look!

The idea is to give visitors

an insight into both the general history of King John's Castle

and its position within Limerick and the greater region.

After you've gone through the exhibition,

you're taken into the castle courtyard,

where you'll find all sorts of historic high jinks.

It's a bit of a time travel experience.

They've recreated two periods of history here,

the 13th and 17th centuries,

but boys will be boys whatever the year. Fight!

And from one Limerick fortress to another.

It is the home, nay, bedrock of Munster rugby,

one of the most successful and fervently-supported rugby teams in the country.

I hear they've won a few things recently.

But it was the 12-0 triumph over the All Blacks in 1978

that secured Munster's reputation as rugby gods.

No other Irish team has ever matched this victory.

Thomond Park was redeveloped six years ago

and the stadium, as well as the team, is hugely popular.

In a recent online survey fans voted it the world's top rugby venue.

Dorothy works here at the stadium.

-This is a nice place you have here.

-Yes, it's not bad, is it?

Pretty cool.

The Munster fan is notorious in Ireland as being the most passionate rugby fan.

What is it about Munster that makes them

such passionate followers of the sport?

I think it goes back to the fact that, well,

particularly in Limerick, rugby has always been played

by doctors and dockers, is what they used to say.

-Sport for everybody.

-Absolutely, yes.

Now, just say there were some crazy people in this country

-who didn't support Munster. You know...

-Just some crazy people?

Hypothetically speaking!

Why would someone come here to see the stadium?

For the tour. To experience what it is all about.

To see behind the scenes what makes this X-factor, to see what makes this passion.

You do come across somewhat as a Munster rugby fan,

-and you get to work here. How is that for you?

-Oh, sure, look at it.

It's my dream job, you know.

If ever there was a job made for me, this is it, seriously!

The stadium tour takes you places

only accessible to the players and the officials on match days.

So you get the opportunity to experience the thrill

of walking down the tunnel

and nosing around the home dressing room.

You can really get a sense of what the atmosphere

would be like on match days.

The interactive museum allows you to learn more about

and appreciate the proud history of Munster rugby.

You would imagine all stadiums are exactly the same,

especially when they are empty.

But when you come here, when you go through the museum, especially after talking to Dorothy,

you get the passion for Munster rugby.

Even if you're not a rugby fan, you can feel it. It's in the air. There's something special here.

The last stop on my mini tour of Limerick

is the Foynes Flying Boat Museum. Yes, you heard me right.

A museum dedicated to the flying boat. And it is a wee gem.

The museum transports you back to a bygone age

and the highlight is the full-sized replica

of the Boeing 314 flying boat.

During the 1930s and early 1940s,

the flying boat was the most glamorous way to cross the Atlantic

and the Port of Foynes just a few kilometres outside Limerick City

became the new gateway to Europe.

Is it true that this was once the busiest airport in Europe?

-Am I right in thinking that?

-I'd say it was,

because if you were transiting from North America to Europe,

you had to come through here.

Particularly once the Second World War began and Ireland being a neutral country.

If you think about it, during the war, all these famous movie stars, singers...

You've seen some names come through here.

Yes, Gracie Fields. You had Hemingway, John F Kennedy,

-Bob Hope, Al Jolson, you know, Roy Rogers...

-Incredible!

We have a photograph in our archives of Roy Rogers on a donkey for the locals!

The locals actually challenged him to a donkey race on the harbour.

-And he did it?

-And he got up on this donkey...

-Fair play.

I am sure it was the most... I would say it was a mini Casablanca.

There are lots of exhibits in the original terminal building,

including navigation equipment, transmitters, receivers

and Morse Code machines.

You know, this really was the only way to fly.

A big drink of water and I can happily stretch out here.

And everyone on board got their own bed.

I do believe that is my prawn cocktail on its way.

And I'm going to have a go up front in the cockpit.

Chocs away, Ginger. I've popped the kettle on,

I'll be back from New York in time for tea.

This week we're taking a skiing getaway in France.

We're in La Plagne in the Alps

and we've been getting to grips with the white stuff.

I've found my ski legs, sort of,

and Joe's been brushing up on his snowboarding skills.

And we're also going to be getting the adrenalin pumping

with an activity unique to La Plagne.

But before that we're taking a day trip to Montchavin

where we're going to experience the Alps in a different way.

From La Belle Plagne you can take a chairlift

and then ski into Montchavin.

This village is one of the quieter places to stay in the Paradiski area

and it's got heaps of Alpine charm.

Some of the skiing villages in the area seem more concrete,

more purpose-built. Whereas this is just all about the quaint.

As you can see, in the snow, it just looks lovely.

In the 1960s these houses used to be farmhouses,

holding up to 12 family members and all of their animals.

You had to have provisions for at least six months,

because the weather would be so bad.

But I'd say the smell was pretty bad as well.

How times have changed.

Now one of the star attractions in Montchavin

is Espace Paradisio, a spa with indoor and outdoor pools,

just the thing after a hard day on the slopes.

After you.

But no rest for the wicked.

We've come to Montchavin to have a go at snowshoeing,

one of the fastest-growing winter sports in the world.

To start off, our boots are fitted with strange contraptions.

-You are a real wintery Cinderella.

-Thanks!

-You're one of the ugly sisters!

-You!

-Bonjour!

-Bonjour.

-Ca va?

-Je suis Yannick. I'm Yannick.

-Bonjour. Je m'appelle Joe.

-OK, Joe. I'm Yannick, your hiking guide.

-Excellent.

-Let's get at it.

People have been snowshoeing for thousands of years

but the technique has become more sophisticated over time.

If you like hiking you'll love this.

There are no complicated moves to learn

but it'll still give you a really good workout.

You'll be burning up to 600 calories an hour.

But, believe me, it's not as easy as it looks.

LAUGHTER

You all right?

It costs from seven euros for half a day

to hire snowshoes and walking poles.

Throw in an official guide and then you'll have to pay another 23 euro.

We would recommend hiring a guide.

It's a good way to guarantee that you're being navigated

along the best routes with the freshest snow.

-What do you think of that?

-I am exhausted.

But it was lovely to be out in the middle of the trees.

Especially when it's snowing, because it is so beautiful, so calm.

It's good to get away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes and everything, just coming here.

The thing I like is it's for all abilities.

You don't have to be super fit to do this.

-It's just a really beautiful way to spend an afternoon.

-Yes.

If you just need a break from all the excitement of the slopes,

this is definitely an activity to do.

Make sure you wear an extra pair of socks. My feet are freezing!

-Come on, sugar toes.

-Back. I want a hot chocolate!

There are lots of restaurants on the slopes

and you can pretty much ski up to the front door.

I've heard this one is very good. Let's check it out.

Eating out in a ski resort is not cheap.

We found the restaurants on the slopes were pricey,

but you are in the French Alps where you can find some of the best food

and views on the planet.

This is my friend Roland who is going to teach us

-how to make a traditional dish of the region. How are you?

-Morning.

-What are we having today?

-Tartiflette.

-Tartiflette. OK.

-What's in it?

-Pomme de terre.

-Potato.

-Oignon.

-Onion.

-Le plus important - cheese locale. Le Robuchon cheese.

-Robuchon cheese.

-Cheese locale.

-Yes.

-Et lardons.

-Bacon.

Coupez.

This is the ultimate super food for skiers and snowboarders.

The dish was first mentioned in an 18th century cookbook

and it's been on mountain restaurant menus ever since.

If you're on a diet, I apologise right now.

There is a lot of cheese.

Check out the end result.

Lots of meat, lots of cheese, lots of bacon, give you loads of energy.

And as it happens, it is delicious.

Here's another tip,

if you're ordering a wee tipple, order the house red.

Much cheaper than ordering off the menu.

There are heaps of family activities apart from skiing and snowboarding,

including airboarding - like bodyboarding on snow -

and good old-fashioned sledging.

But there's a unique activity in La Plagne

that you said we just couldn't miss.

You told us that we couldn't come to La Plagne without taking a look

at the bobsleigh run which is apparently fantastic.

It was built for the Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics.

It's completely unique to La Plagne

and it's now open to the public as an apres-ski activity.

But we warn you, it's not for the faint-hearted.

You can try three sensational rides here.

One option is the speed luge.

It's not cheap at 107 euro for a go, but it is a complete adrenaline rush.

The speed luge is a solo device

in which you are half-lying half-sitting.

You can go up to 90 kilometres an hour.

Another option is bob racing.

This one costs even more at 115 euro. No cheap thrills here!

It's actually the run that is closest to a competition run.

You go with a professional driver and three passengers behind.

You can go up to 120 kilometres an hour.

But because we're a bit chicken,

we're going to try the slowest of all three - the bob raft.

This one's the most affordable at 41 euro,

but even at that, it's fast. Very fast.

It goes down up to 80 kilometres an hour.

That can have four passengers in.

-80 kilometres an hour with no driver?

-No driver.

-Have you ever had any accidents?

-No.

-That's what we want to hear.

-OK.

-Fantastic.

NERVOUS LAUGHTER

I don't know what's going to happen with this.

-We're going to go very fast.

-Do I have to be in the front?

-Yes, you do.

LAUGHTER

She said it was not for the faint-hearted.

-That was no exaggeration.

-It is fast.

-I thought it was going to topple over at one stage.

-Me too. A couple of times, actually.

It may seem like an expensive thing to do when you're on holiday,

but how many times in your life

do you get a chance to do something like that?

It's a great rush. Really, really worth doing.

-Let's do it again!

-I don't think I can.

We've seen the area, so where should we stay?

Pauline Flanagan from Dublin advised us

that Belle Plagne is one of the prettiest villages and we agree.

We checked into Hotel Carlina

which is in easy reach of the slopes, shops and restaurants.

One week for two people sharing costs £1,380 per person.

This price is for half board and includes flights and transfers.

I really like this hotel. The beds are very comfortable,

the food is great but my favourite bit is out here, on the terrace.

You get a great view of the mountains

where you can sit and enjoy your favourite libation.

If you get chilly, they even supply you a wee, cuddly blanket.

And, of course, it wouldn't be the Alps without a chalet or two.

And if you get the price right,

it's a practical and popular option for families.

Les Chalets Des Marmottes

is based in another of the villages called Plagne 1800.

For £680 per person based on two people sharing,

you'll get breakfast, afternoon tea and cake and evening meals with wine.

This price is for seven nights and also includes flights and transfers.

You'd want to be pretty sociable if you were going with this option

because you'll be sharing all of your meals with other families

and other couples.

That's not my idea of a holiday but it is good value for money.

If you'd rather do your own thing,

then self-catering is a cheaper option.

We checked out the Edelweiss Apartments.

These apartments cost £451 per person per week

based on eight sharing.

Again, this price includes flights and transfers.

I think these apartments are pretty sweet.

In terms of handiness, the slopes are right there. As is the town.

It's great if you're a big group or a bit strapped for cash

because you can just muck in and sort your own food here.

We booked our holiday through Crystal Ski.

For more information and details on all our holidays, visit:

-What did you think of the trip?

-You know what?

I'm not going to be a professional snowboarder any time soon,

but the bob rafting, definitely worth it, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The food all week, goes without saying, exquisite.

But speaking of which, I hear you were quite a delight on the slopes.

I know, I'm still a beginner but to be honest I was petrified to do it at the start

and I really didn't think I would like it,

but I'm a total convert now. This is definitely my next holiday.

It's difficult to do on a budget, though.

It is, but I think it's worth saving for

and one me and the girls will do next year.

Join us next time on Getaways.