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#1
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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 |
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#2
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Resort suggestions...
"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 |
#3
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Resort suggestions...
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 |
#4
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Resort suggestions...
"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 |
#5
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Resort suggestions...
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 |
#6
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Resort suggestions...
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 |
#7
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Resort suggestions...
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! |
#8
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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 |
#9
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Resort suggestions...
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.. |
#10
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Resort suggestions...
"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 |
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