Some advice on ski holidays please

jackhua

few friends of us are planing a ski holiday for later of this year.however no one of us has ever had one. we are thinking of some place like Hungary but only reason for there is that we sawit on tv. so, pls give us some advises on where to go for and what needs to be prepared and………

thanks

hawkwind23

http://welove2ski.com/beginner-skiers

Gatica

are you all beginners?

We have been to Chamonix, which I think has limited runs for green-slopes. But if you progress at the average rate you can get around to a good few of the blues in the area by the third day. Upside though, at Argentiere there's not much for advanced skiers so it's a bit less hectic on the slopes. It's also a rather expensive resort.
Had lessons with "Evoloution 2" there. Rented skis from http://www.intersportrent.com. Definitely recommend a catered chalet with a hot-tub! We booked with Freshtraxx, I think they changed their name recently, but they're A+ (http://www.ftxholidays.com/#!services2/c1u8b) Food was spectacular, afternoon snacks, full breakfast and a lift to the pistes every morning, worth every penny!

The 3 Valleys have a good range of beginner slopes I think and as long as you avoid Courchevel, the prices are the average "expensive" rather than the rich ppl prices. Plenty of green/blue slopes. Green slope tends to be a bit more visited by advanced because it's "en route". Rented from "Ski Republic", as they had buy 1 get 1 free offer.

The other resort been to is Interlaken. It's great for advanced, and not too bad for beginners. Grindelwald area has plenty of easy slopes and they tend to be nice and wide as well. Got lessons with www.grindelwaldsports.ch and rented skis from grindelwald.skiset.us.

I hear eastern Europe is cheaper, so if you're on a budget then maybe central Europe is not the most cost-friendly location.

I'd recommend deciding on your budget and finding out the total costs involved before you make a decision. Here's what you'll probably be needing to book:

1. Flights/Transfers/Accommodation
2. Ski rental
3. Ski lessons
4. Ski passes

Many Chalet companies can arrange transfers to the airport, lessons and rentals. I like to shop around for lessons/rentals though.
I agree with all the practical tips on hawkwind23's link. If it's your first time and you're worried that you might not like it. Borrow the winter gear. It's expensive to get a load of gear you'll never use again if you hate it! If you can afford it (and I don't think it's that huge of a difference in cost), book a catered chalet. You'll be wrecked by the end of the day and last thing you'll want is to worry about getting the shopping and cooking, plus eating out every night is both expensive and means you've to leave the house, when you'd rather just lie there and do nothing.

If you get catered accommodation that takes care of 6 of your 7 evening meals and breakfast. They often do packed lunch at a small fee, which is a good idea as it's darn expensive to eat out on the slopes. You're better off to spend your money on hot drinks!
People love their apres-ski, but it's never been my scene other than 1-3 mulled wines at the end of the day. If you get a chalet with an outdoor hot-tub, it's bliss! you get to soak your aching muscles and have a couple of drinks, while your chalet host cooks you a lovely 3 course meal.

jackhua

Thanks All.

All your response is very helpful. I started looking into different things you v mentioned now. seems i have better iders for what to look for.

I am trying to decide where to go first and meant thing is not to spend too much and still have a wonderful holiday!!!!

hawkwind23

also worth going to a resort /area that has plenty of non skiing activities that are affordable.
its going to be a long week if part of the group just cant get into the skiing.

i learned in POLAND/ZAKOPANE , i loved it , deadly cheap and loads to do , also plenty of good restaurants etc.
skiing is not how you would imagine , its more ski areas around the town.
but plenty enough to learn how to ski and lessons are cheap.

check this link

http://www.discoverzakopane.com/


or for a package

http://www.discoverzakopane.travel/en/zakopane-ski-holidays

jackhua

hawkwind23 wrote: »

also worth going to a resort /area that has plenty of non skiing activities that are affordable.
its going to be a long week if part of the group just cant get into the skiing.

i learned in POLAND/ZAKOPANE , i loved it , deadly cheap and loads to do , also plenty of good restaurants etc.
skiing is not how you would imagine , its more ski areas around the town.
but plenty enough to learn how to ski and lessons are cheap.

check this link

http://www.discoverzakopane.com/


or for a package

http://www.discoverzakopane.travel/en/zakopane-ski-holidays[/QUOTE]

are there hot tubs?:D

what2do

If you have a look in Winter Sports under Sports there are lots of similiar threads and advice..

Good luck - Best holiday ever:)

jackhua

what2do wrote: »

If you have a look in Winter Sports under Sports there are lots of similiar threads and advice..

Good luck - Best holiday ever:)

thanks!
it was something i looked for but i was using my phone and could not find that category.

Cheers!!

kerry4sam

Moved from Travel to Winter Sports where it would be better suited.

Thanks,
kerry4sam

Fattes

Gatica: Congratulations on recommending 3 of the most expensive resorts in Europe and 3 of the worst places for a beginner to start

jackhua: There are some great value resorts in Poland, Czech Republic and Macedonia if you are looking for somewhere in that part of the word, in central Europe, Austria is probably the cheapest and best location for new skiers.

jackhua

Fattes wrote: »

Gatica: Congratulations on recommending 3 of the most expensive resorts in Europe and 3 of the worst places for a beginner to start

jackhua: There are some great value resorts in Poland, Czech Republic and Macedonia if you are looking for somewhere in that part of the word, in central Europe, Austria is probably the cheapest and best location for new skiers.

as i said, i v never been any ski holiday before so any resorts would be ok to me. however, "the most expensive" doesn't sound ok:D
ski holiday is really for winter activity as long as the place has right stuff i think it will be fine. Doesnt have to be the cheapest but we all know the cheaper the better.:D

any particular websites?

Gatica

must admit I did find them all expensive, it was a group decision, so can't say that I've done research or price comparative "study". Loved all those ski regions though.
Can't say how they compare for beginners to other ski resorts, but I thought I had enough green slopes to get me going first time we went. There's plenty more available there if you're advanced though.

cormee

Morzine is a nice place to learn, there's a lovely long slope, Piste B, that goes the whole way from the top of the main gondola, down to the village, and it's ideal for a beginner.

Piste B is about 5k long, I reckon, so it would take a beginner about 40 mins to do, which beats the ass off doing a 200mtr long green slope 100 times a day.

There are plenty of other nice runs to do once you graduate from Piste B, and you can ski/board to Avoriaz, from Morzine, if you want more of a challenge.

It's only an hour or so from Geneva airport, so it's very accessible, you can fly out early in the morning and be on the slopes that afternoon.

jackhua

cormee wrote: »

Morzine is a nice place to learn, there's a lovely long slope, Piste B, that goes the whole way from the top of the main gondola, down to the village, and it's ideal for a beginner.

great!have to check it out!:D

Fattes

jackhua; Apologies I should be a little clearer, not only are they expensive but are badly set up for Beginners especially Chamonix as it is spread over a large mountain valley and requires bus trips from most accommodation to the hill or from the lodgings to the town.

Ideally resorts such as Mayrhofen, Saalbach, any of the skiwelt resorts in Austria, In France Tignes is probably the best for newbies with loads to do off the hill and good value.

Gatica 2/3 resorts you listed feature in the most expensive lift passes in Europe, for a beginner that is a big splash for something they are not going to use very often or get the value out of. ¢248/299 depending on the one you get compared to say 165-180 in Austria. Eat on the hill in Austria 10E a day in Chamonix there are huts that charge 7e for a hot chocolate. Trust me I skied 20+ resorts last year in 6 countries!

petronius

Andorra is a very popular destination for young irish people as their 1st ski trip.
Livigno is also another one even for beginners (although there is very good skiing there regardless of level)
Austria is my favourite spot (not just for those german tunes) but i found it cheaper - Saalbach is a good spot

ozzyo

I would agree Andorra is a really good place to learn. Most of the ski instructors in Andorra are native English speakers (English, Canadian, Kiwis etc) which makes a differnce. I would go to Soldieu, El Tarter or Pas de la casa as it is a good size linked area. I wouldn't bother with any of the smaller resorts.

ozzyo

I would also look at La Tania in France, one of the more beginner friendly resorts in France and its not as expensive as most of the other French resorts.

RobAMerc

+1 on Morzine.
Have been to about 10 resorts and no where I have been to came close on size, variety and conditions

it's pricey though.

gleesonger

hawkwind23 wrote: »

i learned in POLAND/ZAKOPANE , i loved it , deadly cheap and loads to do , also plenty of good restaurants etc.
skiing is not how you would imagine , its more ski areas around the town.
but plenty enough to learn how to ski and lessons are cheap.

+1, We went as a group of guys/girls who had never skied/snowboarded before. We found Zakopane a great and very cheap place to learn. Another group of friends went to Austria at the same time and spent about 3 times as much .

But once you've been there once I doubt you'd go back, it is perfectly suited for beginners and not much more.

petronius

I found eastern european ski resorts a bit more disjointed and some of the facilities more rudimentary

If its a learning ski holiday your going on some of the package deals are good - since you more than likely will be with similar level beginners and it does help seeing others learning and having the same issues as you
Some offer a day to try Snowboarding which maybe an alternative if your legs are a but weary from skiing or its not working out.
My hunch would be if i was starting and going aways with a few friends, Andorra / Livigno (or an austrian resort) would be my choice with good apres ski and nightlife as well. However most ski resorts have good nursary slopes and english language speaker. I found France more expensive (alp huez, 3 valleys, val torens, meribel, les deux aples), better for intermediate skiers maybe than beginners

things i would try and insure -
make sure your dont have to carry your skis far from the main lift/slope to your hotel, pension, apartment, or storage room. (i think it is disheartening for a beginner to be tracking carrying skis this way)
it is best of lessons are in the morning, since it gives you the afternoon to practice and after the lesson you have freedom rather than being confined to waiting around for the lesson
Make sure the boots fit, boots are always the source of many skiers problems when starting it always feels unnatural but the value in having well fitted boots is tremendous

Fattes

avaross09 Sunday River is the home of Simon Dumont and Bode Miller is a Cannon mountain native, I have some early memories of skiing Attitash long ago!

Stowe in vermont is meant to be pretty good now since its recent heavy investment.

super_furry

Livigno gets my vote. Great spot geared towards beginners with a good nightlife too.

fannymagee

I would say Austria, because I love it, it's cheap, friendly and great for beginners.

In a million years I wouldn't recommend Interlaaken for a group of people who've never skied, lol!! Unless you're looking to bleeeed money, ski the same slopes over & over & still feel bored in the evenings ;-)

Long transfer to Livigno, but great fun if you don't mind the horrible journey- esp on way back!

Fattes

In a million years I wouldn't recommend Interlaaken for a group of people who've never skied, lol!! Unless you're looking to bleeeed money, ski the same slopes over & over & still feel bored in the evenings ;-)

You said once you have only ever skied in Soll every time you make statements about elsewhere it is obvious “Ski the Same slopes over and over”, Interlaken is a gate way to Wengen, Grindwald, Murren the transport is covered on your pass and quick and efficient bit of an inconvenience but except for Grindwald its quick efficient and the views or amazing. Piste map is below incas you are unsure of how big an area it is!

€10 a night will get you a bed in the tourist office in Interlaaken or 90% of Swiss resorts under the use of the tourist office fall out shelter! Interlaken is cheap by swiss standards. Its the resorts higher up that are not.

Pretty much every skier on the planet dreams of skiing under the Eiger, Jangfraujoch, Monch on the Lauberhorn.

http://static2.sno.co.uk/img/limg/mappic/2010325105433926i.jpg

fannymagee

Fattes,

Once AGAIN, why the attack?!

I never said I had only ever skied Soll- I said I MAINLY ski Soll because that's where I'm based a lot of the time, and I love it!

I PERSONALLY find Interlaaken is incredibly expensive, even for simple everyday things. Dining out on a budget in Interlaaken is not easy, unless you want to do the full-on student/budget thing. You once accused me of being a ski bum- here's your evidence that I'm not :-)

The OP said they are BEGINNERS who have never skied before. Therefore they will NOT have that level of access to the rest of the region- at least not for the first few days (which will be half their trip).

I will continue to post my opinions as I see fit, stop telling me what I do and don't know. You're wrong :-)

fannymagee

Fattes wrote: »

Gatica: Congratulations on recommending 3 of the most expensive resorts in Europe and 3 of the worst places for a beginner to start

Hmmmm...... Quite the change of tune there Fattes :rolleyes:

MadsL

Austria all the way, best value in the Alps.

For a quiet grown up holiday that includes good skiing, and quality hotels within a nice village, plus a million euro Alpentherme world class pool, spa and sauna complex (11 different saunas) I really recommend Bad Hofgastein.

You have some choices in the area though..

Bad Gastein - busiest, more of a town than a ski village. Very hilly, bit of a kerfuffle to get on the slopes, but the free skibus service is good

Bad Hofgastein - very quiet, fundamentally a 'Kur' (cure) town. The Alpentherme is this big attraction and is amazing. Great connections for lifts and the skibus network, 5-10 minute walk from the centre of town to the funicular to the slopes, or skibuses to other resorts. However do not come if you want to party as this part of Gastein is very, very, very quiet in the evenings.

Dorfgastein - pretty, small, fairly quiet ski village. Furtherest from rest of resorts, but ski area is very good and the off-piste here is great fun.


However if you really have the money, nothing is quite like the experience of deep snow American/Canadian skiing...save up if you like your beginner ski experience, you will also have the advantage of English speaking instructors.

MadsL

super_furry wrote: »

Livigno gets my vote. Great spot geared towards beginners with a good nightlife too.

No shortage of Irish there...

#1 resort if your only priority is cheap booze

Fattes

ski the same slopes over & over & still feel bored in the evenings ;-)

Are you going to address your point there is over 300KM of piste on Interlakens door step served by the worlds most modern public transport and best lift system in the Alps. I know 1 or 2 linked areas in Austria that claim to be Austria’s biggest with less piste mileage than that.
The quote you have placed is out of context, Chamonix and the 3 valleys was the target of the original quote. Further down clarified by the 2/3 resorts quote.

jackhua; Apologies I should be a little clearer, not only are they expensive but are badly set up for Beginners especially Chamonix… Gatica 2/3 resorts you listed feature in the most expensive lift passes in Europe, for a beginner that is a big splash for something they are not going to use very often or get the value out of. …..Chamonix there are huts that charge 7e for a hot chocolate.

fannymagee

Interlaaken was the third resort listed (as you know), and in MY opinion it's boring for BEGINNERS.

To be honest Fattes, I'm tired of this constant contradiction and condescension from you. There's no need for it, and it's childish.

From now on, you can consider yourself ignored :-)

Fattes

So you are not going to answer how 300km is a small resort? The second quote from the same thread state 2/3 It is not contradiction you made a statement that is not accurate in fact this thread is about information, when contradicted you accused me of being personal, there was no comment on you or your person but to say a 300km ski area is small when on other threads you extoll the virtues of a resort that is much smaller than that is odd to say the least!

Static M.e.

Mod post

Hi all,

Lets keep this Civil please and focus on the OP.

I'll be watching this thread.

Thank you