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#11
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ski equipment prices
On Fri, 24 Oct 2003 23:49:26 GMT, "stuart"
wrote: Most resorts are rip-offs compared to shops in the cities a few miles away. But they are banking on the fact that most people buying equipment while on a ski trip are doing so at least partly because of proxi,mity to the slopes. They can try them out, and go back for adjustments if necessary, without losing much ski time. Sure, good point, but there are literally hundreds of ways to get from the airport in Calgary to Banff. Unlike Europe, we are a culture of transportation junkies. Got cars for rent, gotta be dozens of buses to Banff. If I were travelling from the UK, I would rent a car at Calgary, then drive the 90 minutes to Banff, or better yet, stay in Canmore for 50 bucks a night. Then you can ski Nakiska, Sunshine, Lake Louise, or if the roads are good, spend the three hours and drive up the famous Icefields Parkway to Jasper and ski a day or so at Marmot. Indeed. And if I were going again, I would probably do that. Although I would still probably get a package, it would be one with car hire rather than bus transfers. I'm not sure why you think you are any more a "culture of transportation junkies" than Europe though? I would never buy a package which was all inclusive, and extremely restrictive. You can do cheaper, by getting the best airfare, then arranging your own accomodation and transportation. Probably, but that is more hassle. There are still an awful lot of people here who do not trust the internet, and arranging accommodation and car hire from across the Atlantic can be daunting if you are not used to it. For most Brits, the extra hassle - or more accurately, the extra *perceived* hassle probably outweighs the savings to be made. And in fact, the savings are not always that great. The package operators can get good hotel and air fare discounts, because they buy in bulk. As individuals, we can't always get as good a deal, although we may well be able to find cheaper hotels that are not on the package lists at all. Remember, Banff, Jasper, Golden and Canmore are summer resorts, and NEVER get much above 20% occupancy during winter (The Euros don't know this so they get the "on hill" accomodations $$$$$$) Yes. This is something I would expect very few Brits to be aware of until they have been there at least once (and the OP hadn't, or he would not have been asking the question). In Europe, most of the ski resorts are just as busy at peak ski season as they are at peak summer season. Sometimes more so. I know it surprised me to find that the hotels (and the slopes) were so empty, in the second week of March. -- Alex Heney, Global Villager One way to better your lot is to do a lot better... To reply by email, my address is aDOTjDOTheneyATbtinternetDOTcom |
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#12
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ski equipment prices
"Alex Heney" wrote in message ... On Fri, 24 Oct 2003 23:49:26 GMT, "stuart" wrote: Most resorts are rip-offs compared to shops in the cities a few miles away. But they are banking on the fact that most people buying equipment while on a ski trip are doing so at least partly because of proxi,mity to the slopes. They can try them out, and go back for adjustments if necessary, without losing much ski time. Sure, good point, but there are literally hundreds of ways to get from the airport in Calgary to Banff. Unlike Europe, we are a culture of transportation junkies. Got cars for rent, gotta be dozens of buses to Banff. If I were travelling from the UK, I would rent a car at Calgary, then drive the 90 minutes to Banff, or better yet, stay in Canmore for 50 bucks a night. Then you can ski Nakiska, Sunshine, Lake Louise, or if the roads are good, spend the three hours and drive up the famous Icefields Parkway to Jasper and ski a day or so at Marmot. Indeed. And if I were going again, I would probably do that. Although I would still probably get a package, it would be one with car hire rather than bus transfers. I'm not sure why you think you are any more a "culture of transportation junkies" than Europe though? Three main reasons...cheaper gas, cheaper gas and cheaper gas.....Not always a good thing, tho'. You Brits own 1 vehicle per 4 people. Here its the other way around. 4 vehicles per 1 person. (Being fecetious, but you get my point) Got the convertible for the summer, the truck to haul the boat and motor, and the big car for group outings:-) And don't forget the family Cessna for longer trips eh? I would never buy a package which was all inclusive, and extremely restrictive. You can do cheaper, by getting the best airfare, then arranging your own accomodation and transportation. Probably, but that is more hassle. There are still an awful lot of people here who do not trust the internet, and arranging accommodation and car hire from across the Atlantic can be daunting if you are not used to it. For most Brits, the extra hassle - or more accurately, the extra *perceived* hassle probably outweighs the savings to be made. And in fact, the savings are not always that great. The package operators can get good hotel and air fare discounts, because they buy in bulk. As individuals, we can't always get as good a deal, although we may well be able to find cheaper hotels that are not on the package lists at all. I would be inclined to obtain a contact here in Canada. One day, I would like to find someone in the UK who would loan me a vehicle to use to see the country when I visit. I could then reciprocate and loan them one of mine. Or alternatively, get someone local to book the rental car and the hotel for you. It's very easy. Canada, and Alberta in particular is not a difficult place to find one's way around in, especially for a ski trip. There's usually only 1 way to get where you are going, unlike the UK. Remember, Banff, Jasper, Golden and Canmore are summer resorts, and NEVER get much above 20% occupancy during winter (The Euros don't know this so they get the "on hill" accomodations $$$$$$) Yes. This is something I would expect very few Brits to be aware of until they have been there at least once (and the OP hadn't, or he would not have been asking the question). In Europe, most of the ski resorts are just as busy at peak ski season as they are at peak summer season. Sometimes more so. I know it surprised me to find that the hotels (and the slopes) were so empty, in the second week of March. There's plenty of rooms all ski season, with the exception of perhaps Whistler due to its proximity to Vancouver. The drive from Calgary to Banff is a breeze. Throw in a side trip shopping in Calgary might use up an extra half hour to buy skis;-) -- Alex Heney, Global Villager One way to better your lot is to do a lot better... To reply by email, my address is aDOTjDOTheneyATbtinternetDOTcom |
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