First ski trip for 2 ... Help!

GSpoon

... really want book a ski trip for myself and my other half in Feb/Mar... neither of us have been before and im stumped on where would be the best to go? Would appreciate some pointers

olaola

My personal preference is Austria - I had my first years skiing in Zell am See and I loved it. We're heading back to Saalbach this year, and the beginners slope is in the village, which would be really handy for you. As in some resorts it's a bus ride away.

GSpoon

Oooh sounds perfect, gona check that out... Heard alot about Andorra but it seems the obvious choice...

Is Austria expensive??

bovril

I went for the first time feb this year and the decider for me was a resort with a short transfer time. Andorra and Livignio are approx 4 hours on a bus from the airport. That is why I chose Austria. I went to Soll based on the recommendation of a friend. I absolutley loved it. Apres ski is amazing. It was 3.50 for a pint IIRC and a pretty decent meal is around 12-15E in a local restaurant. I'm going back to Soll again next year too

edit: ski school class durations seem to be longer in austria too. We had 4 hours of lessons a day.

olaola

I think it's 'good value'. Beers & food are cheaper than Ireland, but it's not as cheap as Livigno or Andorra. (I've been to neither) BUT the advantage Austria has: is no resort is more than 2 - 2.5 hours from an airport. For example - Saalbach is 1.5 hours from Salzberg, Zell is down the road, nearer to Salzberg at 1 hour away. I've heard the transfers to Andorra can be a bit of a pain, which, personally, I'd rather avoid.

GSpoon

olaola wrote: »

I think it's 'good value'. Beers & food are cheaper than Ireland, but it's not as cheap as Livigno or Andorra. (I've been to neither) BUT the advantage Austria has: is no resort is more than 2 - 2.5 hours from an airport. For example - Saalbach is 1.5 hours from Salzberg, Zell is down the road, nearer to Salzberg at 1 hour away. I've heard the transfers to Andorra can be a bit of a pain, which, personally, I'd rather avoid.

think we are on the same page anyways;) ... thanks for your help

olaola

I've heard Soll is great too (never been) - cheaper than the other resorts in Austria, might be worth looking into.

My two cents - Saalbach, it's near Salzberg, and the baby slopes are in the village. And if you are feeling a bit braver, the skiing up the mountains is fabulous! We go as a group and always go half-board. It's easier with a number of people. And I like the fact that you don't have to think about it - you just turn up and get fed! And there is usually a bit of craic in the hotel bars too - which would be nice if you're on yer own. But if you're just a couple, going self catering would be handy enough. You can grab a pizza for less than a tenner.

Fattes

GSPoon,

Austria,Austria did I mention Austria

Saalbach, and Mayrhofen are both fantastic resorts with cracking night life very beginner friendly (You can get around the resort rather than being stuck on begineers slopes for the week)

Both are withing an 2 hours of an Airport and roads rarley close due to bad weather.

Just be carefull of the school holiday prices in Feb I would probably aim for early march avoid all the European school holidays.

Overflow

Go with Austria !! I highly recommend Saalbach, its a top class resort and everything is centered around the village, lots of easy slopes too for beginners.

Overflow

GSpoon wrote: »

Oooh sounds perfect, gona check that out... Heard alot about Andorra but it seems the obvious choice...

Is Austria expensive??

I would say its not that expensive compared to other resorts, i think booze and food are pretty much on par with back home.

If your only interested in cheap booze and cigarettes go to Andorra or Livigno as they are tax free. lol

If you want to see a top quality resort, visit one of the many in Austria.