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#1
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New Year skiing
There was a post a while back about how to get a cheap deal at New Year.
I must admit I did reply saying that there was probably no such thing... well just thought I'd post this to encourage others who may share my attitude. It certainly is possible to get a good deal. I found a large self catering apartment in Samoens (links to Flaine/Grand Massif). 4 of us are driving from the UK and the total including ferry, tolls, fuel and accomodation is coming out at £250 each for the week (600 for the apt, 400 for transport). The deals are out there, the lessons are simple - avoid the tour operators (at least the main stream TOs offering inclusive flights/chalets etc) these guys know New Year is a very busy time and they cash in big time. The best deal we could find at a snow sure resort (sic) with a TO was over £700 each. Use the internet and search the resorts tourist office pages. Finaly, don't rely on the internet exclusivly, we eventualy found our place by phoning around. One final tip for New Year, book now. We found several great apartments that were already booked. Now, we just need to sort out a roof box for all the skis etc. Can anyone recommend any of the rental companies or is it better to buy? Steve -- +----------------------+ | steve_a_haigh | | @ | | hotmail.com | +----------------------+ |
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#2
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New Year skiing
On 08/09/2003 10:48, in article ,
"Steve" wrote: There was a post a while back about how to get a cheap deal at New Year. I must admit I did reply saying that there was probably no such thing... well just thought I'd post this to encourage others who may share my attitude. It certainly is possible to get a good deal. I found a large self catering apartment in Samoens (links to Flaine/Grand Massif). 4 of us are driving from the UK and the total including ferry, Much improved links this year as well. It's not my idea of the perfect ski staion though, the lift sitiuation and access from town is a long way from ideal, however, it's possibly one of the nicest places you can stay in France. YMMV depending on exactly where the apartment is located. I notice a few people drive down to Morillon and park there for access to the slopes so that might be a useful tip. tolls, fuel and accomodation is coming out at ?250 each for the week (600 for the apt, 400 for transport). Is that the charge (400) for the tunnel/ferry or where you including petrol and tolls etc? I ask since my girlfriends brother was suggesting driving out for Xmass/New Year and I guessed the tunnel would be taking the chance to rip-off travellers as usual :-) He could fly for 300 maybe but it's expensive and just for him the ferry doesn't look good, ironic since accomodation will cost him nothing :-) As for the apartment, it's relative, the owner will be pretty happy with 600 quid probably as well. I know we would be for the same period :-) Now, we just need to sort out a roof box for all the skis etc. Can anyone recommend any of the rental companies or is it better to buy? I've a 600 litre Autoform box, I'm pleased with it. I get more annoyed having a garage full of snow chains and roof racks for cars I don't have any more :-) I have to say I'd buy one, UK rental looked expensive but I've not looked for 10 years. Steve |
#3
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New Year skiing
"Steve" wrote in message ... snip Now, we just need to sort out a roof box for all the skis etc. Can anyone recommend any of the rental companies or is it better to buy? Strongly recommend The Roof Box http://www.roofbox.co.uk no connection - just v.satisfied customer. And agree about New Year availability at moment - we had a lot of probs finding hotel in Zermatt / Saas Fee about 6 weeks ago so situation now must be worse. And problem finding a flight at a reasonable fare? but I see you are driving - good luck. HTH Mike |
#4
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New Year skiing
Ian Spare wrote:
On 08/09/2003 10:48, in article , "Steve" wrote: There was a post a while back about how to get a cheap deal at New Year. I must admit I did reply saying that there was probably no such thing... well just thought I'd post this to encourage others who may share my attitude. It certainly is possible to get a good deal. I found a large self catering apartment in Samoens (links to Flaine/Grand Massif). 4 of us are driving from the UK and the total including ferry, Much improved links this year as well. It's not my idea of the perfect ski staion though, the lift sitiuation and access from town is a long way from ideal, however, it's possibly one of the nicest places you can stay in France. YMMV depending on exactly where the apartment is located. I notice a few people drive down to Morillon and park there for access to the slopes so that might be a useful tip. Land prices have also doubled over the last two years thanks to a British influx (according to a local friend of mine who can't afford a place now :-(. |
#5
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New Year skiing
On 08 Sep 2003 22:24:58 GMT, Ste Smith
wrote: snip The tricky bit was finding a flight. The prices these theives charge just because it is New Year are unbelievable - even with EasyJet, the flights cost about £180 return minimum (before transfers). The even trickier bit was finding a flight that didn't land at Geneva/Lyon last thing at night with a daunting 4 hour transfer to follow - getting into Val at about 3/4am. I've found out some interesting stuff here too... Swiss have a lot of cheap(ish) flights from London to Geneva. There are some drawbacks; to get them you either have to fly at very unsociable hours (almost talking charter flight timeing I.e. checkin at 5am type of thing). This gets you a flight for £170. Or, fly via Zurich. Sounds a bit dumb, but the total flight time London - Geneva was still under 5 hours and cost about £140. I didn't check but I would guess this means there are still goood deals to Zurich if you are heading that way. I've found some websites are better than others, and I've finaly narrowed my search down to 3 sites:- expedia, travelocity and airnet (all ".co.uk"). Only one of these shows up the routes via Zurich (travelocity I think, but I'm not 100% on that). Opodo is also worth a look but I find the site awkward to use. Come to think of it none of them score highly for usability, but that's a topic for a different thread... I gave up on the low cost airlines, they are fine if you can fly outside "popular" times, but the cost for weekend flights is always more than a good scheduled deal. Also, with scheduled you'l get a lot less hassle with skis. Steve ~ If emailing, please use: Steve_A_Haigh ~ @ ~ hotmail.com ~ |
#6
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New Year skiing
Steve wrote:
David Off wrote: Steve wrote: On 08 Sep 2003 22:24:58 GMT, Ste Smith wrote: snip I've found out some interesting stuff here too... Swiss have a lot of cheap(ish) flights from London to Geneva. There are some drawbacks; Like the airline is bankrupt and may stop flying at any moment. Caveat Emptor. Ah yes, there is that. I thought they'd got around it all by winding up Swiss Air and starting the new company called just "Swiss". They are moving to the low-cost model too and plan to start charging for food and drink quite soon. The menus, with prices, were already in use when I flew a couple of weeks ago but they hadn't started charging yet. They have also stopped handing out free chocolate too. Simon Brown is normally quite well informed on this but I read that they were 400 million Euros in the red and looking for another bale-out. It would worry me a bit. |
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