Resort suggestions...

Hi,

I'm trying to arrange a group skiing holiday (for 6-10 people) for Jan 2005
to somewhere in Europe and am looking for some pointers as to where to go
etc.

a) Have I come to the right place?
b) Are there any good forums for this sort of stuff?

I've been skiing a few times - I'm no expert but am totally addicted to it.
Managed to drag my wife to Mayerhofen a year or so ago and it was fantastic.
Everyone else in the group has never been before and I've been raving on
about how good a group holiday would be for years, so don't want to let them
down.

Looking for somewhere along the lines of Mayerhofen, possibly in France /
Switzerland / Bulgaria. Nothing too expensive (looking £500-600 each for
everything, apart from spending money).

We're all aged 25-35 if that's of any help?

Any suggestions?

TIA,

Andy

"Deuchars" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I'm trying to arrange a group skiing holiday (for 6-10 people) for Jan
2005
to somewhere in Europe and am looking for some pointers as to where to go
etc.

a) Have I come to the right place?
b) Are there any good forums for this sort of stuff?

I've been skiing a few times - I'm no expert but am totally addicted to
it.
Managed to drag my wife to Mayerhofen a year or so ago and it was
fantastic.
Everyone else in the group has never been before and I've been raving on
about how good a group holiday would be for years, so don't want to let
them
down.

Looking for somewhere along the lines of Mayerhofen, possibly in France /
Switzerland / Bulgaria. Nothing too expensive (looking £500-600 each for
everything, apart from spending money).

We're all aged 25-35 if that's of any help?

Any suggestions?

TIA,

Andy

Andy,

a) Yes
b) This is as good a place as any to start.

You seem to have left Italy off your list of target areas - I would look
towards the Dolomites for good intermediate skiing and value for money.
However there are a multitude of areas in Europe ( is North America is out
of bounds?) that would suit your skiing requirements by the sound of it. Ace
will be along soon to recommend Flaine in France and that is not a bad shout
especially for short transfers and good beginners/intermediate ski area.

Do you have any other criteria? Are you going to be party animals staying up
all night or looking for something quieter. Are you thinking of self
catering, hotel or maybe a chalet style holiday?

Send a bit more information and I am sure advice will come along.

Clive

Deuchars wrote:
Hi,

I'm trying to arrange a group skiing holiday (for 6-10 people) for
Jan 2005 to somewhere in Europe and am looking for some pointers as
to where to go etc.

a) Have I come to the right place?
b) Are there any good forums for this sort of stuff?

I've been skiing a few times - I'm no expert but am totally addicted
to it. Managed to drag my wife to Mayerhofen a year or so ago and it
was fantastic. Everyone else in the group has never been before and
I've been raving on about how good a group holiday would be for
years, so don't want to let them down.

Looking for somewhere along the lines of Mayerhofen, possibly in
France / Switzerland / Bulgaria. Nothing too expensive (looking
£500-600 each for everything, apart from spending money).

We're all aged 25-35 if that's of any help?

Any suggestions?

I've been on group trips of between 6 and 12 for the last 3 years and have
been to Soll each time. The group has about the same age spread as yours (a
couple older but very young at heart) and have had no problem finding the
right kind of nightlife when needed, a good restaurant for a birthday meal
and the bars and nightclub for a noisy night. Skiing wise we've had
beginners each year, can't comment on ski schools 'cos we've always done a
dry slope course at home and just dragged them along with us really. but
they seem to enjoy it (probably a bad idea but none of them wanted to do
lessons, preferring to stay with the group). The most experienced of us has
less than 10 weeks skiing and we've always found something fresh to go at
but the Skiwelt is limited for the better skiers.
Not sure what the total price comes in at but that will depend a lot on
packages, chalets, preferences etc.

If you want some more opinions, try the forum at www.snowheads.com
They're a friendly bunch that grew out of the SCGB's forums when they
(rather rudely) went members only.

--
James...
www.jameshart.co.uk

"Deuchars" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I'm trying to arrange a group skiing holiday (for 6-10 people) for Jan
2005
to somewhere in Europe and am looking for some pointers as to where to go
etc.

a) Have I come to the right place?
b) Are there any good forums for this sort of stuff?

I've been skiing a few times - I'm no expert but am totally addicted to
it.
Managed to drag my wife to Mayerhofen a year or so ago and it was
fantastic.
Everyone else in the group has never been before and I've been raving on
about how good a group holiday would be for years, so don't want to let
them
down.

Looking for somewhere along the lines of Mayerhofen, possibly in France /
Switzerland / Bulgaria. Nothing too expensive (looking £500-600 each for
everything, apart from spending money).

We're all aged 25-35 if that's of any help?

Any suggestions?

TIA,

Andy


I'd add Soldeu, Andorra to that list of possibilities - Reasonably cheap,
instruction is mostly by native English speakers (Brits and antipodeans),
and most of the mountain is accessible after a weeks ski lessons. Also duty
free so nights out don't burn too big a hole in your pocket.

Downside is 2 1/2 hour transfer from Toulouse airport, DIY & self catering
options are limited and only 3 areas for lunch/drinks on the mountain.

Also you should be aware of special offer weeks in France (and others?) for
January where local area passes are included in the price - these can be
worth £100 ish. In the 3 vallees I'm sure that white weeks are available in
Les Menuires & St Martin de Belleville, and know that at least one company
(and almost certainly others too) had special offer on Jan weeks at Meribel
(www.skibasics.co.uk).


--
Paul Schofield

Time flies like an arrow
Fruit flies like a banana

Looking for somewhere along the lines of Mayerhofen, possibly in France
/
Switzerland / Bulgaria. Nothing too expensive (looking £500-600 each
for
everything, apart from spending money).

We're all aged 25-35 if that's of any help?

Any suggestions?

TIA,

Andy

Andy,

a) Yes
b) This is as good a place as any to start.

You seem to have left Italy off your list of target areas - I would look
towards the Dolomites for good intermediate skiing and value for money.
However there are a multitude of areas in Europe ( is North America is out
of bounds?) that would suit your skiing requirements by the sound of it.
Ace
will be along soon to recommend Flaine in France and that is not a bad
shout
especially for short transfers and good beginners/intermediate ski area.

Do you have any other criteria? Are you going to be party animals staying
up
all night or looking for something quieter. Are you thinking of self
catering, hotel or maybe a chalet style holiday?

Send a bit more information and I am sure advice will come along.

Clive


Hi - thanks for the info everyone! To elaborate, we're looking for
somewhere which won't break the bank and I heard Italy was quite expensive,
hence it not being on the list - if that's not the case though, it's back
on! :-) I think North America would be pushing the budget travel wise
though. :-(

We're looking for somewhere with 'some' nightlife, but NOT Ibiza on snow.
We'll probably be out for meals and drinks most nights so want to have some
choice. As I say, Mayerhoffen had a good range of bars and restaurants
whilst retaining the 'village' atmosphere, which I liked. In fact, I would
go back there if it wasn't for the fact that I only get to go skiing every
couple of years so want to try somewhere different (plus there was a
distinct 'anti-English' atmosphere in one of the restaurants we visited,
might have been an anomaly though).

Anyhoo... Ideally we'd like a chalet to ourselves with 4 x double en-suite
rooms, log fire, overlooking the Alps with hostess service from Swiss maids,
but that might be pushing it. :-) Seriously though, we'd really like to
stay in a log chalet if possible. Can you get B&B if you've got a chalet to
yourselves? Failing that, self catering would be fine.

I've heard mixed things about Andorra - on one side we've been told
excellent value for money etc. but other people have said 'Ibiza on snow',
which isn't really what we're looking for. Having said that, Soldeu sounds
good so we'll add it to our list of possibilities along with Soll.

A couple of other points...

- Is it cheaper to book as a package deal or to sort everything out
independently? I'm happy to do the latter via t'interweb etc. but not if
it's a lot of work for no significant saving. At least as a package deal
I've got someone to blame when things go tits up! :-) Can you recommend any
good package operators? We went through Hays Travel / Crystal for the
Mayerhoffen trip.

- Generally, what are the best dates to go, in terms of the slopes not being
too busy but there still being good snow and sun?

Can't wait!!! :-)

Cheers,

Andy

Hi - thanks for the info everyone! To elaborate, we're looking for
somewhere which won't break the bank and I heard Italy was quite expensive,
hence it not being on the list - if that's not the case though, it's back
on! :-) I think North America would be pushing the budget travel wise
though. :-(

We're looking for somewhere with 'some' nightlife, but NOT Ibiza on snow.
We'll probably be out for meals and drinks most nights so want to have some
choice. As I say, Mayerhoffen had a good range of bars and restaurants
whilst retaining the 'village' atmosphere, which I liked. In fact, I would
go back there if it wasn't for the fact that I only get to go skiing every
couple of years so want to try somewhere different (plus there was a
distinct 'anti-English' atmosphere in one of the restaurants we visited,
might have been an anomaly though).

Anyhoo... Ideally we'd like a chalet to ourselves with 4 x double en-suite
rooms, log fire, overlooking the Alps with hostess service from Swiss maids,
but that might be pushing it. :-) Seriously though, we'd really like to
stay in a log chalet if possible. Can you get B&B if you've got a chalet to
yourselves? Failing that, self catering would be fine.

I've heard mixed things about Andorra - on one side we've been told
excellent value for money etc. but other people have said 'Ibiza on snow',
which isn't really what we're looking for. Having said that, Soldeu sounds
good so we'll add it to our list of possibilities along with Soll.

A couple of other points...

- Is it cheaper to book as a package deal or to sort everything out
independently? I'm happy to do the latter via t'interweb etc. but not if
it's a lot of work for no significant saving. At least as a package deal
I've got someone to blame when things go tits up! :-) Can you recommend any
good package operators? We went through Hays Travel / Crystal for the
Mayerhoffen trip.

- Generally, what are the best dates to go, in terms of the slopes not being
too busy but there still being good snow and sun?

Can't wait!!! :-)

Cheers,

Andy

I always had Mayrhofen in the lively at night and popular with us Brits ( but
not me now at 46 years old ) category.

I have not skied in Italy for a few years but it used to be much more kind to
the wallet than France, Switzerland and Austria. My favourite place was/is
Arabba in the Dolomites. The ski pass here used to be the best value anywhere in
terms of price and area covered. If I am getting your requirements right Arabba
may be a bit quiet, try looking at Selva in the Val Gardena.

Anytime in January apart from New Year week through to UK half term week ( mid
February ) is low season and the prices reflect this. For £500 a head you should
be able to get a fully catered chalet in most French ski resorts including Val
d'Isere, Tignes, 3 Valleys etc etc.

As for booking direct I am not really sure it is always better value for money -
sure it is sometimes and I have done it especially for North America. It seems
to be rather a lot of hassle for a sub £500 base price holiday and you will be
responsible for your group if something goes pear shaped. Let the tour operator
take the stress out - I used Ski World in February ( at half term ) and they
were alright - check out http://www.skiworld.ltd.uk/

If you are really looking for a deal then there are always 100's on offer on a
multitude of web sites if you are prepared to wait to a week or two before your
intended departure date. For example http://www.lastminute.com or
www.ifyouski.com

Cheers

Clive

Mid Jan, £500 per head... I'd say the Alps were your oyster. Italy is
good value, but if the exchange rates don't vary drasticaly I think
France and Austria would also fit your budget.

I'm not sure you'll get a whole chalet B&B. They tend to be half board
or self catering, but there are always exceptions.

With a large group a Tour Operator may make life easier. I don't bother
these days, it's so easy with the budget airlines etc, but trying to
organise more than 2 adults to go skiing is about as effective as
herding cats. For an easy life let them make their commission:-) And
anyway, in low season they will be desperate to fill the beds they have
for the season (although this only applies to chalets, not to hotels as
they don't care so much if the hotels are half full).

As for resorts, I'm a big fan of the Flaine area. Vey easy to get to
from Geneva (under an hour) and superb skiing. Flaine itself may not
suit you as it is not a "log cabin" or chalet resort, but the connected
resorts of Les Carroz and Samoens offer a lot of nicer places to stay.

There is always the 2 Valleys, Meribel in particular has a lot of chalet
accomodation and just about every tour op. goes there. Val d'Isere is
also worth considering, probably a bit more expensive than Meribel - I
prefer the skiing there, but unless you looking for the more challenging
slopes the 3 Valleys probably have more to offer.

I've not much experience of Italy, but I know a few people with a couple
of weeks skiing who went to the Dolomites and loved it. Great scenary
and good hotels I'm told.

I've only skied in St Anton in Austria. It is my favourite resort of
them all, but I couldn't recommend it to a group with only a could of
weeks experience, the skiing is not forgiving shall we say.

You'll probably be more confused than ever after these messages, but the
good news is you really will have a great time where ever you go!

Steve Haigh wrote:

As for resorts, I'm a big fan of the Flaine area. Vey easy to get to
from Geneva (under an hour) and superb skiing. Flaine itself may not
suit you as it is not a "log cabin" or chalet resort, but the connected
resorts of Les Carroz and Samoens offer a lot of nicer places to stay.

Samoens is nice but anyone booking there should be very careful about
the location of the accommodation. The new lift is much better but to a
large extent all it's done is relocate the car park (cleverly sited on
the entrance to the station for maximum chaos on transfer days). You can
easily find yourself miles from the lift without any resort bus to get
there.


I've not much experience of Italy, but I know a few people with a couple
of weeks skiing who went to the Dolomites and loved it. Great scenary
and good hotels I'm told.

Chancey snow record but probably the most visually impressive place you
could ever ski.


I've only skied in St Anton in Austria. It is my favourite resort of
them all, but I couldn't recommend it to a group with only a could of
weeks experience, the skiing is not forgiving shall we say.

But Lech would be nice. Austria is a good suggestion in fact, always
good value for money.


You'll probably be more confused than ever after these messages, but the
good news is you really will have a great time where ever you go!

January, the best time for skiing in many ways, quiet, cheap and good snow.

There's been some good advice about the pros and cons of a TO versus
self booking but something no one knows or has mentioned is that January
will be low season, this is the time the local tourist offices will be
running promotions typically called white weeks. You can expect package
prices for accommodation and lift pass and sometimes some instruction.

Ian

I think North America would be pushing the budget travel wise
though. :-(

Inghams do deals out to Canada for around 400 with flights, transfers and
accomodation for the week.. once you're out there its a lot cheaper..

I would say check it out..

"AH" wrote in message
...
I think North America would be pushing the budget travel wise
though. :-(

Inghams do deals out to Canada for around 400 with flights, transfers and
accomodation for the week.. once you're out there its a lot cheaper..

I would say check it out..

Yes I saw deals like this last season on lastminute.com to Whistler and
Fernie for about £400 - but it is a long way to go for a week. We tried
Canada just before Easter for 10 days, gives enough time to get over jet lag
and acclimatise. We went to Panorama in the Rockies which was great but I
must admit nowhere near £500 a head - double it and add a bit!!

Clive