Skiing holidays - info

james1234

I'm looking for some basic info 'bout skiing in europe.
If anyone sould share their knowledge about the following items i'd be grateful! (Our group is 3 beginners 1 intermediate)

1. Resorts - good ones, bad ones
2. Prices - all-inclusives, flights only, skiing packages, etc.
3. Best times to go, thinkin early Jan.

Is there much point getting each item separately, e.g. flights online, accom online and the ski pack at the slopes, or does that sound like too much hassle. Language won't bo a problem...

Imposter

There's so many resorts. What sort of price range are you talking? What sort of ayccomodation would you prefer? What sort of mix of skiing and nightlife do ye want?
Give us something to work with!

Skiing in Europe is from Christmas until March. America starts a little earlier usually in Novemeber I think.

With 3 beginners I'd suggest you get a package. You'll all want lessons, ski hire, accom, flights and transfers and the money you may save by doing it seperately will be minimal and generally not worth the hassle.

Have a look at directski.com, panorama holidays and thompson holidays to get an idea of prices, resorts and general packages on offer.

james1234

Thanks for those operators, I'll check them out, see what's on offer.

Had a look already on directski, the cheapest out there was approx €700, based on 4, is that cheap?

Not really looking to break the bank, have big travel plans for the summer! So the cheaper the better.
Nightlife doesn't have to be totally mad.

I know ryanair fly to some places, and seen really cheap flights to Girona, close-ish to Andorra, would the savings on the flight be worth booking accom and ski-pack separately? Any tips on the ski spots there?

Guess I have to do a bit more looking...

Imposter

700 looks ok. I'm not really sure how much andorra usually is but austria is usually somewhere between 700 and 1000. As for flying Ryanair to Andorra make sure there is good connections ot the resort if you do this. As beginners ye are likely to forget something and I don't think you'll save all that much by doing it seperately. Topflight is another operator if you want further options.

denachoman

I would recommend Livigno (Italy) for beginners. Lots of beginner slopes, very good instructors.

I would go for an all-in package rather than organising it yourself.

Topflight and Directski are the biggest operators.

penexpers

I would recommend booking everything seperately. You'll save a fortune and it's not too difficult.

Last year I :
1. Book flights to Paris with Ryanair
2. Booked the TGV from Paris to Bourg St Maurice on voyages-sncf.fr
3. Booked accomodation and ski pass using the online reservation system of the ski resort.
4. Booked skis and boots from a sports shop based in the resort.

All in all that worked out at just over 500 euro per person with another 120 for lessons (if so desired). AFAIK, that price from directski is only for flights, transfers and accomodation. You'll need to add another 200-250 for gear and ski pass.

The resort I went to last year was Les Arcs, which I found to be fantastic for beginners. Probably heading back there this year.

andersde10

If this is your first time skiing then best way to go is with tour operator, might cost you a bit extra but can save you some hastle in the end. I've been with most of the operators out from Ireland so here's what I reckon:

1) Inghams - easily the best I've dealt with so far. been with them 4 or 5 times. you might end up paying eur 50 pp more with inghams but its well worth it.

2) Crystal - also good

3) Panorana - they seem to get worse each time I go, been maybe 3 times. Last time we went they changed hotel on us and only told us when we arrived in resort - the hotel they put is in was much worse then the one we booked, but that's another story.

4) Direct Ski - awful, ended up going to obergurgl with them. pre paid for lift passes and gear and when we went to get them nobody had heard of direct ski. They also failed to tell us anything about how we were getting home.

As for resorts, well it depends on how much you want to spend.

Livigno is great for a cheap holiday, duty free town so drink is cheap and food is amazing - gotta go to the bella vista Its also big enough to keep most intermediates happy.

If you got the cash, go to Whistler in Canada - its an amazing place.

If your looking for picturesque villages then go to austria, Obergurgl is small but is good for beginners and virtually guarantees snow.

Andorra ok for the beginner, cheap too. Soldeu is probably the best choice in Andorra. Been to Arinsal too and that's a tiny place and you'd get borded there really quickly.

For the serious skier you could think about France, I'm a big fan of Val Thorens. Huge ski area but ugly village.

Hope that helps.

bobbyjoe

Not into skiing myself but know a few people who went with these and found them it be really good

www.highlife.ie

penexpers

Wow that looks incredible.

james1234

A big THANK YOU to all who replied!

I received this in my mailbox, http://www.pigsback.com/offers/856090724/default.asp
looks interesting €150 off Panorama Ski Holidays...also mentions free skihire/lift passes etc.

I'll call them Monday and let you know what the story is on that!